Would you rent to a former landlord?

Question

I've had a few showings with people who claim to have been landlords. I guess in this economy it's not that unusual. However, since I've been a landlord I've seen firsthand how tenants can manipulate the system and become a nightmare. I don't think the general public realizes that tenants have more rights than landlords, but former landlords understand this! I just had one apply who told me all the things I was doing wrong. Rejected!

Have you ever rented to a former landlord?

John Chapman · Answer

I don't think being a landlord really means that much.  It's not like a certification of  knowledge of local laws or anything, and I would hazard to guess that many (if not most) landlords are ignorant of the vast majority of the laws.

The profession I would absolutely not rent to would be lawyers.  I deal with them all day and there is no profession that knows how to make your life a living hell like the law profession.  Frankly, I'm amazed that there is anyone who rents to lawyers as it would be an absolutely infuriating experience.  (I would not, for example, rent to someone like myself, and it's actually a fear of mine that I would have a difficult time renting if I ever sold my house.)

The only other type of profession I've heard to avoid is police officers.  Nothing against them, I've just heard you can run into the same issue as with lawyers.  (Again, no experience and I don't want to get yelled at for police bashing)

Bill Gulley · Answer

LOL John. If you turned a lawyer down you're still had!

Two to watch out for, cops and preachers, one can cause you to be put in hell, the puts you through it if you try to collect. :)

Al Williamson · Answer

Amy A.

I'm planning to sell my home and rent. I want to slash my overhead and grow my family vacations.

Yep, I'm planning to give my future landlord hell. They won't be able to get away with anything.

If you run an up and up business, you don't have a thing to worry about.

Matt Devincenzo · Answer

As an out of state LL that rents locally, I'd say sure why not. I think it's less of an issue of would you rent to a LL or not and more what kind of personality does this LL have. My LL here in CA is a local one "investment property" owner. They don't always do things the absolute best way for protecting themselves IMO, but she'll never have an issue with me and that would be true no matter who I rented from.

She also knows I own property and as such I understand the pain of turnover expenses which is why she will get my unit back with a fresh coat of touchup paint if needed and the carpets cleaned on my way out the door. So there could be benefits to renting to a LL or former LL depending on their individual personality.

Amy A. · Answer

Just to clarify - I take care of my properties and run a tight ship.  The issue is that it's so easy for a tenant to cost me thousands in damage and unpaid rent and there's very little I can do to collect it later.  Even when starting an eviction quickly it can cost far more than the deposit to get somebody out, especially if they know all the delay tactics.

The former landlord applicant was obnoxious - which is not a protected class!  She also had a poor reference, although he wouldn't give me details for legal reasons, which proves my point.

Wade Sikkink · Answer

Interesting....

The guy I bought a building from still lives in one of the apartments while he is finishing building a house.  I'm very comfortable with it since he will be completely "by the book."  I do what I'm suppose to and he'll pay the rent like clockwork.  That's what I like.

I also inherited a tenant that is a lawyer.  To @John Chapman 's point, he's a pain.  Right away he pointed out that he's a trial attorney and he knows the Uniform Landlords and Tenants Act inside and out.  Must not be a very successful lawyer if he's renting a $400/mo apartment for his family of 5.  As near as I can tell, he doesn't work because he's always there.  He is also supposedly building a house, but I can find no record of him owning a lot and his builder tells me he's in some sort of legal dispute with the seller of a lot.  Why do so many of these guys feel like they have to make a legal case out of everything they do?  I'm just crossing my fingers that he's actually out of there by the summer.

CeCe BROWN · Answer

I would rent to a former landlord for sure without being threaten of their industry knowledge.  Asking the right questions of their renting intentions and goals would concern me most, i.e. how long they plan on renting, what happened to put them back into the renters market, do they plan on investing or purchasing again in the future.  All these questions could open opportunities for servicing them multiple times, if your property portfolio calls for it.

Personally, I would be concern with discerning the motives of those who have never owned property before and requiring several references on not only their rental history, but also how they keep of the property.  Some people might look good on paper as a professional renter, but can more often than not turn out to be a nightmare that abuses your lovely property.... simply because they've never owned anything.

In closing, I just prefer dealing with knowledgeable people verse those who are ignorant.  As an investor and former licensed realtor, its a joy to work with educated and/or knowledgeable people.  It tends to give an opportunity for all parties involved to learn from one another.

Rob K. · Answer

I have a former landlord for a tenant now with no problems. My state is landlord friendly and most issues are pretty black and white. If I were in a tenant friendly area, I would probably pass.

Bill Gulley · Answer

I've leased to prior LLs, both very good, I didn't view it as a danger at all. Not professional type LLs, but they had leased homes before. Such is rather common, they get divorced, life changes, they come to town for a new job and would rather lease than buy initially.

Guess it depends on how and what that other LL was` saying, like complaining or trying to help, whatever.

Good luck in your selection. ;)

Aly W. · Answer

I had an applicant who said her father managed rental properties for years - NEXT!