When deciding on a new tenant for your rental property, calling their previous landlord(s) for a reference check is a very important part of the screening process. A landlord reference check can help you find out if they will pay their rent on time, will keep the property in good condition, of if will they cause problems for you or their neighbours.
When checking rental references, here are several questions you can ask to help you get more information on prospective tenants.
Previous Landlord References
- When did they rent from you?
- How long did this person live in the rental?
- Did they pay the rent on time?
- Did they have any pets?
- Were there any complaints from other tenants?
- Was there any damage besides normal wear and tear?
- Was the tenant respectful to you and the property?
- Did the tenant give you proper notice to end the tenancy?
- Would you rent to this tenant again?
In some situations, a tenant may not be able to provide a landlord reference. In this case, you should at least have an employer reference.
- When did the employee start?
- What is their position?
- Are they full time or part time?
- What is their current wage? (Check against the application and pay stubs)
When meeting with potential tenants, use the Rental Application provided in our Rental Forms section which includes a signed release from the applicant.
