Securing an apartment lease requires more than just a security deposit and a signed contract; the reference check is a highly scrutinized component of the application process. Property managers rely on these contacts to mitigate risk by gathering outside assessments of an applicant’s history. The goal is to confirm an applicant’s reliability, stability, and adherence to housing rules before committing to a tenancy agreement. Applicants who understand which contacts provide the most compelling endorsement significantly enhance their chances of approval.
The Essential References
Previous landlords are universally regarded as the most persuasive reference because they offer direct evidence of tenancy behavior. They confirm the applicant’s history of adhering to lease terms, including how they maintained the property and interacted with neighbors. This testimony about past performance is the most reliable predictor of future tenancy.
Property managers prioritize questions about the applicant’s payment history, specifically whether rent was paid on time and in full. They also verify if the applicant gave proper notice before vacating and if the security deposit was returned because the unit was left in good condition. An endorsement from a former property manager acts as a powerful assurance of responsible residency.
The second tier of sought-after references comes from current or former employers, which directly addresses financial stability. Landlords need assurance that the applicant has a consistent, verifiable source of income to meet the monthly financial obligation of the lease. This reference confirms that the stated income is accurate and ongoing.
An employer reference verifies the applicant’s job title, dates of employment, and current salary or hourly wage. While they usually cannot discuss performance reviews, they confirm job stability, which indicates the applicant’s long-term ability to pay rent. A stable employment history suggests a lower risk of default during the lease term.
Alternative and Character References
Applicants who are first-time renters, recent graduates, or those who have lived with family may not possess standard landlord history. In these situations, property managers accept character and professional references to gauge reliability and responsibility. These alternatives provide a necessary substitute when direct tenancy history is unavailable.
Suitable character references include university professors, academic advisors, professional mentors, or long-term colleagues. These individuals can speak to the applicant’s punctuality, work ethic, and ability to meet deadlines, which are transferable indicators of reliability. A professor who oversaw a student’s long-term project can attest to consistent performance over time.
Long-term, non-relative friends who have known the applicant for several years can serve as effective character references. These contacts can describe the applicant’s demeanor, organizational skills, and financial prudence, offering a personal dimension. The relationship must be non-familial and established enough to offer a credible, outside perspective.
Who Not to Use
Applicants should avoid listing immediate family members, such as parents, siblings, or spouses, as references. Property managers understand that these individuals have an inherent bias and cannot provide an objective assessment of the applicant’s financial or personal habits. A landlord will disregard any reference provided by a blood relative.
Current roommates should be excluded from the reference list, particularly if they are not the landlord or property owner. While they know the applicant’s living habits, their testimony is often viewed as self-serving, especially if the applicant is moving out of a shared lease. The assessment must come from an individual not directly tied to the applicant’s living situation.
Preparing Your References for the Call
Before submitting any application, the applicant must contact each potential reference and explicitly ask for permission to use their name and contact information. Submitting a reference without prior consent is unprofessional and may result in the contact refusing to speak with the property manager. Confirming willingness ensures a smooth verification process.
Once permission is granted, the applicant should provide the reference with specific context about the application. This includes the name of the property management company, the city of the apartment, and the approximate time frame for contact. This preparation allows the reference to anticipate the call or email and answer promptly.
Applicants should remind their former landlord or employer of the positive aspects of their history together. For a former landlord, this means recalling consistent on-time rent payments or the unit’s excellent condition upon move-out. This reminder helps them frame their response positively when the property manager calls.
It is important to verify the reference’s current phone number and email address, ensuring all information provided on the application is accurate. A single digit error or an outdated email can cause significant delays or lead the property manager to assume the reference is fabricated. Confirming availability is also wise, especially if the reference is traveling.
What Landlords Verify
When contacting a previous landlord, the property manager’s goal is to verify the dates of tenancy and the monthly rental rate paid. They specifically inquire about the promptness and consistency of rent payments, seeking confirmation that the applicant never fell into arrears. This financial history check is often weighted heavily during the review.
Beyond financial matters, landlords will ask about the tenant’s overall behavior and adherence to community rules. Questions focus on whether the tenant caused excessive noise, received complaints from neighbors, or caused property damage beyond normal wear and tear. A positive answer confirms the applicant is a respectful and responsible community member.
For employer references, the verification is straightforward and focused on financial capability. The property manager confirms the dates of employment and the applicant’s current employment status. They also verify the current salary or income to ensure it meets the standard income-to-rent ratio, which is typically three times the monthly rent.