Reference Questions..?

[madjohn]

Hello!

I have searched this forum section (Rental Property Questions) and although I have found some excellent snippets of information, I haven't been able to find a thread dedicated to my question...

What sort of questions should I be asking a given Reference (referee) when following up?

I have a few lined up:

How do you know the <tenant in question>?
How long have you known <tenant in question>?
Has <tenant in question> always paid thier rent on time?
How did <tenant in question> treat their tenancy and house?

^ Some questions are for previous landlords and others generic.

I must be missing some obvious ones, too! :o Can anyone help add to this list, please?
Perhaps some to ask the guaruntor, too?

Thanks.

[Paragon]

I now always get a photocopy of their drivers license or passport and an original utility bill from last residence. Just to be sure they are who they say they are.

[DianeB]

I agree Paragon, especially the utility bill. Also, I personally would certainly be cautious of a new tenant who was previously staying with relatives/friends. It was mentioned on a previous thread that some ex-landlords may write a glowing reference just to offload an unwanted tenant. Present company excepted of course!