When you’re searching for a place to live, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is your social media accounts. Between touring apartments, checking out different neighborhoods and filling out applications, you’re probably tired enough from managing your search. But you might want to take a closer look at your Twitter or Facebook accounts next time you submit a rental application. Many communities comb through those feeds, and you might put yourself at risk of being rejected because of social media posts. But by following a few tips, you can up your odds of landing your dream apartment.
Red Flags Community Managers Look For
“Some property managers will use social media accounts as a way to screen renters, just like they would with a criminal background check,” says Mary Gwyn, CPM, the owner of North Carolina property management company Apartment Dynamics. Although Gwyn’s company doesn’t screen using social media accounts, she knows others that do.
You’ll want to avoid posting anything related to being broke or criminal activity, as those obviously aren’t good signs. And just because you think it’s cool to post photos of your social life, your property manager probably won’t.
Gwyn’s examples include: “That awesome party you had that rocked the house? The dartboard you painted on the sheetrock of the dining room wall? The cute litter of puppies you had on your carpet and all your friends ‘liked?’”
Additional red flags include:
1. Your friends’ graphically violent pictures or their sexually provocative posts
2. Scary drug-related posts
3. Over-the-top radical and potentially violent postings
4. Videos of your not-permitted aggressive or oversized pets, or too many pets
5. Likelihood of extra people living in the apartment
6. Posts suggesting hoarding or unsanitary living conditions
Use common sense when it comes to combing through your photos. You shouldn’t apply for apartments that aren’t pet-friendly and post pictures of your pets.
Google Yourself
Be proactive in your approach and Google yourself. If you spot something that might raise a red flag for a property manager, consider getting rid of it, says Jessica Bowman, director of lasting impressions at Apartment Dynamics.
Moderate Your Tagged Photos
“If you are tagged in tons of party photos by your friends, you might be seen as a party animal,” says Bowman. “Most communities don’t seek out party animals.”
Make Your Accounts Private… Temporarily
While you’re searching for a place to live, you can just set your accounts to private during the hunt. Once you’ve been accepted and have moved in, you could always make them public again.
Be Sensible
“Think before you post,” says Gwyn. “Future employers, potential soul mates, family members and more may see what you post.”
For more on how social media can affect you as a renter, check out this post from ForRent.com.