When calling potential tentants previous Landlords (screening process)

[Tom King]

Anyone who would like to share the basics of their questions to previous landlords when screening potential tenants? I'm curious what most experienced landlords that do this regularly, have come to find are the best ways to present these questions. I've already got a few previous landlords who want a signed release note stating the tenant will allow information to be given about them etc. Not sure what anyone else has run into. Also what do some of you do in cases where ex landlords will not release any information about the tenant?

I am under the impression that not many landlords go this far with their screening so I can only imagine the reactions by some ex landlords must be of the shocked nature that someone is actually calling them to ask about the tenant.

Please share your experiences?