Along with the employment reference check, landlords should ensure to complete a reference check from the prospective tenants current and previous landlords. This step is crucial as it will give landlords insight on the type of tenant the applicant was from a direct source.
The Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) developed the Form 410, also known as the “Rental Application – Residential’, for tenants and Realtors to use when submitting an Agreement to Lease.
NOTE, Form 410 is not an agreement, rather a form detailing general information about the applicant. It is a common practice for landlords to request for the rental application. Among other important information, Form 410 will outline the prospective tenants current and previous landlord information – the address, length of tenancy, the landlord’s name and contact information.
PRO TIP: We recommend working with a licensed real estate agent to acquire a qualified tenant as they have the tools to verify if the landlords listed on the application are in fact the owners of the property.
Here Are Some Valuable Questions To Ask The Applicants Current and Previous Landlords
During the call with the landlord, it’s important to start off with verifying the tenants information. After you have confirmed that they were or are a tenant of theirs, you can continue with more detailed questions about the tenancy. Here is a list of questions that will help landlords screen applicants:
- Verify the applicant’s name
- Verify how long they have been a tenant of the property
- Ask the landlord if they are aware of the reason the applicant is leaving: This question will give you entail if the reason is due to any issues during the tenancy or in good faith
- How was your experience with this tenant?: Asking an open ended question can lead to a more detailed explanation
- Has this tenant paid their rent on time?
- How did this tenant treat your property?: Asking about the condition of their property can help you determine if this tenant is neat and responsible or if they experienced many issues due to possible lack of care
- Would you recommend this person to other landlords?
Applicants who have a good paying job doesn’t always mean a qualified tenant
Spotting any red flags before accepting an agreement should be the number goal for Landlords. A tenant who can afford rent can also be troublesome, for example, causing lots of noise, not abiding by the rules, keeping the unit in rough shape, argumentative or difficult to communicate with, etc. These are the types of details landlords should find out from the prospective tenants’ previous landlords.
By asking these necessary questions, it will help landlords determine whether the applicant is a good fit and if they would make a good and lawful tenant. The Landlord reference check is a vital part of the screening process and skipping out on this step can lead to major issues.
If you or a landlord you know need assistance with managing their property or finding qualified tenants, reach out to us today – we would be happy to help!
