When screening tenants, property managers consider many factors, sometimes including (believe it or not) the state of your car when you come to view a rental. It may seem minor, but your vehicle can be telling. Why? Because a messy car raises concerns about how you’ll maintain an apartment. That could mean the difference between securing the lease or losing it to someone else.
Red Flag but Not Disqualified
Real talk: having a messy car doesn’t automatically mean someone will be a bad tenant. But from experience, there’s often a correlation between how someone treats their vehicle and how they maintain their living space.
A filthy car overflowing with trash, food containers, or personal belongings may indicate a similar approach to housekeeping inside an apartment:
- Disorganized, Trash-Filled Car – This may indicate poor housekeeping habits.
- Strong Odors or Visible Stains – This could suggest neglect in other areas of life.
- Lack of Attention to Detail – If an applicant can’t keep a small space clean, maintaining an entire apartment might be a challenge.
Listen, no one on the Marblestone team will toss your car or ask to see what’s in the trunk. You also don’t need worry about having your ride detailed before you arrive either. You probably wouldn’t even notice them noticing what’s in your backseat.
But remember that this is a two-way interview: Is the rental a good fit for you, and are you a good tenant fit for the rental?
Why It Matters
As a property management company, our job is to provide safe, well-maintained homes for all our residents. Our owners trust us to place tenants who will respect their investments and take care of the property while they live there. We also have a duty to our Southside Chicago community members, who naturally prefer their neighbors to keep their spaces clean, safe, and well-maintained.
Green Flag Moves
So, how can you improve your chances when applying for a rental?
- First Impressions Matter – When touring a property, present yourself in a way that reflects your responsibility and cleanliness.
- Showcase Responsibility – A tidy car and clean appearance yourself suggest you take care of your home as well. Southside Chicago property managers and property owners like that.
- Image Ain’t Everything – Having all the necessary paperwork and a solid rental history demonstrates preparedness beyond appearances. When you have your shit together, it shows in many ways.
More from Marblestone Property Group
Renters deserve the same respect! Does your property manager GO-MPG? Learn more about Marblestone’s approach to providing the best possible experience for our tenants. Find your perfect rental home with us.