A reference check is a standard tenant screening procedure involving communication with a prospective tenant's former landlords, employers, or personal references to verify the accuracy of the application. It aims to uncover patterns in behavior that may not appear on a credit or criminal report.
How It Applies to Florida Landlords
Florida landlords should conduct reference checks to identify "problem" tenants who may have left previous properties with damage, unpaid rent, or history of lease violations. Under Florida law, you must maintain objective screening criteria to avoid Fair Housing violations. Ask former landlords about the tenant's payment habits, property maintenance, and whether they would re-rent to the individual. Documentation is vital; record the date, time, and specific questions asked during these calls to protect against future claims of discrimination.
Key Takeaways
- Always call former landlords, not just current ones, as current landlords may provide positive reviews just to get rid of a troublesome tenant.
- Standardize your questions for every applicant to ensure consistency.
- Document all conversations in writing for your records.
- Be wary of vague answers that suggest a tenant left under strained circumstances.