Tenant Screening Question - Former Landlord Did Not Keep A Ledger

[Lucas Hunt]

Hello BP Community - seeking some advice as I am screening tenants for a property of mine in Dallas. On paper, they look like they would be a great fit (credit score is above 600, paystubs verify 3x rent, bank statements check out, their employers/supervisors verify good standing etc). I called the current landlord and my only hiccup is that the current landlord does not keep a ledger. The current landlord said "We do not keep a ledger, but they paid us on time and the same day every month."

Not sure if this is a red flag. I am probably being overcautious after having to evict a tenant this summer.

I have the sense that their current landlord operates as an independent. Could their "word" be just as good as an official copy of a ledger?

[Kevin Sobilo]

@Lucas Hunt, I think its a little much to ask a former landlord to turn over any paperwork to you. I think you should feel lucky that they responded as some just won't bother and that's not something the tenant can control.

I agree with @Jonah Hartsburg with asking for bank statements, cancelled check images, or some other documentation from the applicant themselves if you feel that strongly about it. If the applicant doesn't have an eviction or judgement and the former landlord gives a positive reference I would take that as enough to know they paid.

When contacting a former landlord all I am looking for is a reference and to be able to verify they are actually the former landlord and not a friend pretending to be.