"Are pets allowed?" "Is there parking?" If you work in lettings, these two questions probably arrive on nearly every listing you publish. They are simple, factual and important to tenants, because a family with a dog or a commuter with a car will not view a property that does not suit them.
These are common tenant questions with easy answers, and they should never sit in an inbox for a day.
Why these questions matter to tenants
For tenants with pets, the pet policy decides whether a property is even an option. For tenants with cars, parking can matter as much as the rent. Both groups filter out properties quickly, so a clear answer saves everyone time. The rest of the application questions tenants ask are covered in rental application questions answered before viewing.
Script 1: pets allowed
Tenant: Can I have a dog here? Answer: Yes, the landlord accepts pets at this property. There's a slightly higher deposit for tenants with pets, shown on the listing. Would you like to request a viewing?
Script 2: pets considered
Tenant: Is a cat OK? Answer: The landlord considers pets on a case-by-case basis. Cats are often accepted, sometimes with a higher deposit. If you share a little about your cat, the team can check with the landlord before you view.
Script 3: no pets
Tenant: Are pets allowed? Answer: Unfortunately this landlord doesn't accept pets. The team can register you for pet-friendly properties in the same area. Would you like that?
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Script 4: allocated parking
Tenant: Is there parking? Answer: Yes, the flat comes with one allocated space in the secure car park behind the building, included in the rent.
Script 5: on-street or permit parking
Tenant: Where would I park? Answer: Parking is on-street with a residents' permit, available from the council for an annual fee. The listing includes a link to the council's permit page.
Script 6: electric vehicle charging
Tenant: Can I charge an electric car there? Answer: The allocated space doesn't currently have a charging point. You'd need the landlord's permission to install one, and the team can ask on your behalf if you're interested in the property.
EV charging questions are becoming more common, and a clear answer, even a "no," saves a wasted viewing.
Keeping answers consistent
Tenants notice when two staff give different answers. Publishing the pet and parking policy on every listing, and answering from it, keeps everyone consistent. SpideyChat for real estate answers these from your listings at any hour, the same way every time.
Service area and location questions
Parking questions often come with location questions: how far to the station, are there shops nearby, is the area quiet? Similar questions appear across service businesses, as covered in answering service area questions.
The time these questions take
Individually, each takes a minute. Across dozens of listings and hundreds of enquiries, they add up to hours a week. The cost of repeat questions is worked through in the cost of answering the same how-to question daily. The basics of availability questions are in is it still available and other questions to automate.
A quick check
Look at your current rental listings. Does every one state the pet policy and parking arrangements clearly? Fix any that do not. Then try an assistant on your website and ask it both questions for a few properties, or read about lead capture.