Reference checking

Todays article about Abbey Griffiths of Wellington who is slated as one of New Zealand's worst tenants illustrates the need for careful vetting of tenants. As the story presented above shows it is vital to undertake verification of any referees. Establishing that a referee presented by applicant is not a work of fiction is the first task a property manager needs to undertake. In my early days in property I came across a number of primitive attempts by tenants to produce fake referees. Referees should be current employers or landlords and if their character and existence can't be confirmed then any reference given should be disregarded.

I always attempt to obtain an email from the referee that confirms the details of any discussion we have.