Screening
Give Your Old Landlord a Heads-Up
Many landlords call past landlords personally, so text yours first so they expect the call. Confirm the number still works and belongs to them, not an office fax line. If you left a place on rough terms, be honest on your application and offer a second reference who can speak to how you rent today.
Why this helps
Most of us skip calls from numbers we don't know. A quick text lets your former landlord expect the call, so your application doesn't sit and wait.
Do this
- Text your former landlord so they expect the call. It's polite, and it means they can pick up when the phone rings.
- Confirm the number still works and belongs to them, not an office fax line. A reference nobody can reach doesn't help you.
- If you left on rough terms, be honest on your application. Being upfront feels better than being caught off guard.
- Offer a second reference who can speak to how you rent today. That gives a landlord a fuller picture of you.
Next step
Grab your phone and send your old landlord a friendly note today. A short hello and a heads up is all it takes!