What can a landlord do in situations where the applicant has never rented before?
An applicant applying for his first rental obviously cannot provide previous rental history for a reference check but that does not mean the applicant should be automatically disqualified from renting or is potentially less qualified than a tenant with years of rental history. A landlord must look to other references to qualify the applicant. Commonly these other types of references are personal and work references.
Personal references generally include friends, relatives, co-workers, or other individuals the applicant regards as being able to give favorable character recommendations. Most applicants would not list a reference who might give a negative opinion. This should be taken into account when contacting personal references.
However, while some landlords may consider personal references to be self-serving for the applicant, personal references should not be overlooked as a good source of information. Particularly in a tight rental market, or for first time renters, students, and former homeowners returning to the rental market, the information provided by personal references can make a difference when customary sources are unavailable.
Sample questions to ask personal references may be:
- How does the reference know the applicant?
- How long has the reference known the applicant?
- How frequently does the reference keep in contact with the applicant?
- Is the reference a former roommate or co-tenant?
- Is there a business or work relationship with the applicant?
- Does the reference think that the applicant would be a good tenant? Why?