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I thought this was a search engine... but more specifically, I need to interview a landlord as a reference, and I want to know if there are ways of ferreting out a fake reference.
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Not quite sure what it is you're asking. I was a landlord for about fifteen years and I know that the process of filtering out potential bad tenants is crucial. Good tenants are gold and you should strive to keep them happy.
Regarding references; I always ask for three. I ignore the most recent reference from the tenant's previous landlord because the chances are good that he will lie to me about the quality of the tenant because he wants to get rid of them; so he's not likely to want to place any impediment in their finding a new landlord to bedevil.
Call their other two previous landlords and you're more likely to get the real story on what kind of tenant they will be.
If you're not already doing it, always have a written lease properly made out and signed by all parties. Make sure the tenant gets a copy, also duly signed.
Emphasize to the prospective tenant that you expect the rent to be paid in full and on time every month. If it isn't, I usually allow a short grace period of two weeks for the tenant to make up the shortfall. (Although I don't tell them that until a default occurs). Also, document the dates of any rental default because you'll need this if and when you decide to begin eviction proceedings. Three defaults and I start the eviction process. Don't procrastinate because all through this process you'll be hemorrhaging money.
Once you have vacant possession, change the locks on the same day. Preferably within ten minutes after they're out the door.
I heard of one landlord who had a heck of a time getting rid of a non paying tenant (couldn't turf them out during the winter in his locale) and when he finally did get them out, they went to their new apartment and the landlord wouldn't let them take possession, so they came back to their old apartment and moved right back in.
Talk about frustration!
I hope this has been of some help to you.
What else can I help you with?
What questions can a prospective landlord ask an applicant concerning previous landlords?
A prospective landlord can ask an applicant if they gave notice to their previous landlord and if they were asked to leave. They are able to inquire about past payment history as well as condition of rental when they left.
Landlord reference letter?
A landlord reference letter is a letter of reference to be signed by previous landlord and give to a tenant who's relocating somewhere else. Examples of this can be found on the internet.
What questions do you as the landlord ask of a previous landlord?
Did the tenants pay their rent on time? Were there any disturbances? Was there any damage when the tenants left? How long did they live there? Why did they leave? Occasionally, we see landlords who got positive answers from the former landlord, then found out that the person they were talking to wasn't actually the former landlord, but just the tenant's friend, posing as a landlord. You could search the registry of deeds to determine if the person you are talking to is really the landlord. Also, sometimes, a landlord will give a positive reference just to get rid of the tenants. There are companies that will run a tenant's history for $35 - $50. That's probably a wise investment.
Is it true a potential landlord is only allowed to ask the current landlord of a potential new tenant whether or not rent was paid on time?
No, they could ask all kinds of questions. The only questions that might be prohibited would be about race, ethnicity, religion, family status, or sexual orientation.
In California what can a previous or current landlord disclose with a potential landlord when contacted as a reference?
I am no lawyer but... I expect the answer is: anything that is relevant to your application to rent at the new place. So, for example, they can ask if you were noisy or did drugs, etc. They should not ask your religion or national origin, etc.
Can landlord evict for confronting about forecloser?
No. You have the right to ask questions about this matter as every tenant who faces the uncertainty of his landlord being under foreclosure. But remember: as long as the landlord has control of the property he can still collect rent from you and evict you if you don't pay it.
Can a landlord refuse to give a reference?
Of course they can.
What questions can a prospective employer legally ask a former employer for a reference check in Virginia?
The only questions that are truly legal are if the employee worked their and what their position was. They can also ask if they are eligible for rehire.
What kind of questions should I ask a landlord when I am considering renting their home?
If they have a lease agreement, if they allow pets, if there is a deposit required and is there a credit check?
What can be asked when a potential employer checks reference?
Answer A potental employer can ask any questions they deem fit
Can a landlord provide a negative reference for a tenant?
Yes, a landlord can provide a negative reference for a tenant based on their experience with the tenant's behavior, payment history, or other relevant factors.
What questions can you legally ask trade references?
A Trade reference is a reference that educates you to evaluate the risk of dealing with your customer. The questions that you can legally ask a trade reference are about the authenticity of the customer and about his financial position.
