Karma: 480785

Is it feasible to ask a potential landlord for references from past tenants?

I am on my third landlord in almost four years that has turned out to be either a coke addict, a drunken jerk or both..... a few weeks ago my landlady [who lives on the same property] ended up at my door with the hell beat out of her by her drunken jerk of a husband ... to make a long story short I called the cops... and again a few days later when he came back to the property against an RCMP order and was trying to cause problems. He was not charged with the breach but warned not to come back here. Well .... he has been staying here now for about 5 days and she came to me 'telling' me not to call the cops because she has taken this goof back..... so .... I am quite done.... I expect the worst case scenario here soon because the 'honeymoon' period will be over sooner than later! This is NOT what I agreed to pay rent for ! This is NOT peaceful enjoyment!

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+3 Views: 1198 Answers: 3 Posted: 8 years ago

Tags: renters landlords alcoholism addiction social norms

3 Answers

Ducky

Karma: 1032535

Best answer!

If you explain your past experiences with landlords and ask if s/he would mind if you checked with previous tenants, I imagine it would be alright, assuming that the landlord has nothing to hide. It would be a good idea to ask about the length of tenancy of other tenants (past or currently living there.) If, for example, they've all only stayed a few months....red flag!!!

8 years ago. Rating: 6
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Ducky

I was a landlord for 10 years. My tenants only moved out for valid reasons....work in another city; marriage; and a much larger apartment.
(That doesn't count a few evictions. :))

commented 8 years ago

lindilou

Thanks Ducky ... I think that if they can ask me for references then why shouldn't I ask them for some...right?

commented 8 years ago

Ducky

No, not quite. The landlord has "the power" if I can put it that way. The landlord has many responsibilities that a tenant does not have. Besides owning the building and paying the mortgage and taxes, s/he also has repairs, upkeep, and managing (bad) tenants. Being a landlord is not glamorous and some tenants are a real pain, not to mention leaving apartments in a stinking mess, leaving furniture behind (that SOMEONE has to move), breaking windows, mirrors, door handles, leaving rotting food in the fridge and caked on stove tops, burning holes in carpets, moving extra people in, parking outside of designated spot, disturbing neighbors and oh yes, never paying their rent on time, with the assumption that the landlord is probably rich anyway. (The bank still wants their mortgage payment on time.) I could go on. Most importantly, the landlord is under no obligation whatsoever to rent to you. So in conclusion, I would say be very careful HOW you ask. The landlord might see YOU as....uh oh....red flag!

commented 8 years ago

lindilou

OK so the camo gear and AK47 are definitely out .... dernnn! LOL I have excellent-a-mundo references and I think I may just bypass the whole affair and go with a local land management firm ... [sigh of deep relief ... ahhh]

commented 8 years ago

Ducky

The AK47 MUST be hidden or that could be a red flag. Also, don't bring nine people with you (each carrying a musical instrument) when you go to look at the place. lol

commented 8 years ago

lindilou

... okay ... I won't mention the swing band ... garsh I hope the closets are big ... thinkin' of subletting some studio rehearsal space to the horn section ... gah!

commented 8 years ago

sunnyB