advice pls, LL wont give us a 'full' reference

[nicnac]

Just after a bit of advice please,

We have been with our letting agent for 16 months now and just recently (Jan time) they were taken over by another company. We have decided to move for various reasons and found another house but our LL wont give us a full reference, they will only state that our account is not in arrears. The reason they have given me is that when they took over they had to have a new computer system installed and could only keep 'limited data' so only have our opening balance - and because they dont know us personally they cannot comment on our conduct.

It just seems really unfair, we have looked after the house, been available for inspections or for work that needs doing and always paid by standing order so payments have never been late. Can they do this as I have no idea where we stand.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[Ericthelobster]

We have been with our letting agent for 16 months now and just recently (Jan time) they were taken over by another company. We have decided to move for various reasons and found another house but our LL wont give us a full reference, they will only state that our account is not in arrears. The reason they have given me is that when they took over they had to have a new computer system installed and could only keep 'limited data' so only have our opening balance - and because they dont know us personally they cannot comment on our conduct.

It just seems really unfair, we have looked after the house, been available for inspections or for work that needs doing and always paid by standing order so payments have never been late. Can they do this as I have no idea where we stand.

There's no law saying that they have to give you a reference at all, so presumably the simple answer is yes.

Hopefully they will be agreeable to explaining to your prospective landlord why they can't give you a more complete reference? but even if not you can do that yourself. I really can't see it being a major problem unless your new landlord is completely and utterly unreasonable (in which case maybe you're better off looking elsewhere?)

[mind the gap]

I agree. Also, given that they can confirm you always paid your rent on time, there is (presumably) nothing to stop you offering to provide a 'character' referee who is someone other than your current LL - a revious one, perhaps, your schoool or college/uni tutor if they knew you within the last few years, your employer/minister of religion, etc.

[bullybantam]

In recent years references have become wrapped up in legal issues, somebody issuing a reference can face liability for slander etc. For example my employer (A Government Body) will only say "xxx was employed by us as a xxxx between these dates".

That may explain unwillingness of LL to provide a reference. Have you approached previous letting agent?

[mind the gap]

In recent years references have become wrapped up in legal issues, somebody issuing a reference can face liability for slander etc. For example my employer (A Government Body) will only say "xxx was employed by us as a xxxx between these dates".

That may explain unwillingness of LL to provide a reference.

Not really; it's probably just laziness or inefficiency, as it seems to be in this case. Your theory (LL vulnerable to action for slander -although actually you mean libel) is illogical since LLs may simply choose to make only objective statements, the truth of which can be easily demonstrated (or, if they prefer, objective + only positive/complimentary statements). Indeed, where tenants are concerned, it is actually more helpful if they do just that.

Your employers sound a bit lazy to me. My employers have always been government bodies and they always give full references as to attendance and contractural duties but also (as would be expected), subjective comments about an applicant's professionalism, abilities, character...things which can be evidnced or exemplified if not easily quantified - but which a new employer needs to know about. The employee does however have the right to read the reference.

Perhaps your employer has less faith in you than mine has in me...

[bullybantam]

Not really; it's probably just laziness or inefficiency, as it seems to be in this case. Your theory (LL vulnerable to action for slander -although actually you mean libel)

If I were as pedantic as you I'd point that I never said reference was written, so a verbal reference would indeed constitute slander. Hence the statement "somebody issuing a reference can face liability for slander etc" is actually correct.

Anyway, for reasons best known to yourself you seem to be leaping on every post of mine with your Mrs Logic hat on. I acknowledge you've a better command of English than me, and you do make valid points. But why not act more like a teacher and less like a schoolkid?

[westminster]

We have been with our letting agent for 16 months now and just recently (Jan time) they were taken over by another company. We have decided to move for various reasons and found another house but our LL wont give us a full reference, they will only state that our account is not in arrears. The reason they have given me is that when they took over they had to have a new computer system installed and could only keep 'limited data' so only have our opening balance - and because they dont know us personally they cannot comment on our conduct.

Have you asked the landlord (as opposed to the new letting agent)? The landlord hasn't just taken over, he's been your landlord for the whole tenancy.