Making the Most of References by Tim Saunders

Wednesday, 11th February 2009

OK, so you’ve found a house or flat that you really like & want the landlord to think you’re the best potential tenant(s) they could ever wish for. How do you go about doing that? Well, don’t be surprised when you’re probed for information about your credibility and stability. This “screening” process is one of the most crucial stages of your status changing from a “potential flatmate” to a flatmate.

 

Get organized and create a better impact!

 

What should you consider a good reference

It’s easy to use friends and family to get good references and the person interviewing you is well aware of this. Also many landlords tend to be very sceptical of written references no matter how well done they are, unless they have a way to verify its authenticity, e.g. providing a contact number of your reference. Some landlords also resort to professional verification agencies like TenantVERIFY® or RentChecks.com. Bear in mind, you can also approach these agencies for a professionally verified reference certificate.

You can request a reference letter from your current flatmate or landlord, your friends and family, your employer or professor. Ask them also to include how and where they can be contacted to verify the contents of the reference letter. This will position you well in the eyes of your prospective landlord or flatmate.

Basic information you should not miss out on

Treat your reference check like a portfolio. Include a cover page that details information about you and include the reference letters in subsequent pages.

Remember to include the following information:

        1.       Your Full Name

>  First name/Middle Initial/Last Name

        2.       Contact Information

>  Phone number (mobile/residential/office); email address; postal address

        3.       Age or Date of Birth

        4.       Occupation

>  Profession/Practice e.g. Software Engineer

        5.       Nationality

        6.       Current Employer/University (if student)

            > Company Name and Address/University name and address

        7.       Salary or Bank Statement or other sources for proof of meeting your financial obligations

>  If you’re not comfortable sharing your salary, give an indication or a range. Or, you can submit this only on request.

        8.       Current Address – complete with postcode and landlord’s or current flatmate’s phone number

        9.       Previous Address(es) if current tenancy at current address is less than 2 years

>  Information about addresses should include complete street address with post code and duration of tenancy at the address

        10.   References – (1) Current & Previous Landlords/Flatmates (2) Professional Reference – Co-worker/Boss (For  students can produce proof of enrolment at university) (3) Personal references – friends/family/local acquaintances.

>  Include a reference letter. For each reference, remember to include full name, address, relation, and how they can be contacted. Preferably provide a phone number where they can be contacted. Talk to them first and let them know that you’ve given their names as your references.

If any information you’ve provided does not match the account as given by your reference, it could project you in a poor light. Remember to recheck the information you’ve given and also be truthful in what you say during your conversation with the interviewer.