When to give a reference ?

hawkelady

Hi all, just a quick question. If a tenant was given an eviction notice four weeks ago, they have a further four months left to vacate but they are requesting a written reference now . Should the landlord give the reference now ? The landlord is wary cause the tenants had to be reprimanded a few times regarding putting holes in walls and have had parties for 48 hrs straight.
The landlord would have no issue in talking to their prospective new landlord over the phone regarding them ..

Worried that giving them a half decent reference now will give them an opportunity to not take care of the property until they leave.
appreciate any advice

Caranica

Why on earth would you give them a half decent reference if you're evicting them and they have that record? You don't have to and I wouldn't.

ted1

Put nothing in writing.

If you are evicting them why are they asking you for a reference?

hawkelady

Selling up is the reason. They haven't been my worst tenants by a long shot , I'd give them a c+ if I was honest. The final year was ok regards their behaviour.

the_syco

Consider that without a reference, they could over hold. You want rid of them, do so by any means necessary.

quadrifoglio verde

No reference and they'll struggle to find somewhere else. Which means they'll be more likely to overhold.
Glowing reference and they might find somewhere quite quickly.

hawkelady

Thanks for the replys. A mix of everything. Nothing in writing, give a glowing ref so they move. All valid points.
It's sad to see that if the tenants were horrendous that a landlord would give a great ref just to get them out , only some other poor landlord would be lumped with the scumbag. Sad but true.

1874

How about telling them you'll give them a phone reference if anyone rings, and give a good reference and dont go over the top, if they counter this, say you would never know if they were ringing you to test it anyway, so its just as good.
Better than putting it in writing I think.
If I was in your shoes, I wouldnt want to give them a reference, but not wanting to be stuck with them Id realise Id probably have no choice.

hawkelady

My thoughts too but they are adamant that want a written reference preferably as an email .. I thought it strange when she requested this , she said it about 10-15 times when we spoke.

Browney7

hawkelady wrote: »

My thoughts too but they are adamant that want a written reference preferably as an email .. I thought it strange when she requested this , she said it about 10-15 times when we spoke.

Just keep it factual then with no lies - it doesn't have to be glowing. "I can confirm X lived at Y address between Z dates. Rent was always paid on time (if it was). Please contact by email if you have further queries"

Most employer references for renting take a similar line.

timmywex

Give them a factual reference like a workplace. Only in a PDF format to make it harder to edit.

State the names, property and dates they rented, whether they paid rent on time etc. At the end put a line for further information to contact you; and let any prospective landlords ring you.