Can A Landlords Give A Bad Reference? (Find Out Now!)

Tom Gaffey
by Tom Gaffey

When you have a negative experience with a landlord you may be highly motivated and excited to find a new place. Perhaps you have even found a great new spot to live, but the new landlord is asking for a reference. Even if you were a good tenant, you may ask yourself, “Can a landlord give a bad reference?”

A landlord can give a bad reference if the facts presented in the reference are true. If your landlord documents specific incidents that make you look bad, but they are verifiable, he or she can do so. It is illegal for a landlord to tell lies in a letter of reference. If you are worried about your landlord’s reference, you may try reaching out first.

Facts Are Facts

When a landlord gives you a reference it is within their right to write a reference that is factual and accurately reflects you as a tenant. When you ask a former landlord for a reference you should know the types of factual information they can include. This can help you know whether or not your landlord will potentially write you a good or bad reference.

Often a landlord will reference rent check payments if they were late or incorrect. These are easily verified facts. If the police were called, or if you had been in proven violation of the lease your landlord has the right to disclose this as well.

References Should Not Be Emotional

Your landlord can include facts, and even stories about times you lived there. These stories can be examples of the type of tenant you were. The reference should not, however, be overly emotional or subjective.

Emotions are feelings, which are subjective. A landlord should do his or her best to keep emotions out of an official reference letter. If your landlord was particularly emotional, be sure to remind him or her lying on a reference is illegal.

Lies Are Illegal

A landlord is allowed to leave a factual reference. It can be as detailed or as specific as the landlord chooses to make it. Your landlord can even choose to give you no reference at all. What your landlord can not do, however, is lie in a letter or reference.

If a landlord writes lies on your reference he may be breaking the law. Innocent mistakes may occur (perhaps he got some data wrong), but fragrant lies are absolutely illegal. In fact, if you find out you did not receive an apartment because your landlord lied then you may be able to sue.

If you incurred damages because of the difficulty you had finding a place your landlord can be found liable. When you believe your landlord has lied on a reference letter and you are struggling to find a place to live it may be wise to seek legal advice.

If You Are Worried, Reach Out

If you are concerned that your landlord may write something unbecoming then you may consider reaching out. When there was nothing flagrant in your past but perhaps there is bad blood, try clearing the air.

Often time helps to heal a wound. This can be true with landlord-tenant relationships as well. Reach out and clear the air. Perhaps there was a disagreement over who should pay for repairs when you moved out. See if there is any loose end you can help tie up, and perhaps your landlord will see you more favorably than before.

Be Proactive With Evidence

Your landlord may not paint you in the best light. If you think this may occur then be ready with your side of the story. In addition to your landlord’s reference you can provide all your rental payment receipts.

You can show all the steps you took to be a good tenant in your last apartment. Landlords often understand there are two sides to each story. Also, showing proper documentation shows that you are organized and professional, which are usually desirable qualities in a tenant.

Include Other References

It is wise to get ahead of the issue if you are worried your landlord will give you a bad reference. If you are worried your landlord will mention you are unreliable, try and find someone who will prove the opposite. There are several types of people in your life you can reach out to in order to provide an additional character reference.

Someone You Have History With

History can go a long way. Finding someone you have known and grown with for many years is a great way for your landlord to get to know you through a letter.

Ask Your Employer

An employer reference is great for two reasons. On one hand, it helps show you in a professional light. On the other hand, it shows that you value your work and will be reliable when it comes to earning money.

Someone From A Respected Field

If you know any prominent individuals in law enforcement, politics or even real estate, you may want to ask them for a reference. Having a reference from a respected individual can go far in the application process.

Moving On From A Bad Reference

Be Honest About The Past

Honesty really is the best policy. Landlords have seen all types of applicants. One way of standing out is being polite and honest with your prospective landlord. Perhaps you explain what happened with your former landlord and explain why that issue will never occur again.

Find a Co-signer Who Looks Great On Paper

If you know that a bad reference may not help you look good on paper then perhaps you should find someone who does. Maybe you can have a close friend or family member co-sign for you, let your landlord know. If you tell your landlord ahead of time you have a reliable co-signer he or she may run their report as well. This can often significantly improve your chances at getting an apartment, even with a bad reference.

Offer a Bigger Cash Deposit

Money talks. If you are looking to sign a lease and you think your landlord may be skeptical of you, get ahead of the problem. If your credit is new or not, the best you can offer is to pay a larger security deposit, or perhaps you pay the first month and the last two months rent upfront.

This financial conversation can be had with the landlord or leasing office. Often landlords and leasing offices have set policies, but it can not hurt to ask.

Prove Your Reliable With Income and Work Ethic

If you have not proven yourself as reliable in the past it can be great to show you changed. Perhaps you are worried about a landlord giving you a bad reference in regards to payments or timelines, get a reference from your employer. A detailed reference showing your work ethic from your supervisor can not hurt. Showing consistent documented income for a long stretch of time also makes you look more desirable.


Related Questions

What do I do if I have no Rental History and I need a Reference?

When you are looking for your first apartment you may find several roadblocks. Your credit may be very young, your income may be low and you also may not have any rental references. If your future landlord is asking for references from your prior landlords, remember to be honest.When you have never rented an apartment before, tell your landlord that. If you just graduated college you may be able to offer a reference from your R.A. who oversaw you while living in a dormitory. You can ask for a letter from a college advisor or if you are out of high school maybe a guidance counselor or employer. Be creative and do not give up.


Do I Have To Pay For A Credit Check On An Apartment Application?

It is very common for landlords and rental companies to run a credit check on applicants. In addition to references, credit checks are a good way for a potential landlord to know you. Sometimes you will be asked to pay a fee for the rental company or landlord to run your credit report.This is legal. Although there are several free services, your landlord may use a specific company that they like. This may cost money.  Before you pay this fee you should be sure you are a good candidate. If you do not meet the income or credit requirements you may be paying for this credit check for no reason. 


Will An Eviction Show Up In A Background Check?

Evictions will often show up in a background check. If a landlord is diligent on checking rental history or even credit history then he or she will likely discover if you have ever been evicted.In addition to showing up in your rental history, evictions can also show up on your rental history if you were at all delinquent in payments. It is wise to do all you can to remove these delinquent payments to both improve your credit score and how you look as a tenant.

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Tom Gaffey
Tom Gaffey

Tom Gaffey is an expert writer who currently resides in Washington D.C. Tom has a passion for real estate and home improvement writing, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. He lived the last twelve years in Hawaii where he worked closely with luxury resorts and event planners, mastering his knowledge of aesthetics and luxury products. This is where he found his passion for home improvement and a keen interest in DIY projects. Currently, Tom resides in Washington D.C, and also working on his debut fiction novel.

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