What questions should I ask references for new tenants?
MoveCloseDeleteAdmin

TV ClubHouse: archives: What questions should I ask references for new tenants?

Skootz

Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 05:55 am EditMoveDeleteIP
We are renting out a house we have and have some applications filled out. I need to call the references but what questions should I be asking them. They are person references.

Any help would be grateful

Thanks

Jagger

Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 07:38 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Good question Skootz, are these personal references or are you checking with previous landlords. Personal references usally are the most difficult because if they are listed as a reference they have probably talked to them and they will tell you what you want to hear and not always the truth.


I've had numerous renters in my home, and all their references have always been how nice of a person they are, how quickly they pay their bills, etc etc, I have found out differently on several of my past roommates.

Kaili

Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 08:08 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I see you're from canada so I'm trying to find sites that refer to your laws... some are just suggestions though.

Landlord, Tenant, Rental Housing Law U.S. & the world

List of suggestions for tenant screening

REFERENCES FROM LANDLORDS
– HOW TO VERIFY THEM


Hopefully some of this might help you. The one right above may be the best.

Crossfire

Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 08:22 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Of a previous landlord, I'd ask if they would be willing to have them back.

My guess is that Kaili has the big scoop on this one though.

Jagger

Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 08:40 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Just a reminder that most previous landlords won't say anything bad about past tenants, they are afraid they may get sued.

Good luck, it does sound like Kaili has some great links for you to check out.

Kaili

Thursday, October 02, 2003 - 08:49 am EditMoveDeleteIP
One site did say to take the personal references- it said that obviously no one will give references that say you would be a bad tenant, but it's good to cross check them for addresses so if the person were to take off, you would have contact information for them.

Good luck.

Skootz

Friday, October 03, 2003 - 02:49 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Thanks for all the help - the websites were very helpful in getting information to add to my application/lease forms.

We always like to interview the prior landlord because the current one may want the tenant out and the prior will be more reliable source.

Thanks again

Tishala

Saturday, October 04, 2003 - 01:41 am EditMoveDeleteIP
My landlord says he always asks whether he would rent to that person again. He says it's unfailingly accurate.

Twinkie

Saturday, October 04, 2003 - 03:30 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Skootz, get current landlord and previous landlord and personal references (with phone numbers). You can also do a police check. Just go to the local district station and take the filled out application with you. Also when you call the current and previous landlords ask for the reason why the tenant is moving or did move. If it sounds like a lame excuse it probably is. Remember the current landlord is anxious to get them out if they are bad tenants. I've had ex-landlords and personal references lie to me many times. You have to learn to weed them out.

Edited to add: It doesn't much matter what questions you ask personal references, they are going to tell you what you want to hear. But you could ask if the tenant keeps a neat and clean house. Do they have a lot of friends who would be dropping by a lot? Are they fairly quiet?

Djgirl

Monday, October 06, 2003 - 07:29 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Skootz - Email me, I'm a Property Manager and do this every day! I'm in Toronto, so I do know the TPA in Ontario.

Twinkie

Monday, October 06, 2003 - 07:41 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Djgirl, would you be willing to come to Buffalo to manage our rental properties?? We can't find anyone competent in this city.

Djgirl

Monday, October 06, 2003 - 09:56 am EditMoveDeleteIP
HAHAHAHA! Thanks Twinkie, but I'm quite happy in T.O.!

Twinkie

Monday, October 06, 2003 - 10:03 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I don't blame you, Dj. I love Toronto!

Admin

Tuesday, October 21, 2003 - 07:47 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I'm a landlord too, I own a building with 3 rental units. I don't do a lengthy process, but I definitely require a previous landlord to talk to and a work reference, to verify they are gainfully employed and make enough to support the price of their rent. With this combination I haven't had a bad tenant in 12 years. But then again, I haven't advertised my apartments in a few years either, they are usually rented through word of mouth from the previous tenants.

It's a lousy game you play with tenants, but the overall value of the relationship is worth it in the end, for me anyways. It's not for everyone though.