Who should you put as a personal reference on a rental application?
When filling out a rental application, one of the required sections is providing personal references. These references play an important role in the landlord’s decision-making process, as they can provide insight into your character and reliability as a tenant. But who should you put as a personal reference on a rental application?
The best person to put as a personal reference on a rental application is someone who knows you well and can vouch for your reliability as a tenant. This could be a former landlord, employer, coworker, or mentor. Ideally, your personal reference should be someone who can speak positively about your character, financial responsibility, and ability to maintain a rental property.
FAQs
1. Can I put a family member as a personal reference on a rental application?
Putting a family member as a personal reference on a rental application is generally not recommended, as they may be biased in your favor. It’s better to choose someone who is not related to you to provide a more objective assessment of your character and reliability as a tenant.
2. Is it okay to put a friend as a personal reference on a rental application?
While friends can provide insight into your personality and habits, they may not be seen as reliable sources by landlords. It’s best to choose someone who is more professionally connected to you, such as a coworker or mentor, to serve as a personal reference on a rental application.
3. Can I put a roommate as a personal reference on a rental application?
If you have lived with a roommate in the past and they can speak to your reliability as a tenant, then it may be acceptable to put them as a personal reference on a rental application. However, it’s still recommended to include additional references that are not personal acquaintances.
4. What if I don’t have a former landlord to use as a personal reference on a rental application?
If you don’t have a former landlord to use as a personal reference on a rental application, you can consider using an employer, coworker, or mentor who can speak to your character and reliability. You can also ask a professional acquaintance who knows you well and can vouch for your qualities as a tenant.
5. Should I ask permission before putting someone as a personal reference on a rental application?
It’s always a good idea to ask for permission before putting someone as a personal reference on a rental application. Not only is it courteous, but it also allows the person to prepare for potential inquiries from the landlord about your rental history and character.
6. Can I use the same personal reference for multiple rental applications?
It’s not recommended to use the same personal reference for multiple rental applications, as it may appear that you are not able to provide a diverse range of perspectives on your character. Try to choose different references for each rental application to showcase different aspects of your reliability as a tenant.
7. Should I provide contact information for my personal references on a rental application?
Yes, it’s important to provide accurate contact information for your personal references on a rental application. Landlords may reach out to them to verify the information you have provided and get a better understanding of your character and rental history.
8. How many personal references should I include on a rental application?
While the number of personal references required may vary depending on the rental application, it’s generally a good idea to include at least three references. This allows landlords to get a comprehensive view of your character and reliability as a tenant.
9. Can I use a personal reference from a different city or state on a rental application?
Yes, you can use a personal reference from a different city or state on a rental application. However, make sure to provide accurate contact information for the reference so that the landlord can easily reach out to them for a recommendation.
10. Should I include personal references for every rental application I submit?
Yes, it’s important to include personal references for every rental application you submit. Personal references can help landlords assess your character and reliability as a tenant, which can increase your chances of being approved for a rental property.
11. Can I use a personal reference from a past rental that ended on bad terms?
If you had a rental that ended on bad terms, it’s best to avoid using that landlord as a personal reference on a rental application. Choose someone who can speak positively about your character and reliability as a tenant to improve your chances of being approved for a new rental property.
12. Should I provide a mix of personal and professional references on a rental application?
While it’s important to include professional references on a rental application, personal references can also provide valuable insights into your character and reliability as a tenant. Providing a mix of both types of references can give landlords a well-rounded view of your rental history and qualifications.