Asking for references on a tenant application is important for a variety of reasons. However, collecting references is a worthless exercise unless you check the applicant out. At the very least contact the current and previous landlords. The most important reference to verify is actually the previous landlord and not the current. Sometimes the current landlord will gloss over the facts in order for the tenant to move out quickly whereby the previous landlord can be completely candid since that tenant no longer resides in an apartment they own. Ask about:
The tenant’s payment habits
Whether they follow rules
Do they respect the property
Living habits and guest that visit
Would they rent to this tenant again?
You will be surprised what you can learn in just one phone call.
Other references include friends and relatives. These references are critical to you so that you know who you can rely on in the event of an emergency or to locate the tenant once they’ve moved out. Be sure to cross check the phone numbers of references to be sure that they are from the same geographic area that the prospective tenant claims to be from.
To obtain a FREE RENTAL APPLICATION email the salem landlord
Great read! I belong to a landlord association so this information really drove home for me. Thanks for keeping us informed. Keep up the great work.
ReplyDeleteFree rental agreements have always been the way to go! Free and easy! Good article about tenants pasts - very important!
ReplyDeleteThank you both for your positive comments and links to further resources.
ReplyDelete