Frequently Asked Questions

Landlord-Reference.com is proud to have a conscientious and dedicated service team working for you. Our support team is ready to answer your questions

Renter FAQs

  • Who has access to my data?

    Your data is only viewable by you, your previous landlord who input the data, and landlord of the unit for which you are applying.

  • How do you protect my data?

    Our system was developed with the latest security features to ensure the most secure environment. Our company’s very existence is dependent upon ruthlessly securing and managing your personal data.

  • How can I challenge non-factual data?

    The process was developed to ensure data integrity. If you believe that listed information is not factual / incorrect, you are able to formally challenge the data within your Landlord-Reference for each and every rental address. The system will then require that the data source’s Landlord address your challenge.

  • What if I do not want Landlords to see my Landlord-Reference?

    Prospective landlords are able to speak with your former landlords today. Our process makes it easier and faster for a landlord to view your rental history. The faster and easier your background can be verified, the greater the likelihood you will be selected as the winning applicant.

    You are able to easily block everyone from viewing your Landlord-Reference by simply selecting the Decline button in the Rental Release section accessible on your dashboard.. Please know that approved landlords are able to see if a Landlord-Reference exists for you. Their inability to review your information may impact your ability to rent your desired unit.

  • How frequently can I review my Landlord-Reference?

    You can view your data as often as you like. The site is available 24/7/365.

  • What does it cost me to review my Landlord-Reference?

    $0.00. There is no cost to you for reviewing your own Landlord-Reference.

  • How do I add previous rentals that are not listed?

    You are correct in your thinking in that the more complete your rental history, the more comfortable the landlord will be with renting their unit to you.

    Within your Landlord-Reference below the last address, there is a button to add additional addresses in order to make your Landlord-Reference as robust and complete as possible.

  • Am I able to look up other renters' Landlord-References?

    No. The system protects an individual’s data by restricting access to the specific person and the landlords with whom they are applying for a rental unit.

  • What do I do if my Landlord-Reference reveals issues / problems I had at previous rentals?

    Please know that most people have had issues. Landlords just want to do all they can to manage their financial and legal risk. The best thing you can do is be up front with them, allow them to see your Landlord-Reference, and explain to them why your past is not an accurate view of your future. You may want to offer to pay a larger security deposit or higher rent to accommodate any additional risk you may bring.

    The best thing you can do is be the Best Renter possible to improve your Landlord-Reference as quickly as possible. As a landlord, I care less about what happened 10 years ago and much more about what happened during the previous few years.

  • What can I do to be the Best Renter possible and ensure a strong Landlord-Reference?
    Payments:
    • Pay your rent on time every month.
    • Pay your fees (late fees, etc.) as quickly as possible.
    Actions:
    • Never lie!
    • Put yourself in the landlord’s shoes. What would “Landlord-you” want “Renter-you” to do?
    • Follow every rule listed in your lease. Otherwise, your lease may be cancelled requiring you to move out. Please know that every lease is different so be sure to read your current lease to understand its contained rules and regulations.
    • If you notice that something is broken, leaking or appears to not be right, notify the landlord immediately
    • Do not cause damage to the apartment and if you do, tell the landlord so that they can fix it correctly versus needing to “fix” it twice.
    • When moving out, clean the apartment well enough so that anyone would be comfortable moving into it in that condition.
    • When your lease is approaching its expiration, let the landlord know as early as possible your interest in signing a new lease or not signing a new lease. This helps them better prepare and reduce vacancies.
    • If you want to get a pet during the lease, get the landlord’s permission. If they say no, offer additional pet security deposit ($150 is common) and monthly pet rent ($25 is common).
    Communication:
    • Notify your landlord if your rent is going to be late. Landlords know things happen and they just want to be informed. Landlords may be willing to credit late fees if it is a rare occurrence and you communicated well.
    • Ask the landlord if they have any special requests for you as a renter. This can include what to use to clean the bathroom fixtures and how to best hang pictures on the walls.
    • Your landlord is not your enemy. They want you to have a safe and enjoyable experience living in their rental unit. Just communicate with them and let them know what is going on. You cannot hide as they know where you live so just be open and honest with them so they do not automatically think the worst. The less a landlord thinks about the property and their renters, the happier they are.

Landlord / Screener FAQs

  • I am nervous of Renters’ backlash. Am I at risk legally if I submit a Landlord-Reference for my Renter?

    No. Landlord-Reference prevents a renter’s Landlord-Reference from being viewable by anyone other than the renter until the renter approves it. Therefore, you are at very minimal risk. However as we all know, the US legal system allows anyone to sue anyone for anything. But, it is very unlikely that an attorney will take on a client when our process is set up to fully ensure the renter has full and complete control of their personal information.

    Even if the renter has not granted access to anyone, you are able to record their Landlord-Reference at the time of their departure while the information is still fresh in your mind. This information will be stored so that when the renter agrees to enable access, your reference will be available for review.

    The Landlord-Reference form limits its questions / collected data to factual information (objective facts) versus opinions or beliefs (subjective data). These specifically chosen questions limit a Landlord’s exposure as these facts can be fully proven with data (deposit slips, documents, photos, etc.) as needed.

  • Is this Landlord-Reference tool legal?

    Yes. Landlord references are regularly gathered today through telephone conversations between the prospective Landlord and the applicant’s previous Landlord. Our system and its integrated questions were developed using current best practices while also fully ensuring that the data collected is limited to facts versus opinions.

    A truthful Landlord-Reference prevents a successful libel suit. According to Merriam-Webster, Libel is defined as: the act of publishing a false statement that causes people to have a bad opinion of someone.

    Landlord-Reference.com was specifically developed within the guidelines required to operate as a Nationwide Specialty Consumer Reporting Agency. One requirement is that renters be able to easily review and challenge data captured in their personal record. This process is similar to the ability to review and challenge one’s FICO Credit Score.

  • What do I do if a Renter challenges the accuracy of my Landlord-Reference for them?

    First of all, review the information you entered to ensure you were being absolutely factual. If the information is inaccurate, simply update it so that it is accurate. If the information was correct, address each area of the renter’s challenge by replying in the box provided, as well as by providing / uploading supporting information.

    For example, if the renter challenges the fact that they caused excessive damage, upload photos of the damage to provide support for your claim. We encourage landlords to add photos and supporting data when the reference is originally completed (upon renter’s move out) in order to make the process easier.

    If the renter challenges your records of Bounced Checks / NSFs, upload copies of the financial records providing proof of your assessment.

    In very rare circumstances, you and the renter may fail to come to an agreement. In this situation, future landlords will be able to view the challenge and the perspectives of both you and the renter in order to make their informed decision.

  • If an applicant’s former landlords create new Landlord-References after I purchase their Landlord-Reference report, will I be able to see these newly added Landlord-References?

    Yes. The purchased Landlord-Reference report automatically updates to reflect the applicant’s most up-to-date Landlord-References.

  • What do I do if the Applicant does not have a Landlord-Reference in the system?

    The system provides one of three results of your search.

    1. Landlord-Reference(s) are AVAILABLE for purchase
    2. Landlord-Reference(s) are AVAILABLE for this applicant but the applicant has not signed their Rental Release to allow you to purchase and review them
    3. This Applicant DOES NOT have any Landlord-References.

    If the result is:

    #2: Click on the resulting Notify Applicant button to send a system-generated email to remind them to sign their rental release so you can complete your evaluation of their application.

    #3: Click the resulting Notify Applicant button to send a system-generated email requesting the applicant to contact their current and former landlords to provide them.

  • What do I do if the applicant’s Landlord-Reference shows negative information?

    A Landlord-Reference is intended to provide you with more information about an applicant. You may choose to lease to a renter with negative information in their Landlord-Reference depending upon the age of the information. If someone had issues 10 years ago but has had strong performance since, they pose less risk than someone who has negative reports from last year.

    You may also welcome less than perfect renters as everyone needs a place to live. You can minimize the additional risks of this applicant by requiring additional security deposit or higher rent. The goal of this service is to enable landlords to make better decisions and enable everyone to get an apartment – even though some people may have to pay more than others. This decision can be equated to the loan process. Applicants with lower FICO scores (“550”) will pay more in fees and higher interest rates than applicants with higher FICO scores (“720”) to accommodate higher risks. Another example is Auto insurance. Applicants with driving infractions or a history of accidents will pay more for insurance. Higher Risks regularly lead to Higher Costs.

  • I often worry about the validity of Landlord-References since the name and telephone numbers are provided by the applicants. How does this system ensure that the Landlord-Reference was created by the Landlord versus a friend or family member?

    The system requires everyone to complete the integrated identity verification process before they are given access to the site to both enter and view data. The system retains the information of the person entering the Landlord-Reference information to ensure its integrity and value

  • Am I able to get a refund for a Landlord-Reference?

    No. If Applicant’s Landlord-Reference does not exist, you are unable to make a purchase. All sales are final.