Calling Previous Landlord

[Alexander Ransom]

When screening tenants, what questions do you ask previous landlords if you call them? Could there be any legalities regarding the conversation?

[Brendon Woirhaye]

Our application has a statement the applicant signs giving us permission to speak with employers, landlords, etc. regarding pertinent details.

We avoid leading questions.  "Was the tenant a good tenant?" or "They paid on time, right?" are out.

We'll ask questions about the property, to make sure the tenant isn't just giving us a buddy's phone # to pose as the landlord.  We'll independently source the phone # if its listed as a property management company.

We will ask what the tenant currently pays in rent.

How long the tenant has resided there.

Have there been any complaints against the tenant, their relatives, or guests.

What violations of the lease or rental agreement has the tenant done?

What notices has the tenant been served?

How many times has the tenant paid late?

Based on your experience, would you rent to this tenant again in the future?

Was any legal action taken against the tenant?

What percentage of their security deposit was returned?

.. and some others of that ilk.  We don't get firm answers on all questions usually.