Problem tenant now needs reference - Landlord Forum thread 335359

Problem tenant now needs reference by landlord (Illinois) on May 23, 2015 @16:40

Tenant has lived in my rental unit almost 10 years. There have been a few issues during the tenancy, but she's always maintained communication with me. However, the last 8 months have been problematic. She bounced two checks in final quarter of 2014, so she had pay with money order or cashier's check per rental agreement. Paid Dec. 2014 rent after Christmas. When Jan. 2015 was unpaid and she failed to respond to my calls, texts, certified/regular mailings, I initiated eviction proceedings.

Tenant was properly served. She eventually paid rent (after 5-day notice period ended), but prior to our court date. Of course she didn't show, hired an attorney and filed for motion to vacate the judgment on the day she was supposed to move out per the court order. Long story short, judge allowed her to stay until end of May.

Well, well, well, it seems that my unresponsive tenant now realizes that it's challenging to rent a new place without a reference from one's current landlord. She's requesting 12-month payment history, letter of reference (with positives and negatives), and receipts for last six months. I told her to contact my attorney about this request. Has anyone dealt with a situation like this? She's supposed to vacate the property by the end of the month, which is a week away. If she isn't out, the eviction goes on her record, court gives me immediate possession, and the sheriff can remove her belongings.

I see no upside in fulfilling this request, and will wait for my attorney to advise whether there is any liability risk. Furthermore, I'm not willing to provide any assistance until she vacates my property and it passes a thorough inspection. But that's a Catch 22 for her since she likely needs my help to get a new rental. Any advice?

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Re: Problem tenant now needs reference by Patty on May 23, 2015 @16:49	[ Reply ]

" she failed to respond to my calls, texts, certified/regular mailings" You should do the same. Just send her the conditions on properly cleaning the rental unit. Otherwise, you need not need to give her any reference, just respond truthfully to any landlord who inquires with just the facts and only the facts, no opinions.

Re: Problem tenant now needs reference

Re: Problem tenant now needs reference by Mary (NH) on May 23, 2015 @16:56	[ Reply ]

I worry about the retired couple who really depend on that rent for income...or anyone who can't afford someone like this. She didn't earn it and it is unfair to ask for one. I like the answer that told you to ignore them, the way they ignored you. Really, it is not fair to the other company or individual who relies on that rent every month. If she had been cooperative and communicative, that would be different. I think she has a heck of a nerve asking. She is not entitled to get what others work hard to earn--your good name vouching for her. Also, if it goes south even if they don't sue, they will remember you gave the reference. We are nothing if not our reputation.

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Re: Problem tenant now needs reference by John Brayton (Massachusetts) on May 23, 2015 @19:31	[ Reply ]

I would just decline to write the letter. I would tell the tenant that, given the eight months of payment problems, I could not in good conscience write a letter that the tenant would find helpful. John

Re: Problem tenant now needs reference

Re: Problem tenant now needs reference by Katiekate (New York) on May 23, 2015 @20:00	[ Reply ]

I dealt with a tenant like that. I when she asked me for a reference I asked her if she wanted me to highlight the 50% of the time the rent was very late, or the 3 fires her son started? Didnt hear about it again. But, I did have to get the sheriff out to remove her. Seems no one would rent to her without a reference. Imagine

Re: Problem tenant now needs reference