Do landords really check references on rental applications?

Answer 1

If they have any brains, they do. Also, most sharp landlords will also do a full credit check on you, and perhaps a criminal background check. I know many people find this intrusive and offensive, but it isn't just to protect the landlord. It also helps to protect everyone in the building from being around some criminal psychopath or something.

Answer 2

I always run an application on prospective residents. Thank God I do! I've had people come in that look honest and swear up and down they have no criminal record, but that's not what my screening company says! A lot of people swear up and down they've never been evicted, the report comes back and says they have.
In fact, I fax their application, to the screening company, right in front of them so they know I'm serious about checking them out.

Answer 3

Credit check and references both (when I used to own a rental unit).

I was really sorry when I didn't. Always glad when I did.

They don't want to know a whole lot about you, but they do want to know if you pay your rent and if you manage to keep the place in decent shape (e.g. no holes in walls, burn spots on flooring, etc).

Answer 4

There is a service that some use that combines a credit check and a criminal background check. They may or may not check references..depends on how badly they need the tenant.

Answer 5

Not so mch the landlords but the landlords agents do .~~

Answer 6

YES