 Prior tenant (by Hoosier [IN]) Sep 23, 2022 10:24 PM
 Prior tenant (by DJ [VA]) Sep 23, 2022 11:06 PM
Prior tenant (by Steve [FL]) Sep 24, 2022 9:07 AM
Prior tenant (by mapleaf18 [NY]) Sep 24, 2022 11:04 AM
Prior tenant (by Hoosier [IN]) Sep 24, 2022 11:07 AM
Prior tenant (by Gene [OH]) Sep 24, 2022 2:21 PM
Prior tenant (by zero [IN]) Sep 24, 2022 6:36 PM
Prior tenant (by Hoosier [IN]) Sep 24, 2022 6:50 PM
Prior tenant (by 6x6 [TN]) Sep 24, 2022 8:18 PM
Prior tenant (by Shark [MI]) Sep 24, 2022 9:58 PM
Prior tenant (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Sep 24, 2022 11:33 PM
Prior tenant (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Sep 24, 2022 11:35 PM
Prior tenant (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Sep 24, 2022 11:35 PM
Prior tenant (by Hoosier [IN]) Sep 25, 2022 12:01 AM
Prior tenant (by zero [IN]) Sep 25, 2022 4:17 PM
Prior tenant (by Phil [OR]) Oct 1, 2022 5:01 AM
Prior tenant (by Hoosier [IN]) Posted on: Sep 23, 2022 10:24 PM
Message:
Had a tenant move out a month ago on bad terms...left the place a mess. Long story short, his girlfriend was the breadwinner and he never worked a day the 2 years they lived there. He is a "musician" and used the garage as his "studio" to try to "make it big". The relationship soured a couple months ago, she moved out a month before him. He accused me of going in the house twice without notice (I was NOT in the house) and threatened to call the "authorities". He said we were terrible landlords, violated his rights, said I was a "pu$$y" for not speaking to him on the phone (I told him that due to his attitude and the safety of our employees, all future communications must be in writing), said if I tried to "put a lien on his life he'd sue me" etc etc...too much drama to list it all.
Anyway, he moved out and the damages were $1,400 versus their deposit of $800. I sent SD letter requesting payment recently...we shall see where that goes...let's skip past that.
Today I get a call from XXX landlording, asking if he was a prior tenant of ours, I said yes. They started asking me questions about whether he paid rent on time etc. I stopped the guy and said "We would be glad to respond to your request for information if you send an email to our company...we will verify who you are and respond appropriately." He said "Oh, you must have had issues"...started laughing...and said "I don't think I need anything further, thank you."
When he first called, I was thinking he may be a "tester" of sorts put up to it by the prior tenant to see what we would say about him...and I was not going to let that happen. But after hearing his other comments...I think he really is a new LL that my prior tenant is applying to.
I've not received any email from the guy...so I think he's been "deep sixed" and I didn't really have to even say anything.
--99.92.xxx.xxx |
Prior tenant (by DJ [VA]) Posted on: Sep 23, 2022 11:06 PM
Message:
Interesting.
When I call a prior landlord for a reference, I always offer to send them the signed permission I have as part of the application.
When they ask me for that before I offer, I never assume that means they had issues. I just think that I have reached a professional landlord.
In fact, I have received good reports after sending the requested authorization. --68.229.xxx.xxx |
Prior tenant (by Steve [FL]) Posted on: Sep 24, 2022 9:07 AM
Message:
Whatever a previous landlord says about an applicant I take with a grain of salt. The "worst" tenant I ever had, had originally submitted a fantastic letter of recommendation from her then current landlord and in addition, when I spoke to the landlord, she raved about what wonderful tenants they were. Fast forward 5 years later, and I had to evict her and she left $5k worth of damages. Case closed! --99.106.xx.xx |
Prior tenant (by mapleaf18 [NY]) Posted on: Sep 24, 2022 11:04 AM
Message:
I never take a reference from a current LL. The applicant has to have a rental reference that is in the rear view mirror so as to get an honest opinion and not just trying to be ridding themselves of said current tenant.
I've heard youtube videos saying that "most LLs would NEVER lie about a current tenant." I have my doubts especially in this day and age of eviction moratoriums and the like. --72.231.xxx.xx |
Prior tenant (by Hoosier [IN]) Posted on: Sep 24, 2022 11:07 AM
Message:
mapleleaf...I agree with what you say...but what if the CURRENT landlord gives some NEGATIVE feedback or provides facts that can be proven with photos? Then would it help you? I think so, which is why I DO take references from current landlords, but I'm cautious about positive feedback due to exactly what you say. --99.92.xxx.xxx |
Prior tenant (by Gene [OH]) Posted on: Sep 24, 2022 2:21 PM
Message:
mapleaf18 [NY], I used to rely on the current landlord's feedback on the current prospective tenant. However, the best review I received from a current landlord resulted in the worst tenant ever. That landlord just wanted to get rid of the current tenant and afterwards I understood why. However, I will never lie to another landlord to get rid of a tenant.
Now I don't trust a good review from a current landlord, but I will trust a good review from a previous landlord. Also, the in-home visit will help show the type of tenant they are currently. --99.165.xx.xxx |
Prior tenant (by zero [IN]) Posted on: Sep 24, 2022 6:36 PM
Message:
Hoosier [IN],
Can we get into trouble in this state for simply telling the truth about a tenant?
Such as the rent was late on occasion, the house was left with a lot of trash in it, or other things that are easily proven. --107.147.xx.xxx |
Prior tenant (by Hoosier [IN]) Posted on: Sep 24, 2022 6:50 PM
Message:
No, but here are my guidelines…
1) be sure the new LL has permission from the applicant to get reference
2) Deal only in facts you can prove
As to #2 …
Ok to say “tenant paid late 3 times in 12 months”
Not ok to say “guy always paid late and was a real a-hole”
My rule: Don’t say anything that you’d be in trouble for or embarrassed about if it showed up on the front page of your local newspaper --99.92.xxx.xxx |
Prior tenant (by 6x6 [TN]) Posted on: Sep 24, 2022 8:18 PM
Message:
If these are new LL's, it sounds as if they have caught on to a few things. --73.113.xxx.xxx |
Prior tenant (by Shark [MI]) Posted on: Sep 24, 2022 9:58 PM
Message:
Once the tenant moves out you're no longer the current landlord. You have no motivation to sugar coat the truth.
But make sure any company that asks you for information provides you with a signed release of information form from your former tenant. --68.37.xx.xx |
Prior tenant (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Sep 24, 2022 11:33 PM
Message:
Believe it or not even landlords LIE! Recently a good LL friend who joins our weekly lunch meeting, lied and gave a good reference then filed for eviction the next day.
Hoosier,
If the woman is still on the lease list her in the billing. Ex-spouses sometimes pay to keep THEIR name off public record.
BRAD --73.103.xxx.xxx |
Prior tenant (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Sep 24, 2022 11:35 PM
Message:
PS
We are having good success by working a payment plan with the former res and avoiding court.
BRAD --73.103.xxx.xxx |
Prior tenant (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Sep 24, 2022 11:35 PM
Message:
PS
We are having good success by working a payment plan with the former res and avoiding court.
BRAD --73.103.xxx.xxx |
Prior tenant (by Hoosier [IN]) Posted on: Sep 25, 2022 12:01 AM
Message:
Yes Brad, she is on the billing…and I’ve offered some incentives to pay it all quickly…discount. I gave them 3 weeks before I file in court, so we shall see. --99.92.xxx.xxx |
Prior tenant (by zero [IN]) Posted on: Sep 25, 2022 4:17 PM
Message:
Hoosier,
Good advice. I don't embarrass easily and I wouldn't lie so getting in trouble that way would not be an option.
Did have an ex tenant that claimed they didn't trash the place. They told this to the collection agency I sent after them. I just told the agency to remind the deadbeats that I had pictures. They set up a payment plan and actually paid it all off. --107.147.xx.xxx |
Prior tenant (by Phil [OR]) Posted on: Oct 1, 2022 5:01 AM
Message:
Our policy is to only give written reference--after we have a copy of the "ok to release information" signed by the applicant.
Reason: Can not be sued for giving out bad or misinformation, releasing credit information etc.
On a very rare occasion, with a tenant that was outstanding- I will volunteer that " I would rent to them again" over the phone.
A bad tenant--must have release and be in writing. --76.138.xxx.xxx |
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