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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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