---
title: "Are you allowed to require a reference from previous landlords?"
author: "Esther Asmundsson"
authorUrl: "https://bofrid.se/en/articles/authors/EstherAsmundsson"
datePublished: "2026-08-04T10:55:35.462Z"
dateModified: "2026-08-04T14:47:58Z"
description: "Yes, you are allowed to request references. Read how to ask for a reference, what to ask, and how to handle negative responses."
keywords: ["references from previous landlords", "how to ask for a reference", "what can a landlord ask", "tenant reference form", "choose a tenant safely"]
categories: ["Hyresvärd", "Guider"]
canonical: "https://bofrid.se/en/articles/are-you-allowed-to-require-a-reference-from-previous-landlords"
language: "en"
image: "https://bofrid.media/cms/f2219b63cc370f8b52b028502bd2a8f8b26c2a93.png"
---

# Are you allowed to require a reference from previous landlords?

Yes, as a landlord, you are allowed to require a reference from previous landlords. It is a common and legal way to assess a potential tenant's ability to pay and how well they take care of a flat. A reference from a previous landlord is often the best way to get a true picture of what the tenant is like as a person.

## What is a reference and why is it important?

A reference from previous landlords is a written or verbal statement regarding a potential tenant's reliability, payment behaviour, and how well they respect the home. Landlords use references to minimise the risk of rental arrears, damage to the flat, or other problems.

The reference gives you, as a landlord, concrete information about:

- Whether the tenant paid the rent on time
- Whether the tenant respected the rental agreement
- Whether there were any problems during the rental period
- How well the tenant took care of the accommodation

## How do you ask for a reference?

When you receive applications from potential tenants, you can ask them to provide the name and contact details of a previous landlord. It is good practice to ask for a reference from the most recent residence or from the last two years.

You can either:

- Call the previous landlord directly
- Send an email with specific questions
- Ask the tenant to provide a reference letter

### Important questions to ask

When you contact a previous landlord, you can ask about:

- How long the tenant lived there
- Whether the rent was paid regularly and on time
- Whether there were any incidents or problems
- The condition of the flat upon move-out
- Whether the landlord would recommend the person as a tenant

## Can the tenant refuse to provide a reference?

A tenant can technically refuse to provide a reference, but it makes it difficult for you as a landlord to verify their background. If the tenant refuses, you can of course look further among other candidates.

If the tenant has no previous rental experience (first-time tenant), you can instead ask for references from an employer or bank to assess their ability to pay.

## The legal status of the reference

A reference from a previous landlord is not legally binding, but it is an important basis for your assessment. As a landlord, you are allowed to make a reasonable selection among applicants. A negative reference or a refusal to provide a reference is a valid reason to choose another candidate.

It is important that you treat all applications equally and document why you choose or do not choose a tenant. This reduces the risk of future disputes.

## Can you require other security measures?

In addition to a reference, you can also ask for:

- **Proof of employment** – from the employer
- **Payslip** – to check income
- **Credit report** – to check payment history
- **Rental CV or housing profile** – documentation of previous rental experience

Read more about how to [find a reliable tenant](https://bofrid.se/en/articles/find-tenants-throughout-sweden-your-complete-guide-for-secure-rentals-sweden) and which criteria you should use.

## Reference form as a tool

It can be practical to have a standardised reference form that you send to previous landlords. A form helps you get the same information from everyone and makes comparisons easier.

A typical reference form contains questions about:

| Area | Example of question |
|--------|------------------|
| **Payment behaviour** | Was the rent always paid on time during the rental period? |
| **Contract compliance** | Did the tenant follow all terms in the rental agreement? |
| **Property condition** | In what condition was the home left upon moving out? |
| **Neighbourhood** | Were there any complaints from neighbours? |
| **General assessment** | Would the landlord recommend this tenant? |

## What do you do if the reference is negative?

If a previous landlord provides a negative reference, it is important that you take it seriously. A negative reference may indicate:

- Payment difficulties
- Lack of respect for the home
- Problems with the Rent Act (Hyreslagen) or the agreement
- Conflicts with neighbours

A negative reference is a valid reason to select a different candidate. You do not need to provide an explanation to the potential tenant, but you must be able to document that you made a reasonable selection.

## First-time tenants without references

If you receive an application from someone who has never rented a home before, you can:

- Ask for a reference from an employer
- Require a higher deposit (deposition) to reduce risk
- Ask for a guarantee from a parent or relative
- Check creditworthiness through a credit report

Read more about [how to find tenants quickly](https://bofrid.se/en/articles/how-to-find-tenants-fast) to optimise your rental process.

## Use a digital platform to reduce risk

Using a professional rental platform like Bofrid can reduce the need for manual reference checks. The platform helps you filter applications based on income, ability to pay, and previous landlords.

Read more about [how Bofrid counteracts rental fraud](https://bofrid.se/en/articles/how-bofrid-prevents-rental-fraud-security-sweden) and creates security for both parties.

## Frequently asked questions

**Can I refuse a tenant just because they have no reference?**
Yes, you can refuse a tenant if they cannot present a reference, provided you make a reasonable selection among all applicants. You must, however, be able to document the decision.

**What do I do if the previous landlord does not answer my request for a reference?**
You can try to contact the person several times via phone, email, or post. If you do not get a response, you can ask the tenant to present alternative documentation of their reliability, such as proof of employment or a credit report.

**Is a negative reference sufficient reason to deny a tenant?**
Yes, a well-documented negative reference is a valid reason to choose another candidate. You should, however, have a reasonable basis for the rejection and be able to show that you made a reasonable selection.

**Can I require references from several previous landlords?**
Yes, you can require references from two or three previous landlords to get a more complete picture. This is particularly appropriate if the tenant has a long rental history.

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Read also about [what you should check before signing a rental contract](https://bofrid.se/en/articles/rental-contract-before-moving-in-what-to-check) and [limitation periods for rental debts](https://bofrid.se/en/articles/statute-of-limitations-for-rental-debts-in-sweden-how-quickly-must-landlords-act-against-former-) to protect yourself fully.

*This article is general information and is not legal advice.*