How to get the most out of Habita as a Scout
Habita Scouts tour rentals for renters who cannot be there, and the work goes well when the report is specific, honest, and on time. This guide covers what a strong report includes, how renter ratings work, and what keeps you in line for tour requests. You set the days and times you can visit.
What does a good Scout report include?
A good report answers the renter's own questions first, then covers the standard checklist with photos, video, and a note on every item. It says what you observed, what you did to check it, and what you could not verify. The renter should be able to picture the place without having seen it.
| Report field | What goes in it |
|---|---|
| Checklist item note | What you saw, or why you could not verify it. Every item needs a note unless you observed no issues. |
| What you observed | What you saw and heard during the tour. |
| Red flags | Only things you can see or verify. |
| Summary for the renter | What matters most for their decision, in "I observed" and "I could not verify" language. |
| Your take (optional) | Your impression as a local, about the property. |
Renters can also ask for extra items on top of the standard checklist. Answer those in the checklist item tied to the question. For the bigger picture of the role, read what an apartment scout is, and see what renters are told to send you in how to get the most out of your Habita Scout.
How should a Scout take photos and video?
Charge your phone past 80 percent, clean the lens, and shoot each room at 0.5x so the whole room fits in frame, then zoom in on details. Tap the part of the frame that matters before you shoot. A tour runs 30 to 60 minutes with the camera open, and a dead phone means a second visit.
| Area | Video length |
|---|---|
| Approach, building entry, and the walk to the unit | 30 to 45 seconds |
| Living area | 45 to 60 seconds |
| Kitchen | 45 to 60 seconds |
| Each bedroom | 45 to 60 seconds each |
| Each bathroom | 30 to 45 seconds each |
| Shared amenities, parking, and outdoor space | 30 to 60 seconds |
| The surrounding area, when the renter booked an Area Check | 30 to 60 seconds |
Keep people and personal items out of the frame. That means no faces, including the leasing agent's and neighbors', and no children. Leave out mail, documents, name badges, and license plates, and check mirrors and windows for your own reflection. If anyone asks you not to record, stop and note it in the report so the renter knows why a section is missing.
How do you write notes renters can use?
Write as if the renter is standing next to you asking "and then what?" Say what you did, what you saw, and what you could not check. A note that only names a thing, like "Mold." or "Fine.", gives the renter nothing to decide with.
| Bare minimum | What the renter needs |
|---|---|
| Water pressure fine. | I ran the kitchen tap and both bathroom taps. Pressure was strong at all three and hot water arrived in about 20 seconds. I did not run the shower and a tap together, so I cannot say how it holds up. |
| Mold. | Dark staining about the size of a dinner plate on the bathroom ceiling above the shower. It felt dry when I touched it. I cannot tell whether it is active mold or old water damage that was never repainted. |
| N/A | The laundry room was locked and no code was posted. The agent was not on site, so I could not see it or check whether the machines take coins or cards. |
How do ratings work for Scouts?
After a renter confirms they received your report, they can rate you from 1 to 5 stars and leave a comment. They can edit it later. You can see the rating you receive, and renters can see it too. Renters rate the whole experience, so your messages count alongside the report.
- Say hello when you accept, and share when you plan to arrive.
- Reply to renter messages within 24 hours while the tour is open. Overnight hours do not count toward that.
- Answer each question the renter asked, in the checklist item tied to it.
- Tell the renter early if something changes, such as a locked door or a rescheduled visit.
- Submit a report that matches what you told them during the visit.
Messaging closes for new messages when you submit your report, so send any last questions to the renter first.
How do Scouts get more tour requests?
Reply to each request within 8 business hours, which run 8 AM to 6 PM Pacific, Monday to Friday. After that, the request moves to another Scout so the renter's report is not held up. Habita cannot promise how many requests any Scout gets, but a complete profile and current availability help.
- Finish safety training. You can read requests before then and decline them, but you cannot accept until it is done.
- Add a profile photo. A renter is about to hear from someone they have never met.
- Keep your service areas and visit times current. Availability covers visits only, and requests still need a reply within 8 business hours.
- Fill in what you pay attention to on a tour. Renters say what they want their Scout to look for, and your answer helps match you with those renters.
- If you cannot take a request, decline it so it can move to another Scout.
Why do people scout for Habita?
Scouts tell us they like the flexibility: you choose the days and times you can visit, and you work in the part of LA you already know. They also like helping people who are moving to the city, because what a local knows about parking, noise, and what is a short walk away is exactly what a listing leaves out.
To see how the work fits your schedule, read what an apartment scout does and the Become a Scout page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I message the renter after I submit the report?
No. When you submit the report, the thread becomes read-only for both of you. Send any last questions before you submit.
What if I cannot get into the unit or a room?
Say so in the report, with the reason, and tell the renter in the thread as soon as you know. A clear "could not verify" note is useful to the renter. A vague or missing one is not.
Can I choose when I work?
You set the days and times you can visit, and your service areas, on your availability page. Availability covers visits only, so tour requests still need a reply within 8 business hours.
Can I tell a renter whether to take the place?
No. Report what you observed. Your take is the place for your impression of the property as a local, and the decision stays with the renter.
How do I apply to be a Scout?
Apply on the Become a Scout page. Applications are reviewed, and safety training is required before you can accept tours.