It's a mystery to me. You could be the world's lousiest tennant and all you have to do is get your friends to write you glowing references. Right down to they were your landlord. I'm sure that's happened with some of the deadbeats that have lived where I live. So it doesn't really tell the landlord anything.

it's just to show that you have a good reputation and a good record as a tenant, and not some deadbeat. It doesn't usually mean anything but it's the last they can do.

EVERY landlord operates a little differently from every other landlord. Most real estate agents and rental or management offices/services have a standard procedure they follow. Why do they do those things? It's very easy. They were burned in the past. They don't want to get burned in the future. It's ALWAYS been easier for an individual landlord who doesn't know anything about real estate or how to properly manage his/her property to rent to a no-pay, slow-pay, "midnight mover" and someone who has a great sob story to tell. To protect the interests of the folks who own those rental properties, landlords with more than one rental property, professional real estate agents and rental agents KNOW what to do AND HOW to do it. "Sob stories" and other factors don't even enter the picture. Applicants are more carefully screened. Credit reports are ordered through reputable credit reporting agencies. Income and employment are verified. Present and previous landlords and agents are contacted. Criminal and other investigations are conducted. Many times a physical inspection is conducted where the applicants are currently living. Usually the applicant pays for those investigations. The professional agents and landlords also do everything they can to prepare a strict lease. Thanks for asking your Q! I enjoyed answering it! VTY, Ron Berue Yes, that is my real last name! Sources: My wonderful family! In the real estate business over 34 years in Pennsylvania. THE ABSOLUTE BEST, MOST WONDERFUL real estate investment group in the world, which I was very proud to be a member of! "THE University of Hard Knocks" also known as ("a/k/a") "life's valuable lessons"