Get his request in writing? - Landlord Forum thread 333946

Get his request in writing? by CCRider (CA) on April 22, 2015 @00:48

If you were applying to rent from me, and you told me your last landlord was a creep, and you showed me an email from him asking for a fee to simply say how long you lived there and what kind of tenant you were, I'd be inclined to believe you were lucky to escape that rental.

I'd call him, out of curiosity, to see what he'd say.

I was a manager who had both owned and rented before I was a manager, and I had good and bad landlords. I would not dismiss your application out of hand due to your circumstances.

I think you should try and get his request in writing - like an email. Send him an email asking where you should send the $124 for the fee he requested to state to potential landlords how long you lived there and that you were a good tenant.

When he responds without arguing with what you're saying, he just admitted it.

Then, you might want to go to fair housing or your state's Department of Consumer Affairs or even the police to ask them if there are any charges that could be brought against him for blackmail. Because this is exactly what this is, in my opinion.

What a jerk.

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Re: Get his request in writing? by Anonymous on April 22, 2015 @11:24	[ Reply ]

Interesting take on the situation. My assumption would be that this tenant left owing the landlord $124 and he isn't going to give her a good reference unless she pays it. I have to admit, about the 3rd time I've provided a copy of the lease to a tenant, and filled out a couple of reference faxes from their prospective new landlord, I too feel like charging for my time. My doctor charges me $10 to fill out a 1-page insurance document and I'm sure his time isn't more valuable than mine.