Rental Arbitrage - providing references to owners

[Cheryl Vargas]

Hello all

I have heard that when looking to do a rental arbitrage, the owner will want to get a reference to verify me as a tenant, and that I should give them my current landlord's name as a reference.  Originally, I thought this would be a great idea because I have had all positive experiences with my current landlord and have lived here 15 years. 

But then I started thinking- what if he thinks that I am intending to leave when another landlord calls him for a reference?

What if he wants to raise my rent or kick me out, when he realizes that I am running a rental business?

I will definitely talk to him first before giving his name as a reference.  I was thinking of telling him that I am co-signing for my sister, but I'm not sure if this will backfire on me

What do you all think?

Thanks!