Can I get previous landlord reference for a military applicant?

Question

Eugene Kemp · Answer

It may be their policy....just ask them if they'd rent to them again. That isn't disclosing any information and is really all you want to know anyway.

Thomas S. · Answer

Landlords have the right to disclose pertinent information related directly to a tenant or previous tenants actions and behaviours as a tenant. As long as the information is truthful there are no violations of a individuals rights. Not surprisingly the courts expect landlords to thoroughly screen applicants and in the event a applicant turns out to be a bad tenant it is the landlords responsibility.

Continue grilling the landlord with specific questions and if they refuse to provide answers inform them that you will make the assumption they were a bad tenant and you will not accept their application. If in fact they were a good tenant that may prompt the landlord to open up.

In most cases present landlords are a useless reference and you really need to reach a previous landlord as well.

Roy N. · Answer

@Huiping Sheng

Here in Canada, we have tighter privacy legislation than most places in the U.S.A..  Consequently, as part of our application, we have applicants sign both landlord and employer reference consents which we can present to current / past landlords or employers authorizing them to discuss the applicants tenancy or employment with them.

Our consent forms also identity the information we will seek, so the applicant is fully informed.

Can I get previous landlord reference for a military applicant?

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