how do I know landlord references are genuine?

[landlady1]

Hi

I'm letting out my flat as I'm relocating but am concerned about the stories you hear of people just putting their friends down as previous landlords. Is there any way I can check they really were the landlord?

[thesaint]

Ask to see the tenancy agreement.
Check the land registry at a cost of £4.

[Snorkerz]

As well as thesaints suggestion, a credit check should reveal past addresses for the tenant - so the landregistry checks will give you the name of the owners of those properties. Hopefully, the phone book will give you the phone numbers, so you telephone to query something in the reference. When they say "what reference?" - BINGO!

[mind the gap]

When they say "what reference?" - BINGO!

...but unfortunately not 'full house', as you will presumably have to start tenant-hunting all over again!