Landlords why don't you ask me about your tenants?  I am always curious why landlords don't check references.  I always call the previous landlord and the one before that, when screening tenants for a rental property.  I am curious as to the reason the tenant's are moving, what rent they are paying, how long they've been there and if there have been any issues with pets (they apply saying no pets often and then Fido pops up when they've moved in) or neighborhood complaints.

Why do I ask, well mainly most people are honest and tell the truth but there are some that will stretch the truth and some that will really SSTTRREETTCCHH the truth.  SO actually I am verifying their story.  Remember my recent post about how people treat their credit and how that can determine whether they get into another rental or not?  http://activerain.com/blogsview/1415172/choosing-a-tenant-do-you-view-your-credit-with-contempt-or-respect-  Well there is often a theme and those who are fudging are often uncovered when references are checked, particularly past landlords. 

What do I say to the past landlord?  I appeal to the fact that if they called me for a reference I would give them a very truthful reference, even if I wanted that tenant gone...because I would feel obliged to let anyone know the type of issues we've had with a particular tenant if we have.  And I would hope for the same from them, landlords, property managers need to stick together and be honest with each other about their experiences. 

In general, all of our tenants are good, hardworking people who pay their rent ontime.  But that occasional person(s)...for example:  The landlord who took the 3 people who stiffed the 4th roommate and just disappeared on a week's notice, never called for a reference.  What would I have said?  They were chronicly late, we had problems with cars and they did not keep up the yards.  Would I want to know that when I rent?  YES.  Why didn't you (the new landlord or property manager) want to know that?  You will likely end up having the same issue months from now?  Aren't you wondering why they moved on a weekend before Christmas?  They didn't have a reference when they came to me, they were living with their parents...I've had tenants before that were living at home to save money and were very responsible people.  Sometimes it just doesn't work out.

Some tenant want a "fresh" start. They have a pastor, teacher or other references.  They move in and when they have something come up, the excuses are incredible!!! These are all true and too real to make up.

"My son is in jail and I have to bail him out",

"We are getting married and need the money for the wedding."

"My motorcycle crashed and I need to get it fixed."

"I had to take a trip and don't have any money left."

""My roommates just moved out without any notice and I don't have the money."

One tenant used to have a chronic health issue and every month it was something, he was borrowing from friends, family, coworkers (apparently) and had surgery again and again.  His mother died (how many times?), etc.  Then I would be out and about and see him around town walking around just fine.  Oh MY. The landlord didn't call for a reference when he moved either owing about $3000 in back rent!!! 

What they are thinking is that the landlord is such a good person that he'll not mind a late charge and credit ding because you went on a trip.  That's right, they'll feel they should help you get your son out of jail.  NOT.  The landlord is not your parent.  They don't feel it necessary to fund your wedding or trips.  Responsible behavior would dictate that you never even ask.  You know your responsibility and you do what is expected. 

I guess the point is that if we property managers, landlords understand that the landlord or property manager calling us could be us and we just want the "facts mam", we would tell them what they needed to know.  IF they took the tenant anyway, well then they knew what they were getting and could perhaps mitigage some future problems with clauses in the lease.  BUT to consider it "buyer beware" just seems unethical to me.  DO UNTO OTHERS.  And I could save you some angst if you called and asked before you say yes to that tenant.  You'd know you are getting one of the best tenants we've ever had or a chronic blamer, late payer or deadbeat.  It's all just a phone call away.