Yes. A landlord may call an applicant's previous landlord to confirm the tenancy dates, the rent and how it was paid, and it is best done with the applicant's written consent. When a reference checking service makes the call for the landlord, its report is a consumer report under federal law, and a denial based on it needs an adverse action notice. This is information, not legal advice.
Can a landlord legally call a previous landlord?
Yes. No federal law stops a landlord from asking a past landlord about a former tenant. The Province of British Columbia's guidance on listing and showing a rental unit, updated March 4, 2026, says landlords can request references, "preferably a previous landlord", alongside verifiable income, photo ID and a credit check with written approval.
A signed consent on the application, naming each past landlord and what may be confirmed, makes the call easier for the person answering it and keeps a clear record.
Why do landlords check references at all?
Because applications are often wrong. In a National Multifamily Housing Council survey of 75 rental housing providers, published in January 2024, 93.3 percent had experienced fraud in the prior 12 months. Of those, 80.0 percent had seen renters misrepresent information on applications, and 84.3 percent had seen fabricated pay stubs, employment references or other income documents, according to the NMHC Pulse Survey. A reference phone number on an application can belong to a friend.
Is the current landlord or the one before the better reference?
The one before. A current landlord with a problem tenant has a reason to give a glowing reference to see them go. The landlord from two moves back has nothing to gain. Call both when you can, and weight the older one.
When does a reference check become a consumer report?
When someone else makes the call. The Federal Trade Commission lists a report from a reference checking service that contacts previous landlords, employers or others named on the application as a consumer report under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. A denial based on it needs an adverse action notice that names the agency, says the agency did not decide, and gives the right to dispute and to a free copy within 60 days. Our post on FCRA adverse action notices covers the notice.
The FTC adds that a report built on personal interviews about someone's character, reputation or lifestyle is an investigative report with extra written notice duties under 15 U.S.C. 1681d. Keep the questions on the tenancy.
What should a landlord ask a previous landlord?
- Did this person rent from you, and from when to when?
- What was the rent, and was it paid on time?
- Was proper notice given before moving out?
- Was any of the deposit kept for damage beyond normal wear?
- Would you rent to them again?
Find the past landlord's number yourself, from a property record or a company website, before you dial. Ask every reference the same five questions, and write the answers down. Our post on how far back eviction history can go covers the court-record side.
What should a landlord not ask?
Anything about a protected class: who visited, whether there were children, religion, health, where the family is from. A past landlord who volunteers it should be steered back to the five questions.
Can a Canadian landlord check references?
Yes. BC's guidance names a previous landlord as the preferred reference. In Ontario, the Human Rights Commission says rental history may be requested, and a lack of rental or credit history should not be viewed negatively, so a first-time renter with no reference needs another route, not a refusal.
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Landlord references: FAQ
Can a landlord deny me for a bad reference?
Yes, if the reference is about the tenancy and the same standard applies to every applicant. If a service supplied the reference, you are owed an adverse action notice and can dispute it.
What if I have no previous landlord?
Offer income proof, a guarantor where the landlord requires one of everyone, or a credit report. In Ontario, a lack of rental history should not count against you.
Can my old landlord refuse to give a reference?
Usually yes. Many landlords confirm only dates and rent. A landlord who cannot reach a reference should treat it as missing, not negative.
