Reference questions

Full screening guide here.

Contact a potential tenants reference to confirm the information the tenants have provided in their application is true and correct but also you should use this time to get extra clarity about whether the tenant can pay the rent and look after the house.

You can call or email your questions. Calling is typically most effective for a more honest/raw response.

You can use the questions below for either phone calling or emailing.

Phone Introduction script:

Hello, it's [your name] here. I’m just calling up for a quick rental reference for [tenant name/s]. Could I please speak to [name provided on application]. I have a few questions if you don't mind me asking.

Depending on reference type ask the following questions:

  Current Owner / Agent

1. Confirm the information from the application

• The rental property address
• When they moved in and if they’re currently living there
• Rent amount

2. What were they generally like as tenants?

3. Did they look after the house?

4. How was the house presented for routine inspections?

5. Did they have any pets? What were they like?

6. Did they pay rent on time (every time)?

7. Can you send me a copy of the rent ledger showing all rent payments?

8. Do you think they’ll get the full bond back?

9. Is there anything I should know about them?

10. Would you rent to them again?

Previous Owner / Agent

Same as above but you would ask if they got their full bond back and ask how they were like to deal with after they moved out (when refunding the bond money).

Current Employer

1. Confirm the following from your application.

• Business name
• Position title
• When the tenant started and confirm they still work there
• Full time, part time or casual?
• Income (after tax).

2. What is [tenant name] like overall as an employee?

3. Do you think [tenant name] will be working for you in 6 months time?

4. From the information you know, IF you had a rental property, would you rent a property to [tenant name]?

Previous Employer

1. Confirm the following from your application.

• Business name
• Position title
• When the tenant started and left
• Full time, part time or casual?

2. What was [tenant name] like overall as an employee?

3. Why did [tenant name] leave?

4. Would you give [tenant name] his/her job back if he/her wanted it?

5. From the information you know, IF you had a rental property, would you rent a property to [tenant name]?

If Self employed

It’s a good idea to speak with their accountant however as their accountant works for them they are likely to be biased. Ask to view their previous 2 tax returns as well. If they have not been in business for at least 2 years you might need to consider another tenant unless they are willing to pay 6 months rent in advance.