Verifying an Applicant's Rental History through Tenant Screening

I often find the best way to get a good take on an applicant's potential as a new tenant is to pick up the phone and call a previous landlord (or two).

You can call to confirm the applicant's rent payment history, and the call serves double-duty as a character reference check, too.

Before you make any calls, however, it is always wise to verify the previous landlords'names and numbers with phonebook listings to ensure you are calling a legitimate landlord (and not a close friend posing as one).

You might also try finding references to them on the Internet by going to Google and typing in the entire name in quotation marks along with the name of the town they live in. If they have advertised rental properties on the Internet (including online newspapers), they are likely to show up.

Once you have verified the landlord listed is genuine, call to inquire about your prospective tenant. They will likely give you a report on the applicant's rental history. However, do not be disappointed if the landlord is not forthcoming with anything negative about a former tenant. This is where you have to read between the lines.

Landlords can be sued for slander if they malign a former tenant, such as saying the person was financially irresponsible or careless with property. Therefore, you may have to assume the lack of a glowing report, rather than direct criticism, is your red flag.

If you find the applicant has lived at any one place for more than 2 years, it is a good sign. Another good question to ask your fellow landlord is, “Would you rent to them again?" And the answer you always want to hear is, “yes!"