When you are looking over tenant applications for your rental property, you hope that the applicants have provided real and honest answers. You care about the property that you are lending out, and you don’t want just anyone living there. However, sometimes people will use their friends or family as references because of one reason or another. So, here are a few tips on how to spot fake landlord references on an application.

Inquire About Available Properties

One thing that most fake references do not think about is anything other than the “approval call.” Fake references are simply looking to help their friend and move on. However, a good way to test the waters is to call and ask the reference if they have any available properties. If they act confused or seem like they don’t know what’s going on, these are red flags. A real landlord will simply give a “yes” or a “no.” However, you can also avoid any awkward confrontation by just looking them up online. Most landlord names are listed on their property management websites. If the name isn’t connected to anything property management-related, you know that the reference might be fake.

Ask for Specifics

Ask simple but specific questions relevant to tenant payment history and property condition. If they cannot give you specific information related to your questions, they may not be legit.

Turn to Facebook

If you notice that the “landlord” is tagged with the potential tenant, the reference is probably not valid. Most landlords are not hanging out with their tenants. You can also cross-reference the provided phone number for more info. You can either google the phone number to find the attached website and property management name, or check the address the tenant listed, and see if the numbers match up. In some situations, you just can’t be sure, especially with landlords who only managed a few tenants. However, you can get a good idea of what’s going on by putting in a little work.

If you want to take the guesswork out of tenant screening, contact RPM Evolve today and find out why we are the #1 most trusted property management company in Phoenix. We only place highly qualified tenants in our rental properties. Every application receives careful screening, with background & financial checks. Contact us online or call (602) 368-5730 today!

‍