How to verify that a referee details are genuine

Landlord Discussion
1

Hello all,

I had a recent experience that made me doubt whether the email address I normally request to verify current and past landlord for the last 2 years (or more if the current landlord was the same in the last 2 years) can actually be a complete made-up email address. I am clearly referring to the reference process when you screen a tenant.

It is a personal email address and even if I do an online search to verify the identity of the supposed landlord either I can’t find anything about him or, even if I do, who tells me that he is indeed the landlord and not a friend or a complete made-up email address pretending to be the landlord?

Is there any private landlord out there taking control of this part of the reference process who is dealing with this matter in a different way than I do that gives you a little bit more peace of mind?

Thank you for your precious input,

Simonetta

1 Like
2

Of course easy to make up email address. I don’t see how you can be sure it’s a previous/current landlord. You can’t really start asking for proof.

Current landlord reference is useless in my opinion regardless as if a bad tenant they will not admit to it as they want rid.

I have found most useful references are previous estate agents.

12 months bank statements can tell you a lot. IE rent going out on time, also visiting where they live now.

2 Likes
3

Thanks Mark. I thought so but wanted to double-check in case I missed something.
Totally agreed that current landlords are not useful.
Interesting you ask for 12m bank statements. At the moment I’m asking for 6m but perhaps I should update this

4

mark10 is spot on.
i normally check my own references , these agency checkers are just box tickers and have no interest in anything further.
just have a list of say 5 questions but anything doesnt sound quite right drill down on that.
of course if a tenant is still in that landlords property and they want them out they may be reticent about mentioning the tenants shortcomings

5

Thanks. I do have my list of questions for the past landlord. The problem is that you have no guarantee you are actually speaking to the actual landlord. It is just a personal email address and when it gets to landlord reference checks it just dawned on me it is a pure matter of trust that the person replying is who they are supposed to be: the past landlord :slight_smile:
The landlord check is an important reference because if they are financially solvent but they wreck the flat that’s not good news…

6

Ask to see previous tenancy agreement with said Landlords name and address on it.

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7

Ah what a lovely idea! I would come across as a bit pedantic but this would definitely give me peace of mind. Thanks David

8

Do a land registry search on the previous landlords’ property to verify they are the owner.

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9

Good idea! Thanks Chris. Would you know if there is a charge for a Land Registry search?

10

i think it is £3. but not much

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11

Thanks Colin. That’s another good idea

12

I recall it was £2 a few years back, but Colin3 is probably more up to date.

Either way it’s a very cheap checking process.

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Wonderful! Thanks Chris

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That’s good idea, as I have been taken for a ride with landlord’s email. When the tenant left after a year without paying rent for the last 6 weeks and damaging the property, like lock, toilet seat and kitchen drawers broken, he did not want me as a referee. He had laughed and said referee are easy to get.

15

You don’t need an Official Copy which is admissible in court (£7) - just the £3 online Title Register of the address. (Unless it’s gone up in the last couple of years?)

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