update edit change landlord criteria in zillow

Lussy04

3 min read

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22-01-2025

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Landlords who use Zillow to find tenants need to know how to manage their listing information, especially the criteria section. This article will guide you through updating, editing, and changing your landlord criteria on Zillow. Accurate and up-to-date criteria ensures you attract the right applicants.

Understanding Zillow's Landlord Tools

Zillow provides tools for landlords to post rental listings and manage applications. A crucial part of this process is setting and adjusting your tenant screening criteria. This allows you to specify preferences for income, credit score, pet policies, and more.

Accessing Your Zillow Landlord Account

Before you can update your criteria, you need access to your Zillow account. If you've already listed properties, log in using your credentials. If you haven't yet listed, you'll need to create a landlord account. This usually involves providing basic information and verifying your identity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Updating Landlord Criteria

Zillow's interface may vary slightly over time, but the general process remains consistent. These steps are generally applicable:

1. Log in to Zillow: Begin by logging into your Zillow landlord account.

2. Navigate to Your Listings: Find the specific property listing you wish to modify. This might be listed under a "Properties" or "My Listings" tab.

3. Edit Listing Details: Once you've selected your listing, locate the area where you can edit the property details. This often involves a button or link labeled "Edit Listing," "Manage Listing," or something similar.

4. Locate Tenant Screening Criteria: Look for a section dedicated to tenant screening or renter qualifications. This might be within the general listing details or in a separate tab. You should see fields to input your requirements.

5. Update Your Criteria: This is where you’ll make changes. Common criteria include:

   • Minimum Credit Score: Adjust this to reflect your preferred minimum credit score for applicants.
   • Income Requirements: Specify the minimum monthly income you require from prospective tenants. You might also specify a minimum income-to-rent ratio.
   • Pet Policy: Clarify your pet policy (e.g., no pets allowed, pets allowed with fees, breed restrictions).
   • Rental History: Indicate how much rental history you require from prospective tenants (e.g., 12 months, 24 months).
   • Background Check Requirements: Specify whether you require background checks, and what aspects of the background check are important to you.
   • Occupancy Limits: Define the maximum number of occupants allowed in the rental unit.

6. Save Your Changes: After making all necessary adjustments, be sure to save your changes. Zillow should provide a "Save," "Update," or "Submit" button.

Important Considerations When Updating Criteria

• Fair Housing Laws: Ensure your criteria comply with all applicable fair housing laws. Discriminatory practices based on race, religion, national origin, familial status, disability, etc. are illegal.
• Accuracy: Maintain accurate and up-to-date information. Inconsistent or inaccurate criteria can lead to complications.
• Clarity: Be clear and concise in your criteria. Ambiguous language can cause confusion and disputes. Use specific numbers and details.
• Review Regularly: Periodically review and update your criteria to reflect changes in your preferences or market conditions.

What to Do if You Encounter Problems

If you have difficulty updating your criteria, consult Zillow's help section or contact their customer support. They can provide assistance with troubleshooting technical issues or clarifying policy questions. You might also consider seeking assistance from a property management professional.

Finding the Right Tenants Through Effective Criteria

Setting clear and fair criteria is a key step in finding responsible and suitable tenants for your rental property. By regularly updating your Zillow listing with accurate information, you can streamline the screening process and ensure a positive experience for both you and your future tenants. Remember to always comply with all applicable laws and regulations.