Landlords be like "yes you can take a look. oh and also, we'll have an interview and take your pic" yeah, no thanks

@HannibalMontanimal 1. They took it really seriously, like a job application.
2. Supposedly, that's normal in America. Can't say if it is but I wouldn't be surprised

@zonavar68 It was like a job application. A bunch of people in front of one room waiting with a person that's moderating (not an agency person but is doing that work, the one we got in touch with and so) while the landlords are interviewing potential tenants in a different room, taking a picture of each and asking about lifestyle and so. We didn't like the apartment anyway so we left before the interview but the "moderator" gave us a confused look like "what? you're giving up?".

@Melpomene Wow that's insane and wacky. Here in NSW Australia you usually have to view a rental to be able to apply, but in South Australia you have to apply, get checked out by the owner, then you're allowed to view. Rental rules in different jurisdictions are just so crazy. I've rented in different places pretty much the whole of the last 14 years except for a few when I lived with my now ex.

@zonavar68 Here in Serbia, depending on the landlord, you ask to see the apartment and while you're looking you sit down and talk with them - e.g. they ask you about where you're from, why are you coming here, are you planning to rent on the long run...while you ask them how much are the bills, can you make an unofficial contract and so.
I haven't worked with agencies but it looks like they do the same thing.

@Wiseacre No, landlords here, we heard it was a custom in America like so and that people show up with recommendations from previous landlords, bank account info and whatnot

@Melpomene sounds sensible

@zonavar68 *confused young look* what's a credit score?
Yeah, I guess it's ok to ask for finances and if you can afford it long term but that just seems too intrusive.

@JaggedLittlePill We think so too. They were talking actually about it there, like how people in America have to show up with recommendations from previous landlords, records about their paycheck and whatnot to prove they are good enough (like, what kind of tenants they are, can they afford the apartment etc.)
I can't say whether it's a thing or not but it just sounds ridiculous. We did have talks with different people but this really looked like an interview