{"id":16738,"date":"2025-10-20T05:00:54","date_gmt":"2025-10-20T12:00:54","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2026-01-08T08:06:50","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T15:06:50","slug":"key-questions-previous-landlord-screening","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/rental-screening\/diy-reference-check-questions-to-ask-former-landlords\/","title":{"rendered":"Key Questions to Ask a Previous Landlord During Screening"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"flex-content-main\">\n<div class=\"ttsf-rich-text \">\n<p>A strong\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/tenant-screening\/\">tenant screening<\/a>\u00a0process goes beyond reviewing credit scores and pay stubs. Speaking directly with an applicant\u2019s former landlord to conduct a tenant reference check can provide an inside look at how they\u2019ve treated a rental property in the past \u2014 and how they might treat yours.<\/p>\n<p>But there\u2019s a catch: ask the wrong question, and you could end up in violation of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/property-management-definitions\/what-is-fair-housing\/\">Fair Housing Act<\/a>\u00a0(FHA) laws, with fines that now reach more than\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.federalregister.gov\/documents\/2025\/06\/12\/2025-10519\/adjustment-of-civil-monetary-penalty-amounts-for-2025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">$20,000 for first offenses<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>To help you navigate this delicate but essential step, here\u2019s our guide to the questions you&#8217;ll want to ask a previous landlord, the ones to avoid, and how to get the most out of the conversation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"cta_695fc80aa1910\" class=\"cta-container\">\n<div class=\"cta-content default-content\">\n<div class=\"cta-heading\">Get fast, reliable tenant screenings &#8211; directly through TurboTenant<\/div>\n<div class=\"cta-text\">\n<p>In less shan five minutes, request a comprehensive screening report that checks prospective renters&#8217; credit, background, and eviction histories.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Free for landlords.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<a class=\"cta-link btnhov\" href=\"https:\/\/rental.turbotenant.com\/auth\/signup\">Screen My Tenants<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"cta-content landlord-content\" style=\"display:none;\">\n<div class=\"cta-heading\">Get fast, reliable tenant screenings &#8211; directly through TurboTenant<\/div>\n<div class=\"cta-text\">\n<p>In less shan five minutes, request a comprehensive screening report that checks prospective renters&#8217; credit, background, and eviction histories.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Free for landlords.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<a class=\"cta-link btnhov\" href=\"https:\/\/rental.turbotenant.com\/auth\/signup\">Screen My Tenants<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><script>\n\tdocument.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {\n\t\tvar ctaContainer = document.getElementById('cta_695fc80aa1910');\n\t\tvar defaultContent = ctaContainer.querySelector('.default-content');\n\t\tvar landlordContent = ctaContainer.querySelector('.landlord-content');<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\/\/ Check the 'alreadyMember' cookie\n\t\tvar isLandlord = document.cookie.split('; ').find(row => row.startsWith('alreadyMember='))?.split('=')[1] === 'true';<\/p>\n<p>\t\tif (isLandlord) {\n\t\t\tdefaultContent.style.display = 'none';\n\t\t\tlandlordContent.style.display = 'flex';\n\t\t} else {\n\t\t\tdefaultContent.style.display = 'flex';\n\t\t\tlandlordContent.style.display = 'none';\n\t\t}\n\t});\n<\/script><\/p>\n<div class=\"ttsf-rich-text \">\n<h2><strong>Questions to Ask a Landlord During a Tenant Reference Check\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Not every landlord will give you a picture-perfect answer. Some may exaggerate, while others gloss over issues to avoid confrontation. That\u2019s why tenant reference check questions should constitute just one piece of your overall screening process. These questions should never be the sole deciding factor.<\/p>\n<p>With that in mind, here are thoughtful, fair questions to ask in a landlord reference:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>How long did the tenant rent from you?\u00a0<\/strong>Asking this question sets the stage for the rest of their feedback. A tenant who stayed at a property for 3 years likely has a stable rental history, whereas a short-term stay may warrant follow-up questions.<\/li>\n<li><strong>What condition was the unit in after move-out?\u00a0<\/strong>Every landlord dreads the post-move-out inspection. Hearing how your applicant left their last rental can give you a sense of whether they\u2019re responsible tenants who\u2019ll respect your property.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Did the tenant have any pets or animals?\u00a0<\/strong>Landlords must accommodate\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/education\/webinars\/emotional-support-animals-what-you-need-to-know\/\">Emotional Support Animals<\/a>\u00a0(ESAs) and service animals under federal law; however, it\u2019s still helpful to know whether the renter lived with pets and how they handled that responsibility.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Were there any conflicts with neighbors or other tenants?<\/strong>\u00a0Disputes aren\u2019t always deal breakers, but they\u2019re worth asking about. If something concerning arises, discuss it with your applicant to get their perspective on the situation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>How responsive was the tenant when issues came up?\u00a0<\/strong>Try asking the former landlord to rate communication on a simple scale of 1 to 5. Tenants who communicate early about\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/rental-property-maintenance\/\">maintenance<\/a>\u00a0often help prevent bigger, more expensive issues.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Would you rent to them again?\u00a0<\/strong>Asking this question often gives the most telling answers. Even a simple, straightforward \u201cyes\u201d (or even a \u201cno\u201d) can speak volumes. But beware, trust your gut. If a landlord heaps unrealistic praise on a tenant, they could simply be trying to move on from them.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Property-specific questions to ask the previous landlord.\u00a0<\/strong>If you own a multifamily unit, ask how the tenant handled shared spaces. If you rent single-family homes, ask about how well they stayed on top of lawn care and upkeep.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Beyond the Reference Call<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>A tenant reference check is just one part of a thorough screening process. A well-rounded\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/tenant-screening\/\">tenant screening<\/a>* also should include reviewing:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lines of credit<\/li>\n<li>Credit inquiries<\/li>\n<li>Debt in collections<\/li>\n<li>Criminal<a href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/rental-screening\/tenant-background-check-landlords\/\">\u00a0background check<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Eviction report<\/li>\n<li>Credit score<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>*Some states and localities, such as New York City, don\u2019t allow landlords to use eviction or criminal histories as determining factors. Always consult your local\u00a0<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/ipropertymanagement.com\/laws\/landlord-tenant-rights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>landlord-tenant laws<\/em><\/a><em>\u00a0to ensure compliance with the relevant regulations.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Pro Tip<\/strong>: Are you worried about<a href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/rental-screening\/how-to-recognize-fake-pay-stubs\/\">\u00a0fake pay stubs<\/a>\u00a0or fraudulent applications? You can watch our<a href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/education\/webinars\/tenant-screening-from-a-z\/\">\u00a0tenant screening webinar<\/a>\u00a0to learn how to streamline your process.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>4 Tips to Make the Most of Your Landlord Reference Call<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Try to have a phone call or face-to-face conversation with the previous landlord. These interactions can provide meaningful context for the answers they give you.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, it\u2019s also essential to respect their time, so you should aim to make your call efficient and effective. The quality of your conversation often depends on how you approach it. Here\u2019s how to make it count:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Schedule the call first.\u00a0<\/strong>Avoid cold calling if possible. Send a quick email or text to introduce yourself and request a brief call at a time that suits the previous landlord\u2019s schedule.<em>Example message:<\/em>\u00a0Hi [Landlord\u2019s name], I\u2019m reviewing an application from [Applicant\u2019s name] and would appreciate the chance to ask a few questions. Are you available for a quick [phone call\/Zoom] on [day\/time]? Or use your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/business-building\/landlord-reference-letter\/\"><em>landlord reference call template<\/em><\/a>\u00a0to help guide your questions..<\/li>\n<li><strong>Listen for tone.\u00a0<\/strong>Tone of voice or body language (if you meet in person) can reveal more than words alone.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Stay professional.\u00a0<\/strong>If your applicant provided a reason for moving, don\u2019t mention it to their former landlord. Keep the focus on rental performance, not personal drama.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Take notes.\u00a0<\/strong>Write down key points and ask permission to follow up later if needed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Since we\u2019ve reviewed what you\u00a0<strong><em>can<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0ask a former landlord during a tenant reference check, let\u2019s talk about what you\u00a0<strong><em>can\u2019t<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0ask \u2014 particularly anything that violates the FHA.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Questions Not to Ask (and Why They Matter)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-65971 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/blog_Question.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"780\" height=\"314\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/blog_Question.png 780w, https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/blog_Question-300x121.png 300w, https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/blog_Question-768x309.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/>While some states have enacted their own laws that provide additional protections for tenants, the FHA remains the primary federal safeguard against unfair housing practices. It prohibits landlords from discriminating against tenants based on:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Race<\/li>\n<li>Color<\/li>\n<li>National origin<\/li>\n<li>Religion<\/li>\n<li>Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)<\/li>\n<li>Familial status<\/li>\n<li>Disability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These protections mean you cannot ask questions related to the categories above or use them as factors in rental decisions.<\/p>\n<p>You should refrain from asking questions like:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u201cWhat gender is the tenant?\u201d (discrimination based on gender)<\/li>\n<li>\u201cWhere is the tenant\u00a0<em>really\u00a0<\/em>from?\u201d (discrimination based on national origin)<\/li>\n<li>\u201cWhat credit score did the tenant tell you they had?\u201d (nonconsensual credit check)<\/li>\n<li>\u201cDoes the tenant have kids?\u201d (discrimination based on familial status)<\/li>\n<li>\u201cDo you think the tenant is deaf?\u201d (discrimination based on disability)<\/li>\n<li>\u201cIs the tenant a Christian?\u201d (discrimination based on religion)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In early 2023, the White House introduced a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/White-House-Blueprint-for-a-Renters-Bill-of-Rights.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights<\/a>, outlining principles such as eviction prevention, fair leases, and the right to organize. The Blueprint itself is\u00a0<strong>not law<\/strong>, but it has influenced recent state legislation and inspired new federal proposals, such as the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.congress.gov\/bill\/119th-congress\/house-bill\/206\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2025 Landlord Accountability Act.<\/a>\u00a0Whether these ideas become national policy remains to be seen.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Landlord Pro Tip<\/strong>: There are also specific<a href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/property-management\/emotional-support-animal-laws\/\">\u00a0questions you may not ask applicants with Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)<\/a>, so stay up-to-date to remain compliant. You cannot ask about the tenant\u2019s disability or medical history; however, you may inquire whether the documentation for an assistance animal is valid.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>The Bottom Line on Questions to Ask Previous Landlords<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Tenant screening works best when you combine multiple tools \u2014 credit checks, background reports, reference check calls, and your own conversations with the applicant. By asking thoughtful questions of a previous landlord and avoiding anything that crosses Fair Housing boundaries, you\u2019ll gain a clear picture of your applicant without exposing yourself to costly penalties.<\/p>\n<p>When done properly, tenant reference checks are more than just another line to check off your to-do list. A good reference call can protect your investment, strengthen landlord-tenant relationships, and avoid the hassles that can come with problem renters. With <a href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/\">TurboTenant<\/a>, you can rest assured that our AI will vet any custom application and pre-screening questions, so you\u2019re always in compliance with the FHA. Plus, screening tenants on the platform is free for landlords.<\/p>\n<p>So\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/rental.turbotenant.com\/auth\/signup\">sign up today<\/a>\u00a0and make landlording easier tomorrow.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Tenant Reference Check FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ttsf-faq\">\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<h3 class=\"faq-question\" data-target=\"answer-1\">What questions to ask a previous landlord? <span class=\"caret\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\" id=\"answer-1\">\n<div>\n<p>When contacting your applicant\u2019s previous landlord, ask questions that will indicate their reliability as a tenant: Did they pay their rent on time? How did they maintain the property? Were they respectful of the rules in your lease? Would you rent to them again? These questions will help you understand them as tenants while avoiding possible penalties.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<h3 class=\"faq-question\" data-target=\"answer-2\">What are the red flags for tenant screening? <span class=\"caret\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\" id=\"answer-2\">\n<div>\n<p>There are specific red flags to look for when screening tenants, such as late or missed rent payments, evictions, or a lack of rental history. Make sure you understand your state\u2019s specific laws when considering criminal and eviction histories.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<h3 class=\"faq-question\" data-target=\"answer-3\">How to verify a previous landlord? <span class=\"caret\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\" id=\"answer-3\">\n<div>\n<p>Ask previous landlords about their experience with the applicant, including payment history, property maintenance, lease compliance, and other relevant details. Verify and corroborate information with supporting documents (pay stubs, W-2s, bank deposits, etc) when necessary.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<h3 class=\"faq-question\" data-target=\"answer-4\">Do landlords actually contact previous landlords? <span class=\"caret\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\" id=\"answer-4\">\n<div>\n<p>Yes. Contacting a potential tenant\u2019s previous landlord is part of a thorough\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/tenant-screening\/\">tenant screening<\/a>, and most landlords will make the call once you have submitted a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/rental-application\/\">rental application.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n\t\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n\t\"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n\t\"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What questions to ask a previous landlord? \",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"<\/p>\n<p>When contacting your applicantu2019s previous landlord, ask questions that will indicate their reliability as a tenant: Did they pay their rent on time? How did they maintain the property? Were they respectful of the rules in your lease? Would you rent to them again? These questions will help you understand them as tenants while avoiding possible penalties.<\/p>\n<p>n\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What are the red flags for tenant screening? \",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"<\/p>\n<p>There are specific red flags to look for when screening tenants, such as late or missed rent payments, evictions, or a lack of rental history. Make sure you understand your stateu2019s specific laws when considering criminal and eviction histories.<\/p>\n<p>n\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How to verify a previous landlord? \",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"<\/p>\n<p>Ask previous landlords about their experience with the applicant, including payment history, property maintenance, lease compliance, and other relevant details. 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Always consult a qualified attorney, accountant, or local housing authority before making decisions related to your rental property. The publisher and authors assume no responsibility for actions taken based on the information provided.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover crucial questions for previous landlords and conducting tenant checks while complying with Fair Housing laws for effective screening.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":68259,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1854],"tags":[],"level":[1837],"class_list":["post-16738","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rental-screening","level-beginner","topic-tenant-screening"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.0 (Yoast SEO v26.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Key Questions to Ask a Previous Landlord During Screening<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn which landlord reference check questions to ask applicants to assess their reliability and avoid costly mistakes during screening.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/rental-screening\/diy-reference-check-questions-to-ask-former-landlords\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Key Questions to Ask a Previous Landlord During Screening\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn which landlord reference check questions to ask applicants to assess their reliability and avoid costly mistakes during screening.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" 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