House sold...what now?

[bcohen]

Just say that you were renting the place out while it was in foreclosure, and the house eventually sold, hence why they are moving. Make it very clear that they paid their rent on time every month, and kept the place in good condition. DO NOT say they were living there for free, as that is not the new landlord's business or concern.

[tobee43]

you have and are under no legal obligation to speak to their potential landlord. but you see this is what happened most likely they listed YOU as their last landlord, even tho they were not paying you rent. because that new landlord is going to ask you about their payment history with you, how good of tenants they were and so on and so forth. i think it odd that you would even disclose "yes" they paid everything on time when they never paid you. and, since you never really rented to them how can you say you would rent to them again?? uhn.....this is why and i understand you reasoning for letting them stay in your old place until it was purchased, it's kinda your darned if you do and darned if you don't. if it were me, i can't lie to people and i would avoid speaking to them. i know that will not help your friends get this place. but what is being asked of you is to lie. that would be entirely up to you and how you personally feel about doing that, that is someone only you can answer. best of luck with your decision.

[bcohen]

@tobee:

There is nothing dishonest or unethical about saying that they paid their rent on time each month, and kept the premises in good condition. Although in this case, the tenants were friends of the owner, and the asking rent was $0 per month, they did pay their $0 on time, every time. They kept the place clean, too. What's the point of giving a shaky/equivocal reference just to avoid some silly notion of "lying", when in fact no dishonesty is intended? The "right thing" to do is to say what will get your friends a roof over their head, not cause them to be forced out with nowhere to go!

[LadyInTheRed]

If memama doesn't think saying that the tenant paid rent on time is truthful, she could say that the tenant never paid late.

[ValleYum]

I agree with LITR. It is all about how memama words it: "The tenant successfully ( completely) fulfilled their agreement with us." or something of that nature.

[tobee43]

i just truly believe it could open up a can of worms. if one claims they had "renters" and it gets that information and uses to who know whom, where is the indication on the OPs tax return on the rents?

yes, i also agree with LITR, if you say how LITR puts it, you aren't putting yourself in any position that can compromise you. i just know there may be other questions from this potential landlord that may put the OP in a bad position. i know here to rent in many places, they call for rental payment history, etc. however, as lady put it that should cause no further questions.

[tobee43]

@tobee:

There is nothing dishonest or unethical about saying that they paid their rent on time each month, and kept the premises in good condition. Although in this case, the tenants were friends of the owner, and the asking rent was $0 per month, they did pay their $0 on time, every time. They kept the place clean, too. What's the point of giving a shaky/equivocal reference just to avoid some silly notion of "lying", when in fact no dishonesty is intended? The "right thing" to do is to say what will get your friends a roof over their head, not cause them to be forced out with nowhere to go!

ahhh bcohen you always find a way out! if i get lost at least i'll know who to call. i just agree with the way lady suggests handling it. i guess it's me, i can't lie worth a bean. you could hear it in me, see it. just wouldn't work for me.