Screening
Call the Landlord Before the Current One
A current landlord may give a glowing reference just to speed a move-out, while the previous landlord has no reason to shade the truth. Confirm each reference actually owns or manages the property. Ask every reference the same questions, including the most telling one: would you rent to them again?
Why this helps
A current landlord may be eager to see you go, so a glowing review can be a little too glowing. The landlord before that has no reason to shade the truth. Asking everyone the same questions keeps the picture fair.
Do this
- Call the landlord from before the current one. They have no reason to stretch the truth.
- Confirm each reference actually owns or manages the property. A friendly voice doesn't help much if they aren't the landlord.
- Ask every reference the same questions. Then you can compare the answers fairly.
- Ask whether they would rent to this person again. It's a simple question, and it says a lot.
Next step
Jot your questions down once and keep the list handy. Next time, you're just reading from your notes!