How to respond when a past problem tenant is used as a personal reference

Question

What would you do if a potential tenant used one of your past problem tenants as one of their personal references on your rental application? would that prevent you from renting to them?

Bryan O. · Answer

I would avoid them. It's like dating your ex's sister. Well, now that I think about it, I'd probably date my ex's sister.   ;)

I digress. "You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with"-Jim Rohn. They might be great, but there's at least a 20% chance that they are not.

John Casmon · Answer

Depends on the "problem" the previous tenant presented. If it's partying or causing havoc to the unit and neighbors than I would not rent to the new tenant. If we're talking about someone who struggled to pay rent, I would consider it as that's based on individual financial circumstances.  Would certainly consider other references and standard screening protocols in the decision.

Christopher Brainard · Answer

Bird of a feather, flock together.

I would not consider renting to them.

-Christopher

Steve Combs · Answer

Don't consider them. If you do, the prior tenant will let them know what they did and how you responded. It would be like renting to the prior tenant all over again.

Barbara G. · Answer

Yes

Kelly N. · Answer

Hi Chris,

I wouldn't rent to them.  I turned down a prospective tenant after they mentioned they had been in the apartment before when it was being rented by a problem tenant.  No reason to invite drama in!

Kelly

Tony Christian · Answer

Pass

They're friends.  that means your former problem tenant will most likely visit your new tenant.  I'm sure you don't want to see a former trouble maker on your property again.   Problem tenants usually have nothing better to do than to cause problems.  It's their second job.  And just as @Christopher Brainard said, you're judged (screened) by the company you keep.

How to respond when a past problem tenant is used as a personal reference

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