Landlord won't give any reference to future rental even tho we have been here for 4 years. Legal codes?

Question

We have always paid our rent on time and taken great care of this house. We asked for a reference and our Landlord said he won't give us one due to him not being here when our pre- walk thru paperwork was done. But then he added a thank you to the email and said we always pay our rent on time and he will miss us as tenants. Is this legal and are there any codes I can use?

Answer 1

you can use that email as a reference letter.

your landlord obviously does not want to be contacted personally.

good luck

Answer 2

Yes it is legal.  Unfortunately.

I'd print that email out though, that says you pay on time and he'll miss you as tenants.  

Nothing illegal about that maneuver either

Answer 3

Yes, it legal.  No one is obligated to give anyone a reference for anything  - ever.

Answer 4

Have your rent receipts available that show rent was always paid on time and save the email he sent.

Answer 5

I am a landlord and all I am willing to tell a prospective new landlord is if they pay on time. I am not obligated to give any other information.

Answer 6

Lots of times people don't give references, for landlords, bosses, etc.. if they give you a bad reference, you can sue them.  If they give you a good reference and you s***w up, your new landlord can sue them.

Answer 7

There is no obligation legally for a landlord to provide a reference of any sort.  The best you can do is use the email he sent you and hope that works for your next rentat.