Rental owners, don’t underestimate the importance of checking the references your applicants provide to you, especially their previous landlords (and make sure they do provide this info, including their phone number). The previous landlord(not current landlord) can be a wealth of knowledge and insight into your applicants living habits and the way they will eventually deal with you as their landlord. As a previous landlord they will not have the goal of getting the tenant to move out of their home if they happen to be a bad tenant, so they tend to be more open and honest with you. Take advantage of their openness and just listen.