Contacting previous landlords-proper forms

[Peter M.]

I am currently going through several applications for a unit I have available and was hoping to get some advice on what you ask prior landlords and PM companies when screening a potential tenant.

The main problem is that most of the applicants come from large apartment complexes that require me to fax over a form with a copy of the release the applicant signed, proving they can give me the information I need. Private landlords will usually talk to me over the phone but they are few and far between.

I am in the process of creating this form and was wondering if any of you could give me some tips. Or if you were feeling particularly generous to show me the form you/your company use. Thanks

Peter

[Stephen White]

Peter Moser we do these verifications everyday and I can tell you exactly what is required. A simple signature from the applicant authorizing the release of information. Thats it! 99% of rental applications contain some sort of language that will be acceptable. Even the FCRA (the rules that govern the verification and screening process) don't specify specific language that must be used.

So here is exactly what works for us 100% of the time:

I/we,the undersigned, authorize (Landlords name) and its agents to obtain an investigative consumer credit report including but not limited to credit history, OFAC search, landlord/tenant court record search, criminal record search and registered sex offender search. I
authorize the release of information from previous or current landlords, employers, and bank representatives. This investigation is for resident screening purposes only, and is strictly confidential.

If you want even faster responses include a pre-made questionnaire for them to fill out and fax/email back. The questions we include a YES/NO next to are

Is the tenant a current resident and on the lease?
Has the tenant or unit received noise or neighbor complaints?
Has the rent always been paid on time?
Was the unit in poor condition when/if the tenant has moved out? (good housekeeping concerns)
Has the tenant ever been evicted?
How long has the tenant resided there?
Would you rent to this tenant again?

They circle YES/NO and we provide a few spaces for them to add notes if they want to elaborate.

Some landlords choose to have the signature/authorization page of their applications separated so that when you fax for verification you only have to include the one page and maybe the questionnaire if you;re; using that. Hope this helps.