Do apt. managers (or whoever looks at an application) really contact previous landlords/companies on an app.?

Question

The reason I ask is because my old landlord had kept almost all of $1300 after I left, for things he would not do for us when we moved in (yard maintenance, a courtesy bug spraying, carpet cleaning, etc. - we even asked for it before we moved in). He and I have gone back and forth for over a month now, there have been unpleasant conversations and things said. I might have to take him to court.

I am applying for an apartment now and I dont have a choice but to use him on the app. and I dont want him to jeapardize my getting a place over the current situation. Also, is there a legal limit or certain things he can or cant say? Rent was always paid and cashed early. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Yes. I always call prior landlord references and receive calls regarding references for previous tenants.

The landlord can say just about anything he wants, but should stick to the facts. Most of the time it is what a reference does not say that is the most telling.

After so many years of landlording, I get a gut feeling for landlords that are just difficult, impossible to please or nit picky by the way they say things and ramble about things that are irrelevant.

My main questions are:

Would you rent to them again?

How long did they reside in your property?

How much was the rent?

Was rent paid on time, in full every month?

Were there any lease violations, issues or complaints with them during their residency?

Did they have a lease and did they fulfill the lease terms?

Did they give you notice prior to moving?

Was the rental left in clean and damage free condition?

Did you withhold any security deposit for damages?

Answer 2

Since it's their job to collect the rent and deal with the tenants after they move in yes, it would be in their interest to make a quick inquiry. It is also the job of a manager to protect the interest of the LL, so again, a good manager will do this.

Answer 3

Yes, they call.    I make calls and I receive them constantly.

He can say just about anything that is true, even if it is alleged.

he can not how old you are, your sexual orientation, your race, color or religion.    Everything else is fair.    He can tell all about his problems with you.