We generally recommend contacting 3 referees - employment, landlord and character. All are typically used to confirm applicants' information on their applications.
The employment referee will verify the applicant's employment (if they provide evidence they have one and confirm their ability to pay rent). If the applicant is self-employed, they often use their accountant or business associate who can verify the information submitted on the application. Alternatively, your tenants can also provide a letter from WINZ confirming they cover the bond and/or rent payments.
The previous/current landlord referee will confirm tenants looked after the property, if they had pets, and if there were any issues with unpaid rent.
The personal referee will give you some insight into the person's character.
If you're unsure how to conduct these checks and need help, you can try myRent tenant checks to screen your potential tenants before signing the agreement. myRent tenant checks include ID verification, Tribunal and court history, previous defaults, credit checks, as well as reference checks.
The information contained in this article is exclusively for promotional purposes. It does not in any way constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as the basis for any legal action or contractual dealings. The information is not, and does not attempt to be, a comprehensive account of the relevant law in New Zealand. If you require legal advice you should seek independent legal counsel. myRent.co.nz does not accept any liability that may arise from the use of this information.
