Providing tenants with references?

Question

Does anyone offer to provide references of current or past tenants to prospective tenants? I treat my tenants well and some of them would give me a great reference. Looking for anything that may give me an edge over my competition. Anything to watch out for in doing this?

Greg B. · Answer

Treating my rentals as a business, I actually have a customer that has posted a reference for me on my Yahoo business page.  Also I have linked to it on my own business website.  It didn't cost me anything and I figure it might be the edge to get the best resident in my rentals.

Steve Babiak · Answer

I have two references with me: a Certificate of Occupancy and my rental license (marked as paid for the year).  Of course, the code enforcement official who has sent renters to me probably put in a good word too ...

If I had to, I could let them speak with one of my tenants too.

But this has never arisen,

Jon Klaus · Answer

My prospective tenants have never asked me for references.  If they did, and were well qualified, I'd give references.

It's amazing to me that some tenants have terrible experiences with landlords and don't think to check out their new landlord and property manager.  It's your home, do your due diligence!

Ann Bellamy · Answer

I find tenants that have any sense at all are impressed by the condition and cleanliness of the units, and my professional conduct.  They know the difference between a landlord who pays attention to detail and takes care of business, and one who doesnt.    The ones who are scared off are the ones who are looking for someone to scam, and I'm fine with that.

Advertising that you require references and credit checks gets rid of most of the poor prospects.

Robert Creed · Answer

I agree as well.  To me, the property, terms, application screening process, and marketing will do all the talking that is necessary to find you great tenants.

Michael Seeker · Answer

I agree, no need to supply references.  How is the tenant going to know that it isn't your crazy uncle or your sister-in-law that you've sent their way to give you a glowing review?

I think the best thing to do is let the property speak for itself and always be polite and cordial when showing the property or fielding calls/emails on it.

Stanley Crawford · Answer

I would not offer. References are something the tenant needs to provide bot the landlord.  The property is your reference.