What Is Your Policy On Giving Tenant References

Question

Just read a thread where a landlord gave a good reference. After doing so, the tenant went "bad". I am considering not giving ANY references but this may not be fair to a good tenant. What if you have a bad tenant and you give a poor reference? What if they cannot find a place to move because of your negative reference? What are your policies and/or suggestions? I have one I will not be renewing because he has caused prior problems. Thanks BP community.

Fred Dray · Answer

I would be honest with a reference, but don't give too much information.

The questions I usually ask/answer are:  Did tenant give proper notice when leaving? Did they pay on time?  Did you have complaints about the tenant?  Would you rent to them again?

When answering questions if one really didn't like a tenant and goes to far in explaining issues...like she constantly had different men over, it was noisy and who knows what was going on in that unit...even if true...that could paint the tenant in a negative way (slutty) and come back to haunt someone if the tenant found out and wanted to sue.  It would be better to answer "We had complaints about noise."

If the "would you rent to them again" question is answered honestly, then that tells me all I need to know.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

I have approximately 80 - 100 tenants move out in a given year. I receive Landlord requests for departing tenants fewer than 20 times a year. The majority of Landlords or Property Managers do not check references, which is an absolute shame.

Keep it objective and honest. Don't blow things out of proportion just to get even with a bad tenant. At the same time, avoid exaggerating how good a tenant was or glossing over their issues. Stick to the facts.

I ask the following questions for a Landlord reference:

1. Are you a friend or relative of the tenant?

2. Was the tenant on a lease? Did they rent alone or with someone else?

3. How long did they rent from you?

4. Did they pay rent on time? If not, how many times were they late and how late were they?

5. (If the tenant still resides there) Have you inspected the home during their tenancy? If so, what condition was it in?

6. (If the tenant has moved out) Did the tenant fulfill their lease obligation and give proper notice? Were there any charges for cleaning/repairs after the tenant vacated?

7. Would you rent to them again?

You may have other questions to ask. For example, I am a little more specific for tenants with pets. If the tenant is responsible for landscaping, I always ask how they did with that.

If a tenant does not have a Landlord reference for the past six months or more, I require a double deposit and good/excellent credit.

Jeff B. · Answer

Me too :grin:  I live by the Golden Rule, but what goes around, comes around too.  Like some others above, It's rare I get a call.  When the tenant was always in the background w/o issues, I feel free to say so and then others just get 'No Comment' - - and if the caller can't read between the lines, they will learn soon enough.

When I call for info, I ask only one question "Would you rent to them again in the future" and that tells me all I need to know.

There are businesses and landlords that flat refuse to give references for good reasons, but IMO, that's because staff frequently is less than 'politically correct' in their comments.

SO WHY SO NON-COMMITTAL? it's called slander and saying too much can come back to bite you with rapacious teeth :sigh:

John Thedford · Answer

If they ask the questions "would you rent to them again" do you wait until after the tenant has vacated to answer that question?

Ray Neelon · Answer

I will only give a full reference after move out and the property has been inspected. Prior to a move out, if i get a call for a reference, I can only honestly answer questions regarding rent payment and property condition the last time I inspected the property. I will let the caller know if we have noted any issues at the time of our past inspections. I always let the caller know that I can not comment on how the property will be left or if last months rent will be paid as I do not know at that time. I have found this to be helpful to future landlords when reviewing applications.

Sarah Ziehr · Answer

Tenant references are kind of a joke. If they are bad, the Landlord may give a good reference just to get them out of there.

John Thedford · Answer

I have given a good reference to the "would you rent to them again" and answered yes. In the current situation, the answer would be no, but I definitely want them gone and don't want to impede their move out.

James R. · Answer

@John Thedford  I try to contact the current landlord AND at least one previous landlord.  If a prospective tenant tries to create a barrier to keep me from getting in contact with these people, i.e. wrong phone number, etc. etc.  I move on to the next applicant.

Talking to current and previous landlords has always been worth my time!

If a tenant of mine has been bad, I try to avoid 'trashing him/her' to a prospective landlord by simply pausing after being asked a question.  This queues the prospective landlord to "read between the lines" without me having to say much.  A less than enthusiastic response can speak volumes.  This is after I have verified that they are indeed a REAL landlord and not a friend of the tenant calling to see what I will say about him/her.

I think most landlords don't call other landlords, because they cannot be trusted.  It's too bad, because this is one of the best ways to screen tenants.  Past behavior is indicative of future behavior.

I don't think you should worry about your tenant finding another place.  You have given them notice, so follow your process.  Honesty is the best policy!

Max T. · Answer

Always give a reference when called - and be honest. Imagine if it was you doing the checking!

Stephen S. · Answer

My policy is that I do not like people lying to me about important matters.  And I pay-that-forward by not lying to my peers.  If a tenant behaved in a particular way - I tell anyone who asks me exactly what and how they did.

I have been jammed by present-landlord lies - likely to expedite them dumping their poorly performing tenant onto my plate.  When that has happened  (rarely)  I make it a point to stop by their house or office and ask them in person why they apparently deliberately deceived me for their own gains.

I always favor sportsmanlike conduct / conduct becoming a gentleman.  Now if it comes down to it - I am fully willing to drop any thought of Queensbury Rules - but you will have to make the first move.  If I am called for a reference - I will always tell it the way it is/was.

stephen

----------------

What Is Your Policy On Giving Tenant References

Most Popular Reply