Tenant Wants Reference... Should/Can I give one?

Question

Should, and can, I give a current, reasonably bad tenant a rental reference?

Tenant has caused damage, been profane, regularly paid within late grace period, etc.

Should I tell tenant I don't give references, or do I have to give a reference, and do I tell their prospective landlord anything other than asked of me (tenant damaged, etc.)?

Steve Babiak · Answer

First, sounds like you're assuming that all references must be GOOD - that is not the case.  So tell the tenant that you will serve as a future reference.

Now, when you are contacted by a landlord down the road, you should require a form signed by the tenant that authorizes that landlord to be given information by you.  Without signed written authorization, you say nothing.  With signed written authorization, you reply to questions that are asked of you; avoid "volunteering" information that is not requested.  And stick to facts, and avoid opinions (as Ryan mentions above).  You should always be able to back up any facts with something documented in your tenant records.  If you are counting on your memory to serve you, you might have some issues.

Ryan Pyle · Answer

I always give tenant references. They are always truthful and fact-based. I give no opinions.

I do it for a couple reasons. The first is that I would want the same courtesy from a landlord who I called for a reference. I'm usually excited when I get a tenancy reference call because so few landlords actually check at all.

Secondly, I want to reward good tenants and show bad tenants that their actions have consequences. Too many dirtbags skate by because people are afraid to call them out. This is my way of calling them out.

Ben Kevan · Answer

I suggest you be honest, but within you legal obligations of your non-disclosure.

I personally would disclose the lease length, the fact that he's always had payments, and that there is a little evidence of damage beyond wear and tear.

Dale Osborn · Answer

Even with "good tenants" a reference can sometimse be a "bad" thing. The problem I have run into numerous times is you provide a great reference so they can get a new car or truck. Once they have the new car or truck - it is their new pride and joy. They no longer have the rent payment for you so you end up having to go to court and evicting what was an excellent tenant out of your building.

Jon K. · Answer

I'm not keeping this tenant for myself either. The tenant's lease will soon expire, and I have given notice that I will not renew. Perhaps I should have evicted early on, but.. live and learn.

So are you suggesting I provide a positive reference, or simply state tenant occupied property from X-X, ignoring all other questions?

George P. · Answer

Wow, you don't want the other landlord to get your nightmare tenant so you keep him for yourself.....

Jon K. · Answer

- Tenant is still living in my property

- Is a signed tenant disclosure form a must? Surely tenant wouldn't voluntarily use me as a reference, knowing they have caused damage, etc.

- I would only give factual responses to questions asked of me. Is there risk in me doing so? One one hand, I want to aid this other landlord... on the other hand, I don't want any liability for stating factual negatives (property damage, etc.).

George P. · Answer

is the tenant still leaving in your property?

Greg B. · Answer

All I would say to the new land lord is if I would rent to the tenant again or not.

Tenant Wants Reference... Should/Can I give one?

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