Referral Tips for Birmingham, AL Property Managers

Most Birmingham, AL property managers have had to call other managers to check the rental history of a potential renter before. And, as a result, they've also received calls from other Birmingham, AL property management professionals asking for their experience with past renters. It's just part of managing rental properties. The only concern new investors/managers have with this is whether or not they can be sued for giving a bad referral?

Keep in mind that this is in no way legal advice, if you want a definitive answer, you will have to consult a professionally licensed attorney. In most cases, Birmingham, AL property managers will not have anything to worry about when sharing their experience regarding a previous tenant with another landlord. However, there are a few tips, or precautions, you should take when giving tenant referrals/recommendations.

1.Keep It Verbal

With the ease of technology, many property managers in Birmingham, AL prefer to send emails asking past managers about previous renters. If you receive such an email, do not respond through email. Instead call the manager up and answer his/her questions over the phone. This practice just protects you.

2.Stick to the Facts

The most important thing Birmingham, AL property managers need to remember when sharing past experiences regarding previous tenants with other mangers is to stick to the facts. Previous tenants won't be able to argue with the facts, especially if you kept accurate records and recorded problems that arose with the tenant. You won't get yourself in any trouble if you stick to the facts when answering questions.

3.Do Not Give Opinions, Etc.

This ties in to tip #2, but it's worth clarifying as its own tip. When you receive calls from a Birmingham, AL property management companies asking about past tenants, do not give your opinions about them. Do not say things like, well she paid rent on time, but I thought she was more trouble than she was worth." Those are the kinds of things that can get you in trouble. And, it really doesn't matter what your opinion is...all that matters is the fact that she paid rent on time (or didn't, if that's the case).