Previous Landlord???
How do you check a potential tenants rental history with their present Landlord? Just call them up and ask or do I need some written documents on their payment history. Also how do you know if that is really their Landlord and that the potential tenants are not just lying?
Just call to verify, Ask questions that they will need to pull paperwork. The exact date that they moved in, verify there social, etc. If they have to put you on hold to get the paperwork, it will more than likely be legitamate. If it is there friend they will say they dont have the paperwork and need to call you back. Ask for a faxed copy, see where the fax came from on the header.
Check caller ID and make sure the name is a business, and not an individual.
Ask questions a landlord would know, vacancy rate, which ads work, etc.
Also ask who did you use for your mortgage, and verify on the deed at the county.
If you care that much, ask to meet the landlord at the rental office, or at the site and ask the manager in charge.
Personally I expect to get lied to about some things, If there credit is ok, then more than likely, so will there character. As lomg as I get enough of a deposit to cover the eviction, I am usually satisfied though.
Good Luck,
Kyle