What type pf references request from prospect tenants ?

Question

Hi !When asking for references from a prospect tenant, what is it the prospect tenant should provide in terms of information ?- Previous landlord information ?

- Character references ?

Thanks for sharing your knowledge

Kevin Sobilo · Answer

@Yanick Anagho, I ask for previous landlord information, but I don't put much weight into what a current/previous landlord might say.

1. Many landlords are as shady as some tenants! Sad, but true. So, its hard to know what to believe from what they say.

2. People give false references and you need to vet the reference to make sure you're talking to the real landlord.

3. People have their own agenda/interests. A current landlord may want this tenant out and be willing to give a good reference to suit their own interests.

I trust documentation over references from people. Things like income documentation, background checks, credit reports, etc mean a lot more to me.

Sandy G. · Answer

Hello.  I ask for previous landlord info but I personally have never called a previous landlord for all of the reasons @Kevin Sobilo mentioned.  You could be calling their friend or relative.  I once hear someone say they call the "previous landlord" and instead of asking for a tenant reference, they say they are inquiring as to their apartment for rent.  If they say what apartment? you know they gave a false reference.  Seems like too much trouble so I have not bothered trying this out.

We generally use TurboTenant to run background, credit and eviction reports.  I also check the court records (civil, criminal & traffic) myself, just in case something was missed.

We also ask for 2 months worth of most recent paystubs & bank statements in order to qualify tenants.

Monthly income must equal 3 times the rent.

Best of luck to you!

Hussain Harun · Answer

I am a big fan of calling previous and current landlords. The only reason not to do it is if you're lazy or trying to save time. They have been extremely helpful for me, I think it all depends on what questions you ask. I definitely put more weight into the previous than current landlord. As far as fake references, you can tell in about 10 secs if you're talking to a legit landlord or not. Again, it all depends on the questions your asking. Make sure they are open ended objective questions.

It's just another data point to add to credit score, background check, income, etc etc

I can share the question I ask if you want.

Sonia Provost · Answer

I agree with all above- get verifiable, objective information. Previous landlords and personal references not reliable most of the time for the information you are looking for. Would absolutely verify employment and do credit and background checks, including public records. Will give a better full picture.

Adam Bartomeo · Answer

We have them provide the previous 2 landlords and contact info from their place of employment. Character references are a waste of time because their friends and family will say that they are great people no matter what.

What type pf references request from prospect tenants ?

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