Posted by River City on January 10, 2005 at 07:11:51:
If you are thinking about being negative, do not say anything you cannot “prove,” or you might find yourself in court defending yourself. Most landlords just state the time period the tenant was in the property and the amount of rent they paid. One other thing you might state is whether or not you would rent to them again. But, be prepared to back up your comments if they are negative.
Landlording and the truth - Posted by Stuart
Posted by Stuart on January 08, 2005 at 21:13:14:
Hi
I hope this doesn’t sound too silly.
I have a tenant that has been just ok; some good and some bad.
Recently I learned that the tenant is planning on moving.
If another landlord were to call me about the tenant, what (legally) am I allowed to say about the tenant? Can I (or must I!) tell the truth about my opion of the tenant?
Or…
As a landlord taking on a new perspective tenant; what questions may I ask (or not ask) about the perspective tenant from their present landlord, or from their personel references?
Thanks, Stuart
Re: Landlording and the truth - Posted by Tom-FL
Posted by Tom-FL on January 10, 2005 at 19:10:02:
It’s probably not much to worry about. Problem tenants don’t list their real landlord’s name and phone. The give the info of a friend, cousin or lover, and instruct the person to “play along”.
Oh and as the potential landlord calling, don’t put much faith in the name or phone number they gave you. Have them bring a utility bill of some kind from their current or last address. Then plug the address into the property appraiser’s or tax collector’s web site. Then call the party who comes back listed as owner. Look it up independently or drop by. By the way, if this is the same person listed on the rental app, you’ve hit the lottery, LOL. If not, ask the owner about the discrepancy. There’s a possibility that the owner has shielded himself from the tenants by using a manager.
Another thing, if you do get their real current landlord and they are trouble, do you think he would botch their chances of moving out by giving a less than perfect review?
Of course not. That’s why you need to talk to the second and/or third landlord back.
You might want to look at a professional “tenant check” type outfit. They know all the tricks and the ways around them. They also are up on all the latest rules and laws so they don’t shoot themselves in the foot (as you might).