Is it common for landlords to request utility bills as references?

MemoryLane

Just found out today from a letting agency that the house I was viewing and hoping to rent has been given the green light. However the letting agency
has said that the new landlord requires not just the usual previous landlord's reference and one from work BUT also the utility bill from my last residence?
Can anyone shed any light on why the landlord would need to see a utility bill?

I asked the letting agency but they don't know why the landlord has requested this.

I do have a U.B in my name and it is up to date, but I'm thinking it's kinda strange request!!

Any ideas??

dlambirl

Maybe to see that you as a tenant pay your utility bills. Lots of landlords are afraid of being stung with unpaid utility bills when their tenants leave or worse - their esb turned off which means the landlord has to fork out a reconnection charge.

Shelflife

Prob to prove that you lived at that address otherwise the prev landlord ref could be a letter from a mate.

Sponge Bob

Makes perfect sense

dudara

Moved to Accomodation & Property

dudara

3DataModem

I always ask for one.

Landlords referenced easily faked.