Applicant asking for past tenant references

[Constantia Petrou]

Hello,

I have just had a first in trying to rent my property. I received an application from tenants who have lived in apartments in big cities for over a decade and are now applying to move into our single family home in a more quiet coastal community. Financially they qualify  but references seem to imply they will be demanding tenants.  I am getting very cold feet. They are now asking that since I am calling references for them, they too want to talk to our past tenants to see how it would be living in our house. From what I gathered from references they like things to be on their terms. An applicant asking to talk to our past tenants is a first and indicates that they cannot take the fact that the landlord sets the rules. The market in the Bay Area has changed- it is softening and becoming a tenant market. Nevertheless I don't want to get involved with people who do not respect my process. Any thoughts, feedback would be greatly appreciated!