writing a reference about a tenant
Discussion
Where do we stand with the following background of having a tenant that we would not re-let to because of a history of rent arrears although now all paid, court possession order for the 1 sept because she did not vacate when required and a property that has not been looked after ie is a mess.
We have been asked to write a reference about her. I understand that so long as its truthful there should be no comeback but I would sooner just not write a reference at all.
I can not think that there is any requirement for us to provide any reference (good/bad/neutral) but wanted to get the wisdom of the PH massive. I don't want to be actively vindictive by giving a negative reference although recognise that just not given a reference may have the same effect but wanted to be solid on my thinking of just not replying to the reference and being no come back on us.
We have been asked to write a reference about her. I understand that so long as its truthful there should be no comeback but I would sooner just not write a reference at all.
I can not think that there is any requirement for us to provide any reference (good/bad/neutral) but wanted to get the wisdom of the PH massive. I don't want to be actively vindictive by giving a negative reference although recognise that just not given a reference may have the same effect but wanted to be solid on my thinking of just not replying to the reference and being no come back on us.
It's not vindictive if it is the truth.
Why would you not want to warn the next landlord? Not providing a reference doesn't give the landlord enough detail to decide if it is worth going ahead with that tenant. He could just think you're being petty because you were being unreasonable and lost a deposit dispute, or something similar. It doesn't give them any information to work with.
For them to behave like that and even put you down as a refence is amazing.
Why would you not want to warn the next landlord? Not providing a reference doesn't give the landlord enough detail to decide if it is worth going ahead with that tenant. He could just think you're being petty because you were being unreasonable and lost a deposit dispute, or something similar. It doesn't give them any information to work with.
For them to behave like that and even put you down as a refence is amazing.
talksthetorque said:
Are you still in dispute over the rent?
"Due to current legal procedings between myself and the tenant regarding unpaid rent, I am unable to provide a reference"
From all the responses here this is the line I used to use for my extenants who I wouldn't give a ref for. I have also been known to contact the ref requester (where a landlord directly) and speak to them off the record"Due to current legal procedings between myself and the tenant regarding unpaid rent, I am unable to provide a reference"
Wouldn't you have appreciated a heads up before taking them on, then help the next landlord out!
You are not in legal proceedings if I understand correctly so saying so would not be smart.
Why not state the indisputable facts, or say "I would like to give a reference but have nothing positive to say"?
You are not in legal proceedings if I understand correctly so saying so would not be smart.
Why not state the indisputable facts, or say "I would like to give a reference but have nothing positive to say"?
its an online reference request ie from a referencing company. with tick boxes - unless all boxes are ticked it wont progress further. So no option to give a partial reference either all of nothing.
If a reference is not forthcoming then the referencing agency will need to read into that what common sense should say to them.
Decided not to reply to them. Thx
If a reference is not forthcoming then the referencing agency will need to read into that what common sense should say to them.
Decided not to reply to them. Thx
superlightr said:
its an online reference request ie from a referencing company. with tick boxes - unless all boxes are ticked it wont progress further. So no option to give a partial reference either all of nothing.
If a reference is not forthcoming then the referencing agency will need to read into that what common sense should say to them.
Decided not to reply to them. Thx
Rather cowardly in my opinion.If a reference is not forthcoming then the referencing agency will need to read into that what common sense should say to them.
Decided not to reply to them. Thx
Dromedary66 said:
superlightr said:
its an online reference request ie from a referencing company. with tick boxes - unless all boxes are ticked it wont progress further. So no option to give a partial reference either all of nothing.
If a reference is not forthcoming then the referencing agency will need to read into that what common sense should say to them.
Decided not to reply to them. Thx
Rather cowardly in my opinion.If a reference is not forthcoming then the referencing agency will need to read into that what common sense should say to them.
Decided not to reply to them. Thx
Unfortunately it seems that it could just be seen as an oversight rather than a refusal to give a reference. Clearly not a good tenant and you're well rid. Some sympathy for tenant if struggling to get a new let but maybe a lesson learned. We might all struggle financially from time to time but over staying your welcome and leaving the place in a state is just plain
ishness.superlightr said:
its an online reference request ie from a referencing company. with tick boxes - unless all boxes are ticked it wont progress further. So no option to give a partial reference either all of nothing.
If a reference is not forthcoming then the referencing agency will need to read into that what common sense should say to them.
Decided not to reply to them. Thx
Or they'll just think you ignored it/are lazy/didn't get it etc and will chase it up, probably by phone. Or they'll just say to the landlord that they tried getting hold of you for a reference, but couldn't, and what would he like to do? To which he may just decide to go along with it.If a reference is not forthcoming then the referencing agency will need to read into that what common sense should say to them.
Decided not to reply to them. Thx
There is almost always the option to call them up and give a verbal reference as well, and usually, there is a comments box in the form asking you if there is any other information that would help them/landlord make a decision. Or something like that.
Your attitude relating to this is quite strange. You have the ability to help another person make an informed opinion that could affect them financially and you choose to do nothing.
What do you have to lose by providing an honest reference?
brrapp said:
I always answered as fully as possible as I would hope to get a warning if the boot was on the other foot.
Only problem is if they are still your tenant and you are desperate to get rid. Do you lie to encourage someone else to take them off your hands?
Court Bailff booked for the 1st to evict with police if reqd. Only problem is if they are still your tenant and you are desperate to get rid. Do you lie to encourage someone else to take them off your hands?
risk/reward - don't think being cowardly is appropriate in a business sense.
We don't want the potential of the hassle by giving a bad reference hence why not to give a reference at all. Had one issue of defamation which fizzled out in the past by giving a bad reference even though truthful but only because of a time lapse of 12 mths otherwise we would have had to defend which costs even if truthful.
As an agency if we don't get a landlords reference back in then we would not let to that person - we would infer that as they have not replied it would not be positive.
Edited by superlightr on Tuesday 23 August 14:27
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