Send letter to former tenant's new landlord?

[Beth L.]

Hi All,

I just had an inherited tenant move out (at my request, since it needs remodeled). Their new landlord had called me for a reference one month before they actually moved out. At the time I didn't know much about them since we had just purchased the property.

After they moved out, we discovered that there was a severe infestation of bed bugs and cockroaches and the carpets were soaked through with dog urine, among other things. As a result we were left to foot the bill for $2300 of pest control and we have to seal all of the subfloors to block the dog urine odor.

I feel that it is only fair to revise my reference for these tenants with their new landlord, and to let them know to inspect for bugs, since they are most likely taking up residence there now. I would want someone to do that for me. Does anyone know if there are some legal consequences to doing so, or if there is any reason why I should not?

Thanks for your input!

[Bryan N.]

@Beth L. 

I don't know about legal consequences, but do the right thing and revise in my opinion.  Paying the info forward will hopefully pay it back to you one day.  

[Marcia Maynard]

Tell the tenant's new landlord just what you told us. Landlords helping landlords is a good thing. Integrity is important. With the new information, the other landlord can better cover her/his risk.

[Beth L.]

@Bryan N. thanks! I figured since they contacted me before that it would be OK, but I haven't had any experience with this before.

[Rick H.]

"This letter amends and revises our previous reference for tenant X and should be considered supplemental information"

[Stephen E.]

I would tell the landlord, just state the facts, no opinions, so the landlord is able to come to their own view. if the letter is factual and you can prove it there does not seem to be much come back. What they did to your unit is not good and there should be some forewarning for the new landlord so that they can take some steps to mitigate loss.

I have in the past nearly been burned by current landlords covering for bad tenants so that they get them off their hands. Beware the current landlord trying to get rid of a bad tenant. 

[Thomas Weir]

You're right Beth,  as an landlord owner I would like to know that information on a potential tenant as well.

[Franklin Romine]

I wouldn't put much more thought into it.  A simple phone call would be good enough.

[Matthew Paul]

I too would do the phone call , nothing in writing . It could come back to haunt you