New Tenant Screening Issues

[Cassi Justiz]

I'm sure in other markets people are more careful about releasing info, but it's typically been pretty easy for me to get at least SOME info on tenants from their previous landlords. I typically like to have at least some sort of landlord reference to make sure the tenants have not trashed their previous homes, had major complaints, etc.  

I had a couple apply for a rental that had rental history before moving in together. So they had 4 previous landlords between the two of them. Only ONE property manager was willing to provide ANY information to me, even with a signed form from each tenant authorizing the release information to us.

-One company just "doesn't do" rental verifications on previous tenants.

-Second company told us that the tenant must request the verification directly from them in writing and then they will release a standard letter directly to the tenant with the dates of tenancy and rent amount. They do not provide any additional information or release info to anyone other than the tenant.

-Third company *current PM group* will not verify any info on current tenants. They will only do rental verifications after the move out inspections are completed. Limited to rental dates and amounts.

-Fourth company - Small apartment complex in rural Oklahoma. Actually gave me information.

Are you guys running into these same issues? (Or have you been experiencing these issues already). And if so, how are you tweaking your screening processes if you can't get any information from previous landlords/property managers?