When doing rental screening, have you...??

[Chris Harkins]

So I've always called the previous landlords on our tenant's application.. However as of lately I'm seeing a dramatic increase in the number of landlords who are unwilling to just give me a couple quick yes/ no answers and are stonewalling any questions saying something along the lines of "I'm not able to/can't/ not allowed to answer that."

Are you aware of anyone or have you been sued over responding to a reference call or anything along those lines? 

Not asking terribly in-depth questions, but usually 

1. Did they Pay on time and give proper notice?

2. Did they take care of the property/ leave it in good condition?

3. Would you rent to them again?

I understand bigger management companies the person answering the phone may not know about that specific tenant and want you to fax/ email in a request.. But a lot of these lately have been from little Mom & Pop companies with a handful of units, or individual owners.