Landlord Reference Questions

[Brian Hellenbrand]

Does anyone have a list of questions they ask previous landlords?  I am at that point in the process and want to hear the tips and tricks that have made your screening process successful.

[Mindy Jensen]

@Brian Hellenbrand, I suggest you read everything @Eric D. has ever written about the subject of landlording. He is hardcore, but very effective.

So these are some of the things I have gleaned from his many wonderful posts.

1. Ask them the address of the property they rented to your potential tenant. If the tenant has had a bad experience with the landlord, they may have a friend pose as the landlord. Most of the people pulling this scam don't think ahead to give the address to the friend.

2. Ask if they would re-rent to the potential tenant. If they say anything other than "Yes", take that as a "NO!!!" (Free to apply is code for no.)

3. Take everything the current or most recent landlord says with a grain of salt. They may be wanting to get rid of a bad tenant, and will sing their praises. Ask two or three landlords ago what they really thought of the tenant. Since the tenant isn't in their house currently they may be more forthcoming.

4. Google the potential tenant's name. You might be surprised what you find.

5. Ask if the potential tenant was ever late with the rent. Anything other than "No" is a red flag.

Most importantly, you want to screen like crazy. It is far better to have a unit empty for one month, than to spend several trying to get a bad tenant out. You want people who can give you the rent on time, not give you excuses for why they can't get it to you.