Fake Landlord Reference

[Ken Musial]

Just has applicants that seemed like a good fit on the surface.  No public eviction records, decent income, etc.  However, something seemed fishy on the landlord reference.  She was a woman who was on both of their Facebook friends list, she wasn't a realtor or a property manager, and she didn't show as the owner of the residence.  Of course I called but got no answer or return phone call.  So, I decided to call the real owner. I tracked him down at the gas station he apparently owns and asked if he knew the tenants. He of course did and had no idea they were looking to move at all, much less within 5 days.  He wasn't willing to divulge anything positive or negative but the question is, could I get in trouble for disclosing this information to the real landlord about his tenants since it wasn't technically disclosed to me.  Anyone ever run into this?

Ken

[Account Closed]

Originally posted by @Ken Musial:

Just has applicants that seemed like a good fit on the surface.  No public eviction records, decent income, etc.  However, something seemed fishy on the landlord reference.  She was a woman who was on both of their Facebook friends list, she wasn't a realtor or a property manager, and she didn't show as the owner of the residence.  Of course I called but got no answer or return phone call.  So, I decided to call the real owner. I tracked him down at the gas station he apparently owns and asked if he knew the tenants. He of course did and had no idea they were looking to move at all, much less within 5 days.  He wasn't willing to divulge anything positive or negative but the question is, could I get in trouble for disclosing this information to the real landlord about his tenants since it wasn't technically disclosed to me.  Anyone ever run into this?

Ken

Had fake landlord references!  Fake paychecks, all sorts of weirdness.. The solution to your worry about liability is to get a signed release as part of your app that holds everyone harmless and lets you ask around.

congrats on doing good due dilligence! Seems like a small hassle but i bet you saved yourself a big issue if youd accepted them.