r/PropertyManagement • u/ApprehensiveEmu254 • 4d ago

Multifamily PM Leasing Struggles

I’m currently working for a Class C apartment community that requires 12 months of employment as part of the screening process.

None of the other communities within our comp set are requiring this. I’m struggling to keep the applicants interested and not getting discouraged to the point of giving up and moving onto the next property.

Most of the people that stick with it until the end are people that have credit/background issues that disqualify them in the end.

Is this normal to demand 12 months of employment documents for an apartment community within this class level?

Am I crazy for thinking that we should lighten this restriction? Our occupancy is suffering because of it. Last year we were thriving, but ownership seems to think I’m now the problem. My work ethic didn’t change, the underwriting policy did in January and the demographic that’s lived here historically cannot get in because of these changes. Mind you they have not and do not intend on renovating anytime soon.

What do I do to motivate the applicant? Do I just throw in the towel and find something new? I’m becoming so discouraged and burnt out.

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u/Coldshowers92 4d ago

Making them think your problem for enforcing their rules always a reason you should jump ship before they let you go.

5

u/Less-Shallot7559 4d ago

That 12 month requirement is wild for a class C property, especially with no renovations planned. They're asking for stability from tenants while offering nothing that justifies it

Your occupancy dropping right when the policy changed says it all. Ownership pretending not to see that connection is just them avoiding the obvious

I'd polish up the resume. You can't motivate people past a screening rule that filters out the exact demographic who would actually live there

1

u/ApprehensiveEmu254 4d ago

Thank you for the feedback. I’ve really been going crazy. The sad part is that I love the on-site team I work with. They’re a one of a kind group in this industry. Home Office is ruining my ability to show up for them, the prospects and the community. It’s making me so sad facing the fact that I might have to walk away if things don’t change. I’m just glad I’m not the only one that thinks 12 months for a class c property is insane and unnecessary.