Tenant reference

So I have this tenant that I gave a move notice to. He has been applying at different places. I get a call from a prospective new landlord who wants to verify things about the tenant. My question is this: how honest would you be with the possible new landlord. My tenant is a pain in the butt. He has not paid August rent and does not intend to but if I tell prospective new landlord I ……. Well you get what I am asking?? --72.49.xxx.xxx

Tenant reference (by Robert J [CA]) Posted on: Aug 14, 2025 10:48 PM
Message:

First, you should never give out any information, unless your tenant has give you written permission. It's possible a creditor is calling for collection purposes.

Then you have to filter your tenants history, IN YOUR FAVOR. Do you want them to LEAVE? Or Stay?

Remember you only have to confirm limited information.

Keep in mind, a roommate was leaving. She graduated college and got a good job. Before she shared a 2 bedroom with three other students.

SO when I got a call out of the blue about Sherry's, tenant history, payment, income and possible troublesome issues, I halted the telephone check by another landlord, and turned things around. I said, "None of the tenants gave me permission to release anything, so before I contact them I want to know somethings".

1) what are the tenants pets name?

2) Where are they employed?

3) Who is the closest living relative?

The landlord could only say this person has no dogs, she is a student and her sister lives in the city close by.

In fact this student had a fish named "Wanda". Newly employed at CVS. And her sister lives in the valley, but the other end. So the so called landlord failed.

I then texted my tenant and she wasn't the one leaving, but on of her roommates, ,applying using her good credit. --47.155.xx.xxx

Tenant reference (by Jim [CA]) Posted on: Aug 14, 2025 11:04 PM
Message:

For a wonderful tenant, I have no problem relaying that message. For a pita, I asked for a signed authorization to release information. I make it as difficult as I can for the new landlord to get the information. Usually, they read between the lines. And get the message. On one of my tenants from hell I required that their authorization to release information was notarized. Never heard from again.. --99.23.xxx.x

Tenant reference (by Ray-N-Pa [PA]) Posted on: Aug 15, 2025 7:24 AM
Message:

Half-truths work

"As a tenant, he did have the potential to be outstanding"

Doesn't that sound great.....but read into it a small amount and you will hear what is really going one.

So why do you have to do this - if you were 100% honest, who is going to volunteer take one PITA resident? So I find myself sugar coating things.

"with the exception of burning down the place, paying late and disturbing other residents - they were fine", isn't going to get these folks to disappear. --67.140.xx.xxx

Tenant reference (by Ken [NY]) Posted on: Aug 15, 2025 7:47 AM
Message:

I tell them the truth, my reputation with other landlords is more important than getting rid of one tenant, i would be doing the eviction already so they would be moving anyway --74.77.xx.xx

Tenant reference (by 6x6 [TN]) Posted on: Aug 15, 2025 8:38 AM
Message:

How would you want other LL's to answer you?

Just answer honestly but with basic answers like yes or no. Don't get detailed.

It is a miracle if I even ever receive such a call. --73.19.xxx.xx

Tenant reference (by Gene [OH]) Posted on: Aug 15, 2025 9:03 AM
Message:

I agree with Ken, the truth is important. I do a landlord reference on the current and the previous landlords with most of my trust being in their previous landlord's information.

With the proper authorization, most landlords are willing to share, but the best tool is still the in-home visit although it won't give you all the information you want to know. --75.188.xx.xxx

Tenant reference (by zero [IN]) Posted on: Aug 15, 2025 9:06 AM
Message:

I almost never get a call asking about the tenant. I do have them sign off on me being able to divulge or get any information about them regarding housing, credit, employment, etc.

I always tell the truth. No reason to lie, it just makes it tougher for the landlord that is trying to do his due diligence.

I wouldn't say he was a pain in the butt, but I would say what his pay schedule was like.

One is hearsay and the other is fact.

Have had Rent-A-Centers call more than landlords. Do they live at the address, do they pay on time, would you rent to them again?

All easy enough to answer without hurting yourself.

If you called about the tenant before you took them in would you have wanted a truthful answer or something that just got the tenant away from the other landlord? --107.147.xx.xx

Tenant reference (by DJ [VA]) Posted on: Aug 15, 2025 9:18 AM
Message:

Honesty is the best policy. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

There are enough people trying to make our lives more difficult - we need to help each other out. As Ken, they will be leaving one way or another, anyway.

Any "good" landlord will have on their application permission to get info from others.

It's a good CYA to ask for that to be emailed or even just text a photo to you.

Any landlord with an application without it probably won't check anyway, so asking for that should be easy enough to get. If he keeps looking, he'll find one of these (grin)

--72.218.xx.xxx

Tenant reference (by Tim [CA]) Posted on: Aug 15, 2025 11:40 AM
Message:

I've been there. I asked my tenant what kind of reference he expects from me when he hasn't paid this month's rent. If they have a decent job, I remind them that I can come after their paycheck too, after we go to court.

In another situation, I told them that after eviction, any judgement I get in court will be reported on their credit, and every time they want to buy a car or a house or a microwave on credit, they're going to have to write a letter explaining what happened.

So far, so good.

--98.255.xx.xx

Tenant reference (by zero [IN]) Posted on: Aug 15, 2025 5:16 PM
Message:

The last deadbeat that I took to court just filed BK.

This was the second time she tried. My attorney didn't file all the paperwork the fed court needed so my judgement of over 10k is null and void now.

Seems that only the good tenants care about that kind of thing. --107.147.xx.xx

Tenant reference (by ts [OH]) Posted on: Aug 15, 2025 7:50 PM
Message:

I will not go after him for damages or rent. It would be like throwing good money after bad. He reminded me he is a poor man. UPDATE: the landlord that called me just accepted him as a tenant. Maybe he will do better there. I just want to sell my house and retire from landlording. This site has been really helpful. Thanks to everyone. --72.49.xxx.xxx

Tenant reference (by DJ [VA]) Posted on: Aug 16, 2025 8:15 AM
Message:

In reference to your earlier post, and how it relates to this:

Please DO get a judgement for all the damages - you are going to court to evict, anyway. Even if you don't plan, at this time (you may change your mind), to try to collect it.

It would be VERY helpful to other landlords to see that judgement when they are screening his application to rent from them.

Thank you! --72.218.xx.xxx

Tenant reference (by zero [IN]) Posted on: Aug 16, 2025 8:59 AM
Message:

DJ is absolutely correct. I use the court findings first thing when looking at a prospective tenant.

How else will you know that they left the place with trash and damages?

Also you can turn the case over to either your attorney or a collection service. Sure you might lose a third of the judgement (or more) but you get nothing if you don't try.

Personally I like the idea that they are reminded about how they treated our agreement. I never expect to collect the money so when I do it is all a bonus. --107.147.xx.xx

Tenant reference (by ts [OH]) Posted on: Aug 16, 2025 9:20 AM
Message:

Thanks for the advice. I do NOT need to evict. "They are moving the end of this month as they rented another house.They do owe me rent and I will know about damages whenI do a final walk through. I could file an action for that but like I said I just want to be done. My realtor did a walk through a few weeks ago and there was no damage, but a LOT of stuff . 'When I go thru, I guess I will make a determination then how far I want to go with this. --72.49.xxx.xxx

Tenant reference (by zero [IN]) Posted on: Aug 16, 2025 1:38 PM
Message:

If the tenant owes you any money, either from lost rents or you cleaning up after him, then get on it and start collections.

You didn't start this as a charity, don't end it as such either.

Who knows, you could hang out around here, get signed up for a little training and maybe decide to keep the place.

You can learn a lot from this website alone. Couple that with the materials that they sell and the training and conventions that Jeffrey puts on and you could be right as rain in no time. --107.147.xx.xx

Tenant reference (by Ts [OH]) Posted on: Aug 16, 2025 2:03 PM
Message:

I hear what you were saying zero but this Tenant is so near bankruptcy. It’s not even funny even if I filed on him for damages, etc. he could go file bankruptcy and that would be the end of it. I know him well. I’ve known him for a very long time. The only rent he’s llate on is August. I would just like to know how to make sure he cleans the place up and out when he leaves the end of the month? What can I do to make sure he does that? --72.49.xxx.xxx

Tenant reference (by 6x6 [TN]) Posted on: Aug 16, 2025 2:34 PM
Message:

Make a very clear list of the move-out expectations and explain it clearly and make it to where it incentivizes them to do so. Then give them that list in person and email. You might be surprised of the improvement. --73.19.xxx.xx

Tenant reference (by 6x6 [TN]) Posted on: Aug 16, 2025 2:37 PM
Message:

Communicating your wishes to us is one thing, but communicating them to the tenant in a written detailed, easy to follow list is imperative. --73.19.xxx.xx

Tenant reference (by 6x6 [TN]) Posted on: Aug 16, 2025 2:38 PM
Message:

The tenants can't read your mind. --73.19.xxx.xx

Tenant reference (by zero [IN]) Posted on: Aug 17, 2025 7:42 AM
Message:

If this deadbeat is that close to BK then you aren't going to get him to do anything anyhow.

Threaten him with an eviction and damages if he doesn't do what the right thing is.

Sounds as if you have already given up, which means he wins.

Don't let him smell the fear, or he will continue to do as he pleases.

Also it is not your problem that he is close to filing BK. Make him do it if that is the only choice.

Being friends with a deadbeat will get you nowhere fast and add so much more drama to your life. --107.147.xx.xx

Tenant reference (by ts [OH]) Posted on: Aug 17, 2025 9:10 AM
Message:

I hear you Zero. The "deadbeat" and I are not what you would call friends, we do not run in the same social circle. But I have known him for years.Wish I would have joined this site a long time ago. It is not that I am fearful, but rather dread taking on a houseful of junk that he leaves me and having to store it for 30 days. So I have to hire a couple guys to move it to my garage or rent a storage facility. I know I could sue and charge him for it, but as I said he works for a one man operation who will find a way out of garnishing wages. I thought I would have his security deposit to use against these things,but he is not paying August rent. I appreciate all your advice I really do. I am not a "big time" landlord. I am a single woman who has two rental properties. I could sue him for damages which would scar his record and I know he doesnt want that. --72.49.xxx.xxx

Tenant reference (by zero [IN]) Posted on: Aug 17, 2025 10:21 AM
Message:

I am not big time either. I have learned so much from here.

Does your state make you hold the items for 30 days after the eviction? If not then file on him.

Actually file on him no matter what. If he says he doesn't want to have a scar from damages make sure he leaves no damages.

Don't let this one guy ruin your chances at a career in landlording.

This is a lesson for you.

Look at what you did wrong, learn from it and come up with a system to keep you from doing it again. --107.147.xx.xx

Tenant reference (by ts [OH]) Posted on: Aug 17, 2025 11:29 AM
Message:

Zero, yes OH makes you hold all their possessions unless it is obvious trash like food stuff for 30 days. I am not filing the eviction because he has rented a new place and will be out by 8/31. I am concerned with the mess I am guessing he will leave me. I can file a complaint for back rent and damages once I see what they aer, BUT I will never be able to collect it. So basically it is to file just for a public record of it and of course filing fees for me. I dunno.... It just seems futile. --72.49.xxx.xxx

Tenant reference (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Aug 17, 2025 12:11 PM
Message:

I would rather a spotless home than a check for last rent, I really would.

6x6 is right, a detailed list, room by room, is crucial to getting anything close to what you want.

And throw yourself on his mercy - play the victim card that our tenants all try to play on us - tell him that you simply cannot clean it up and out by yourself - and that IF he leaves the place spotless and ready to occupy by someone else (like a hotel) you will be sure to tell any future landlord that.

It has worked wonders for me many many times. --72.82.xx.xx

Tenant reference (by ts [OH]) Posted on: Aug 17, 2025 12:42 PM
Message:

OH yes, I agree. I can forgive and forget last month rent in exchange for all his stuff gone (and I mean all) and a spotless house. I just sent him a list of my expectations. He will probably call me and I will tell him I will forget back month rent. He has also smoked in my house and I have to use a primer from Sherwin Williams appx. $315. I am wiling to let that go also. He has a lot of stuff; house hs garage, basement, shed and tehy are packed. --72.49.xxx.xxx

Tenant reference (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Aug 17, 2025 1:19 PM
Message:

Stress it ALL has to be gone... --72.82.xx.xx

Tenant reference (by plenty [MO]) Posted on: Aug 17, 2025 2:28 PM
Message:

To tenant: times are tough we want to make sure you receive back your secure deposit. Here is a check list of things to ensure the proper return.

(Google a check list and print it out) Drop off the check list with moving boxes, maybe cleaning supplies, anything you have to help... I'd be surprised if this ends well --172.59.xxx.xx

Tenant reference (by DJ [VA]) Posted on: Aug 17, 2025 3:33 PM
Message:

You HOPE and THINK he will be out at the end of this month.

But it's not over until he's really gone & returns possession to you.

What if he's still there Sept 1st, 2nd, 5th? You are gambling. You lost another month toward making things right.

If he really DOES move, then you can always stop the court proceedings if you want to.

Around here, its less than $100 to take them to court.

Also, you really shouldn't give up so easily - already admitting defeat beforehand. Put that judgement on his record, so he may have some consequences for his behavior. As Zero said, give the judgement to a collection agency - you never know. And you would certainly help the next landlord who checks his record.

I realize this is repeating what has already been said. You go ahead & do what you want, and have already decided. Why did you come here to ask for advice, anyway? --72.218.xx.xxx

Tenant reference (by Ts [OH]) Posted on: Aug 17, 2025 4:49 PM
Message:

I asked for advice to get advice. Then I thought about the many options I have. I worked for a lawyer for many years and I know how hard it is to collect. You don’t need to get snarky with me. --72.49.xxx.xxx

Tenant reference (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Aug 17, 2025 7:42 PM
Message:

I believe its impossible to collect from some people. They don't care about credit or background or any kind of history following them. Especially if they are well into middle age. A young person, maybe in a few years they will realize how it's hurting them. But an older guy who already doesn't care...not worth the angst.

So do what you can to get your house back in some semblance of order and cleanliness - your house is worth more than August's rent, as you said. --72.82.xx.xx

Tenant reference (by Ta [OH]) Posted on: Aug 17, 2025 9:00 PM
Message:

Ty WMH. Sure it bothers me that he appears to be in control but I am under Stress big time. I am taking back two rental houses because I don’t want any more stress I have had one for 14 years and the other for 25. I just want to retire and sell both. I do appreciate everyone’s advice and I carefully think it over. The one rental is fine and paid august rent and I am holding a month security deposit on it. The other is like you can’t get blood out of a turnip so to speak. So I am trying to be nice and maybe he will leave my house in good shape. Again thank you. --72.49.xxx.xxx

Tenant reference (by Ta [OH]) Posted on: Aug 17, 2025 9:00 PM
Message:

Tenant reference (by Tom [ME]) Posted on: Aug 19, 2025 12:07 PM
Message:

"You would be lucky to have this person pay rent to you". --74.75.xxx.xx

Tenant reference (by GKARL [PA]) Posted on: Aug 19, 2025 2:47 PM
Message:

When I seek LL references, I try to make as easy as possible for them to be truthful while not incriminating themselves. After confirming the basics, I always ask if the tenant would be eligible to rent from them again. Last person I asked that said he didn't want to answer that question. That's all I needed to know. He didn't have to provide specifics and I didn't need them to. --23.28.xx.xx

Tenant reference (by Busy [WI]) Posted on: Aug 21, 2025 1:21 PM
Message:

Ta (Oh) , kindly follow WMH’s advice. She is the queen of efficient turnovers.

I definitely get what you are saying about wanting to reduce stress, and about getting out of the biz. Sometimes we (humans) get so focused on our own goals, that we fail to notice that others may be living completely different lives, have completely different needs. Not saying I’m in the same space, I’m not. Just sometimes some landlords, in attempts to be helpful, demand you have their goals as your goals. Kindly forgive their enthusiasm.

You’ve had many good years of landlording. Congratulations! Now you’ll have more energy for some great hobbies, like native plants, or beagles. ( see what I did there? My goals can be your goals, lol!)

Definitely put things in writing, keep it positive. Celebrate with your tenant on both of you moving on to other chapters. No, I don’t mean ACTUALLY celebrate, just a good, positive attitude. If you have time, read some of WMH’s posts about getting fabulous turnovers. She rocks it, even with tenants who were facing challenges.

Enjoy your new chapter in life! --172.59.xx.xx

Tenant reference (by plenty [MO]) Posted on: Aug 21, 2025 1:53 PM
Message:

A resident may be a pain in the butt to me but not to another style of landlording. So if your message should reflect your role. Life happens. We not longer are a match, my style of landlording does not fit any like never with their lifestyle. --172.59.xxx.xxx

Tenant reference (by RB [TN]) Posted on: Aug 24, 2025 5:06 PM
Message:

Honesty is the Best policy or say nothing at all.

A tenants true colors come out when leaving.

5 - Bucks says he leaves with an attitude

and the condition will reflect that. --204.10.xxx.xx

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