Reference Check
What does it mean?
A reference check is a common part of the landlord's tenant selection process. The landlord contacts your previous landlords or other reference persons to verify that you have met your housing obligations — paid rent on time, not caused disturbances, and left the apartment in good condition. Strong references can be decisive in a competitive housing market.
As an applicant, you should have your references ready before searching for housing. Contact previous landlords in advance and ask if they can serve as a reference. If you are a first-time renter without a previous landlord, employers, teachers, or others who can attest to your reliability can serve as alternative references. Always be honest — landlords appreciate transparency.
Key Points
- Landlords often contact previous landlords as references
- Verifies that you paid rent on time and maintained the apartment
- Strong references give you an advantage in competitive markets
- Contact your references in advance and inform them
- First-time renters can use employers or other reference persons
Practical Tip
Prepare at least two references before you start searching for housing — ideally a previous landlord and an employer. Always ask your reference before sharing their contact details. On Bofrid, you can upload reference letters directly in your profile.
Based on content from Bofrid's Knowledge Bank