When giving a reference, a landlord should provide accurate and specific information regarding the tenant’s tenancy. This information can include the length of tenancy, rent payment history, and the tenant’s behaviour as a tenant.
As a landlord, you may be asked to provide a reference for a current or former tenant. It is important to carefully consider what information you include in the reference, as it will impact the tenant’s ability to secure future rental properties.
Generally, you should focus on providing information related to the tenant’s tenancy, such as the length of their tenancy, their rent payment history, and their behaviour as a tenant. You should avoid sharing personal or irrelevant information, and be sure to provide accurate and specific details.
By providing a thoughtful and informative reference, you can help your tenant secure a new rental property while also protecting your own reputation as a landlord.
What Can A Landlord Say When Giving A Reference?
As a landlord, one may be asked to provide a reference for a tenant. A reference can be in the form of a verbal statement or a written letter.
However, there are legal obligations, rules, and restrictions that are important to take into consideration when giving a reference.
Legal Obligations Of A Landlord:
- A landlord has a legal obligation to ensure that what they say about their tenants is truthful and not misleading.
- When giving a reference, a landlord should not make any false statements about their tenants that could harm their reputation.
- A landlord should also avoid disclosing any confidential information that could violate their tenants’ privacy rights.
Types Of References: Verbal And Written:
- A verbal reference is a spoken statement that a landlord may give when contacted by a potential landlord or employer.
- A written reference is a letter that the landlord writes and provides to the tenant to use as evidence for future landlords or employers.
Rules And Restrictions On What Can Be Said:
- The fair housing act prohibits landlords from making any statements that could be considered discriminatory. Therefore, landlords should avoid making any comments that could be deemed discriminatory based on race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability.
- Defamation laws protect tenants from false accusations and intentionally harmful statements. Therefore, landlords should avoid making statements that could harm a tenant’s reputation.
- A landlord should make sure that what they say is factual, accurate, and relevant to the tenant’s potential landlord or employer.
Overall, when providing a reference, landlords must be mindful of their legal obligations, rules, and restrictions.
A reference should be based on facts rather than personal opinions or biases.
By following these guidelines, landlords can protect themselves from any potential legal issues and help their tenants in the best way possible.
Best Practices For Landlords When Giving References
As a landlord, it’s natural to want to help out your tenants, even after they’ve left your property. Providing a reference for them is a common and useful way to do that.
But how can you make sure that your reference is fair, accurate and helpful? Here are some best practices for landlords when giving references:
Creating A Tenant File
It’s a good idea to create a file for each tenant while they are living on your property.
This file should include all the relevant facts and documentation about their tenancy, including:
- The signed lease or rental agreement
- Payment records
- Complaints or requests for maintenance or repairs
- Any correspondence you have had with them, including emails and letters.
Keeping a tenant file can help you to provide a more accurate reference, ensuring you have all the necessary information at your fingertips.
Focusing On Facts And Objective Information
When giving a reference, it’s important to remain impartial, factual and objective.
Stick to the facts about the tenant, rather than personal opinions or judgments based on your interactions with them. This means you should focus on:
- Their payment history and whether they paid on time
- Any damages they caused to the property
- Whether they followed the lease terms, such as keeping the property clean or quiet.
By sticking to the facts, you can provide an honest and fair representation of the tenant’s time on your property.
Avoiding Personal Opinions And Comments On Tenant Behavior
As tempting as it may be to provide your personal opinions and comments on the tenant’s behaviour, particularly if you have had negative experiences with them, it’s not helpful for anyone.
Avoid providing comments on:
- Their personality or demeanour
- Their lifestyle choices, including cleanliness or hobbies
- Anything that could be seen as discriminatory, such as their race, sexuality or family status.
Remember, your job is to provide a reference based on their tenancy, not to make judgments about their personal life.
Providing A Balanced Perspective
Finally, it’s essential that you provide a balanced perspective in your reference. This means highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of the tenant’s time in your property.
Try to include specific examples, rather than generalizations, to give a clear picture of the tenant’s behaviour and actions.
By adhering to these best practices, you can provide a valuable reference for your tenants that is fair, accurate and helpful.
Tips For Tenants Requesting References
Importance Of References In The Rental Application Process
When applying for a rental property, landlords typically require references from previous landlords to assess a tenant’s suitability.
These references are essential for a landlord to understand a tenant’s past rental history and to ensure they have a reliable and consistent tenant.
References are also an important factor in determining if the tenant is financially responsible and can pay rent on time.
Therefore, having strong positive references is vital to secure a new rental property.
How To Ask For References
Asking for references from previous landlords can be a daunting process, but it’s essential for a tenant to present themselves in the best possible light and increase their chances of being accepted for a rental property.
Here are some tips for requesting references:
- Start by asking your previous landlord if they’re willing to provide a reference. Ensure you are polite and professional when approaching them.
- Provide your landlord with the necessary details, such as the name of the prospective landlord and the rental property’s address.
- Give your previous landlord sufficient time to write the reference. Ensure you follow up with a polite email or call to check if they have received your request and clarify any details.
What Questions To Ask Previous Landlords
When requesting a reference from your previous landlord, there are several important questions you should ask to ensure the reference is useful:
- Did the tenant pay the rent on time each month?
- Were there any issues with the tenant’s behaviour, such as noise complaints or damage to the property?
- Did the tenant keep the property clean and tidy?
- Would you rent to this tenant again in the future?
By asking these questions, you will get a clear idea of how the previous landlord viewed you as a tenant and any areas for improvement.
Remember, it’s important to maintain professional conduct when requesting references, as a positive reference could be the difference between being accepted or rejected for a rental property.
How To Interpret References From Previous Landlords
As a landlord, providing references for your previous tenants can help them secure a new rental property.
However, as a potential landlord, it is important to interpret these references correctly to make informed decisions.
Here are some key points to keep in mind when interpreting references from previous landlords.
Identifying Red Flags And Positive Indicators
Red flags to watch out for:
- Complaints about late rent payments or property damage.
- Reports of illegal activity or disruptive behaviour by the tenant.
- Negative comments about the tenant’s character, attitude, or hygiene.
Positive indicators to look for:
- Timely rent payments and proper property care.
- Good communication skills and respectful behaviour on the tenant’s part.
- The landlord’s willingness to provide a reference in the first place is a good sign that the tenant left on good terms.
What To Do If A Reference Is Negative Or Unhelpful
- Follow up with the previous landlord, if possible, to ask for more details and clarification.
- Keep an open mind and try to get a complete picture of the tenant’s previous rental history from multiple sources.
- Don’t rely solely on one reference to make a decision, as some landlords may be overly critical or biased.
- Take negative references seriously, but also consider the tenant’s explanation or potential for improvement.
Importance Of Multiple References
- Requesting references from multiple landlords can give you a more accurate picture of the tenant’s rental history.
- Be sure to ask for references from the tenant’s most recent rental property and, if possible, one or two prior residences.
- Contact each reference directly and ask specific questions about the tenant’s rental history and behaviour.
- Use the information gathered from different references to make an informed decision based on the big picture.
Interpreting references from previous landlords can be a crucial aspect of finding the right tenant for your rental property.
By identifying red flags and positive indicators, knowing what to do if a reference is negative or unhelpful, and gathering multiple references, you can feel confident in your decision-making process.
Frequently Asked Questions For What Can A Landlord Say When Giving A Reference
What Information Can A Landlord Legally Disclose In A Reference?
Landlords can disclose a tenant’s rent payment history, behaviour, and lease duration.
Can A Landlord Reveal Negative Information About A Tenant In A Reference?
Yes, landlords can disclose any negative information such as missed payments or property damage.
How Important Is A Rental Reference For Tenants?
Rental references are crucial for tenants as they help landlords to verify their reliability.
What Should A Tenant Do If They’Re Concerned About A Reference Provided By Their Landlord?
Discuss concerns with the landlord and request a copy of the reference. Consider asking for a revised reference if necessary.
Conclusion
As a landlord, providing rental references is a crucial part of your role in helping tenants secure their next rental.
It’s important to remember that providing a reference means more than just stating the facts about a tenant, it’s also about highlighting the positive qualities that make them a desirable tenant.
When giving a reference, be honest, professional, and specific. Remember to focus on the tenant’s rent-paying habits, reliability, responsibility, and communication skills.
Providing a written reference can be a valuable tool for tenants and landlords alike.
Take the time to craft a thoughtful reference that portrays the tenant in the best light possible.
By doing so, you help the tenant secure their next rental, and you build a positive reputation as a landlord who cares about their tenants.
Remember, providing references is an important part of the landlord-tenant relationship and can have long-lasting effects on all involved.
