Contacting Prev. Residences - Landlord Forum thread 327764

Contacting Prev. Residences by Patricia (IA) on November 22, 2014 @13:44

I manage more low-income properties and am having a difficult time obtaining valid contact information for reference checks from previous residences. I do look at my local city parcel information in which a majority only lists the deed holder which is usually some distant investing company. I was contemplating in hiring a PI or debt collection agency in hopes of having a bigger database available to me with more current numbers of owners/landlords?
Also, because most of my tenant base is low-income, a good majority of past residences are small private landlords, I have the off assumption that a good majority of potential tenants are providing false contact number in which a close friend or family will claim to be the owner/landlord.

PLEASE!!! ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!

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Re: Contacting Prev. Residences by Kim (WV) on November 22, 2014 @14:59	[ Reply ]

It's a tough situation. I don't have any answers for you. But if you find out, please let me know.

Re: Contacting Prev. Residences by Bill on November 22, 2014 @16:29	[ Reply ]

You need a little help that a local landlord association can provide. See if your area has one.

Re: Contacting Prev. Residences

Re: Contacting Prev. Residences by Garry (i) on November 22, 2014 @21:04	[ Reply ]

Pat, landlords all over the whole country have the same problem--------what decision do we make when we don't have enough info to say yes or no to a prospective tenant? And both LL and T want decisions made in a few days, not a few weeks. We as LLs have to decide if the info we are lacking, is important enough to turn the T down. Otherwise, we all have to make our decisions based on what we DO have. Yes , some Ts give false info because they are desperate to find a LL who will rent to them. And even if you had a huge list of LL names , adresses, and ph.no. , when you contact them, that doesn't mean they are going to answer you back. Sorry I don't have a good answer for you. Some times you just have to turn people down, and wait for the right T to come along. By the way, Pat , I am in Cedar Rapids-----where are you at?

Re: Contacting Prev. Residences

Re: Contacting Prev. Residences by MrDan (Georgia) on November 22, 2014 @22:11	[ Reply ]

One thing you can do is ask for the copy of their current lease they are under. If they do not have one or can not provide one, then that is a big red flag... Also ask for current utility bills in the applicant's name to document address. Ask for a current pay stub, call employer's Personnel/Human Resources Department.

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Re: Contacting Prev. Residences by Nonny (NEOhio) on November 24, 2014 @01:40	[ Reply ]

Ask for the last two months of pay stubs. This way, you have the reasoning that you have rented to a low income person that actually is willing to work to get themselves ahead. And less low income than the one you are denying. Check the small private landlords through your county auditors office? If you can't reach someone, then this indicates to you that the application is not complete and they will have to show the utility bills in their name to that address. Not their cousin's name, not their mothers name....Use the gas and electric supplier to make their history be honest. Our electric company will not disclose the info, but I can recognize a bill in their name, and the date on the billing period. As well as see how far in arrears they are. If they are willing to screw the utilities by not making at least small payments on at least two concurrent recent past bills, I would be thinking next applicant, please. Just apply plan B(utilities) evenly, and you can deny one to choose the other. You do have a say so in who rents the apartments, correct?

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Re: Contacting Prev. Residences by LM on November 25, 2014 @14:34	[ Reply ]

Patience! It is a matter of sticking to your guns and being consistent. You either go through your checklist item by item or make a gut call. If I cant get a hold of a reference I let the applicant know and leave it at that. Just make sure you do the same for EVERYBODY and keep meticulous notes. My applicant pool is lower income to blue collar. It can be a challange but you won't regret doing your due dilegience. You will regret NOT doing so.