📞 Consent to Contact References
Authorize Reference Checks — Prior Landlords, Employers & Personal
Authorize Reference Checks Before Calling: Before contacting an applicant's prior landlords, employers, or personal references, it is best practice — and in some states required — to have the applicant sign a consent form. This authorization protects you from claims that you contacted references without permission and demonstrates a consistent, professional screening process.
👤 Applicant
📞 References Listed (from Application)
📋 Authorization
I authorize the landlord or property manager to contact any of the references listed above, including prior landlords, employers, and personal references, for the purpose of verifying information provided in my rental application. I understand that information obtained may be used in evaluating my rental application.
Watch Overview
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Forms establish consent and document your process — professional screening reports deliver the data: credit, criminal, eviction history, and identity verification in minutes.
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Consent to Contact References — Screening Guide
Contacting prior landlords and employers is one of the most valuable parts of the
tenant screening process. A prior landlord who says “I would not rent to them
again” tells you more than any background check. This consent form documents
the applicant's authorization for you to make those calls.
What to Ask Prior Landlords
- Did the tenant pay rent on time?
- Were there any lease violations?
- Was the property returned in good condition?
- Did you return the full security deposit? If not, why?
- Would you rent to this person again?
Use the Previous Landlord
Reference Form for a structured, documented reference check.
⚖ Legal Disclaimer
These forms are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. FCRA requirements are complex and strictly enforced — violations carry statutory damages of $100–$1,000 per violation plus actual damages and attorney fees. Fair Housing law prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics. Apply screening criteria consistently to all applicants. Consult a qualified attorney before making screening decisions. See our editorial standards for accuracy details.
