5 Key Questions to Ask Former Landlords During Tenant Reference Check

Finding a suitable tenant is an important part of letting a property. For landlords in Newport, Cardiff and across South Wales, thorough tenant referencing can help build a clearer picture of an applicant's previous rental history and their suitability for a new tenancy.

One useful part of this process is contacting a previous landlord. A reference can provide insight into how a tenancy was managed, whether rent payments were made as agreed and the condition of the property when the tenant left.

However, not every applicant will have rented before, and a previous landlord reference should always be considered alongside other relevant checks.

At RedKey, we understand the importance of a structured approach to tenant referencing and property management. Here are five useful questions landlords should consider asking a former landlord before agreeing to a new tenancy.

1. How Long Did the Tenant Live at the Property?

Understanding how long an applicant lived in their previous rental property can help establish their rental history.

For example, if the applicant stayed for several years, the former landlord may be able to explain how the tenancy progressed over time. If the tenancy was relatively short, it may be helpful to understand the circumstances surrounding the move.

Useful follow-up questions include:

• What were the tenancy start and end dates?

• Did the tenancy end as planned?

• Was the property vacated in accordance with the agreed arrangements?

• Was there any relevant information about the end of the tenancy that a new landlord should understand?

It is important not to assume that a short tenancy is necessarily a concern. Tenants move for many reasons, including changes in employment, personal circumstances or a desire to relocate.

The aim is to establish an accurate picture of the applicant's rental history rather than draw conclusions based on the length of a previous tenancy alone.

2. How Much Rent Was the Tenant Paying?

Asking about the rent charged during a previous tenancy can provide useful context when assessing an applicant for a new property.

For example, if the proposed rent is significantly higher than the applicant's previous rent, it may be worth ensuring that the affordability assessment adequately reflects their current financial circumstances.

Questions to consider include:

• What was the monthly rent?

• Were there any agreed changes to the rent during the tenancy?

• Can you confirm the tenancy dates and rental arrangements?

However, previous rent alone cannot establish whether someone can afford a new tenancy. Their current income, regular financial commitments and the proposed rent should be considered through an appropriate affordability assessment.

A tenant may have experienced a change in salary, moved to a different employment arrangement or chosen a property that better suits their current circumstances.

For landlords, the important consideration is whether the applicant can reasonably meet the proposed rental payments, supported by relevant evidence and consistent referencing criteria.

3. Were Rent Payments Made on Time?

Rent payment history is one of the most relevant areas to explore during a former landlord reference.

Understanding whether rent was generally paid as agreed can help landlords assess an applicant's previous rental conduct. If payments were late or arrears arose, it is useful to understand the circumstances rather than consider the issue in isolation.

You could ask:

• Was rent generally paid in accordance with the tenancy agreement?

• Were any rent arrears recorded during the tenancy?

• If arrears arose, were they subsequently resolved?

• Was there any agreed payment arrangement, and was it maintained?

The answers should be considered fairly and in context. A previous payment difficulty does not automatically mean an applicant will be unable to manage a new tenancy.

Where appropriate, landlords should also consider the results of affordability checks and other relevant financial information.

It is worth distinguishing rent payment history from utility bills or other household expenses. A former landlord may not have direct knowledge of whether a tenant paid every utility bill on time, so this should not be assumed from a landlord reference.

4. How Well Did the Tenant Look After the Property?

A former landlord may be able to provide helpful information about the property's condition during and at the end of the tenancy.

This can be particularly useful when assessing an applicant's previous approach to looking after a rented home.

Consider asking:

• Was the property generally maintained in a reasonable condition?

• Were any damage or repair issues reported during the tenancy?

• Were maintenance concerns communicated appropriately?

• What was the property's condition when the tenant moved out, taking fair wear and tear into account?

It is important to ask for specific examples if concerns are raised. General statements about a tenant being untidy or difficult may be subjective and do not necessarily provide a complete picture.

Landlords should also distinguish between tenant damage and issues arising from normal use, age, disrepair or the landlord's own maintenance responsibilities.

Where available, check-out reports, inventory records and relevant photographs may help provide additional context.

A fair and evidence-based assessment is more useful than relying solely on a former landlord's personal opinion.

5. Who Was Named on the Previous Tenancy Agreement?

Confirming who was named on the previous tenancy agreement can help establish the applicant's rental history and clarify the arrangements under which the property was occupied.

Useful questions include:

• Who was named on the tenancy agreement?

• What were the start and end dates of the agreement?

• Was the applicant a sole tenant or one of several joint tenants?

• Can you confirm the applicant's role in the tenancy?

This information can help verify the details supplied during the application process.

If an applicant previously shared a property with other tenants, that fact alone should not be treated as a positive or negative indicator of suitability. Nor should a former landlord be asked to speculate about personal relationships.

For a new tenancy, the landlord should establish who will occupy the property, who will be named on the agreement and what arrangements are appropriate for the proposed household.

Any future request to add another occupier or tenant should be considered in accordance with the tenancy terms and applicable legal requirements.

What If an Applicant Has No Previous Landlord Reference?

Not every prospective tenant will have a rental history. First-time renters, people moving out of the family home and applicants relocating from overseas may not be able to provide a previous landlord reference.

In these circumstances, landlords and letting agents can consider other appropriate evidence, depending on the applicant's circumstances.

This may include:

• Employment or income references.

• Affordability assessments.

• Identity verification.

• Other relevant references where appropriate.

• Additional information needed to establish the applicant's circumstances.

The same relevant selection criteria should be applied consistently, while allowing for reasonable differences in the evidence available.

A lack of previous rental history does not automatically make someone unsuitable. The aim is to gather enough reliable information to make an informed decision about the proposed tenancy.

Why Professional Tenant Referencing Matters

Contacting a former landlord is only one part of a thorough tenant referencing process. Landlords should also consider affordability, identity verification and other relevant checks before agreeing to a tenancy.

Working with a professional letting agent can help organise these steps, obtain references and keep the application process moving.

For landlords in Newport and across South Wales, it is also important to understand the legal requirements that apply when letting a property in Wales. These may include landlord registration and licensing where applicable, property safety requirements and obligations under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016.

Landlords should confirm which checks and services are included in their letting agent's package rather than assume every responsibility is automatically covered.

At RedKey, we specialise in residential lettings and property management, helping landlords navigate the process of marketing their properties, finding tenants and managing ongoing tenancy responsibilities.

Looking for a Letting Agent in Newport or South Wales?

If you are preparing to let a property, need help finding suitable tenants or would like support with ongoing property management, RedKey can discuss the services available to you.

Our team can help you understand the letting process and the steps involved in preparing your property for a new tenancy.

Contact RedKey Lettings & Property Management

21 Bridge Street, Newport, NP20 4AN

Telephone: 01633 387970

Website: https://redkeylets.co.uk/contact

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a landlord ask a previous landlord during a reference check?

Useful questions include how long the applicant rented the property, the rent charged, whether payments were generally made on time, how the property was maintained and who was named on the tenancy agreement.

Are previous landlord references essential when letting a property?

A previous landlord reference can be valuable, but not every applicant will have a rental history. Where a reference is unavailable, landlords can consider other relevant evidence, such as employment references and affordability checks.

Can a landlord refuse a tenant based on a previous reference?

Landlords can consider relevant, reliable information when assessing an application, but decisions should be made fairly, consistently and in accordance with applicable law. A reference should be considered alongside other evidence rather than treated as the sole determining factor in every case.

What other checks should be completed before a tenancy begins in Wales?

Depending on the circumstances, landlords may need to arrange identity verification, affordability assessments, credit checks and relevant references. They must also meet the applicable legal requirements for letting a property in Wales.

Can a letting agent carry out tenant reference checks?

Yes. Tenant referencing is commonly available as part of a tenant-finding service, although the precise checks and services vary by agent. Landlords should confirm what is included in their agreement.

Why use a local letting agent in Newport?

A local letting agent can help landlords market their properties, coordinate viewings, process applications and organise tenant referencing. Agents offering property management can also assist with ongoing tenancy administration and maintenance coordination.