Apartment policy not to provide rental history

[Gregory Schwartz]

We are in the process of screening a tenant which of course includes verifying rental history. We ask simply questions, like were they late, did they have lease violations, outstanding debt and would you lease to the tenant again. But we were told Graystar management has a policy that they don't disclose any rental history even with a signed release of info by the tenants?! This same PM company requires tenants to provide verifiable rental history?!?

I've been in PM for the last 5 years... has this always been a thing with Greystar? And if so, this sounds like the most hypocritical practice, we require but don't provide rental verification. 

[Chris Seveney]

Quote from @Gregory Schwartz:

@Chris Seveney really, you think it's ok if all the apartment complexes stopped sharing rental history? 

Would you approve applicants without a verified rental history? 
Doesn't this hurt the tenants trying to move to a better location or larger home for their family? 

I have to deny this family who is otherwise likely very qualified. My unit sits vacant longer and this poor family will struggle to find a good place to live. We all know the type of landlords that dont screen tenants, they're horrible and usually dont take care of their properties. So what kind of living conditions will this family end up in? 

I really hope it's not a policy that becomes widespread.  

 Would I approve them without a verified tenant history - nope. Does it hurt them, it could but they also could provide a bank statement showing their payment every month. You can also pull credit report, see if they are being sued etc. There are other avenues to review but I agree past rental history is important (disclosure I have 15+ doors right now)

If you feel bad for them then rent to them.

My point is its corporate america and you are blaming the wrong person - you are blaming the corporation but you should be blaming the politicians who create an environment that is tenant friendly and sue happy. 

It is the same reason why for the past 15 years we were always advised to never provide a work recommendation to a former colleague whether they left on good terms or bad terms. The response was always "its company policy not to provide feedback or recommendations and just confirm they worked here from X to Y"