The Best Questions to Ask Your Tenant's Previous Landlords

A good Property Manager/Landlord will always check references as part of screening an applying tenant. By asking a few important questions, you can find out concerns regarding the tenant and even potentially avoiding a troublesome one. It’s vital you ask the right sort of questions to avoid any discrimination claims or violations of privacy rights.

Did they pay the rent in full and on time?

A landlord can gauge a tenant’s responsibility through this question. If the tenant regularly missed rent, you may reconsider them to avoid the hassle of late payments and breach notices.

Did they take care of the rental property?

Did the tenant go beyond normal wear and tear? Knowing their history of property damage can help you adjust your expectations when it will come to maintenance.

Do they communicate well?

A considerate tenant should find the time to answer back calls, emails, messages, and any notices a Property Manager/Landlord leaves behind.

How was their behavior towards neighbors and other tenants?

It’s best to be specific when it comes to this question. Were they disruptive? Were there frequent noise complaints? If the tenant has a pet, were there any complaints about the pet?

Would you rent to this tenant again?

The previous landlord’s answer will give you a much clearer picture of what to expect. If they are hesitant or give a firm “no,” you might want to think over the applicant.

While it’s important to check a potential tenant’s references, you must not rely too heavily on the word of their previous landlord. A thorough screening should also involve questioning other references such as their employer, financial statements, tenancy blacklist databases and so on.