I was told our current landlord does not provide rental references. Is this legal?

I think it is legal and use your previous landlord.

We live in a college city. I feel bad for the college students renting for their first time. I’m still shaking my head over this. I’ve never heard of this before.

Can’t you use your rent receipts as proof of payments on time etc.
You must have a copy of the lease when you moved in?

Perhaps they don’t provide references in order that you rent again from only them?
Have seen Business do this to employees when leaving for another Business.

They never gave us receipts. We drop off payment by check each month in a box outside of their building. The first time I dropped the payment off I walked inside and everyone looked at me as if I did something wrong. Someone pointed to the box. The owner must be a tyrant and miserable to work for.

I thought about showing our bank statements but it would only show when the checks were deposited, which was never on the date I made the payment. There were times the check didn’t go through for over a week.

Neither landlord nor employer is obligated to provide information. In fact, they can be sued for releasing confidential information.

@YARNLADY That’s interesting to know. Thank you.

I can’t imagine demanding a reference. It might not be what you want.

@filmfann I’m not demanding a reference. I’m just shocked. I’ve never heard of this before. We’ve been exemplary tenants and we need a new home in 5 weeks. I’ve never dealt with this kind of bs before.

I’ve never used a leasing agent to find a rental. Are they finding you rentals from individual owners?

I was a realtor and helped clients find rentals and also represented landlords, and I never did anything regarding references except once in a while call an employee or former landlord. I was never asked to give a reference.

How would the leasing agent be sure you always paid on time? Do you pay her/him? Does the leasing agent know you left the place undamaged? Didn’t make noise that disturbed neighbors? What do they know?

Use a former landlord or maybe they will take a work reference.

@wasjonsblond
Your Bank can supply copies of each check as it was written so it will show that it was dated before rent was due etc
( this shows that you paid on time regardless of when the checks went through).

You can also get a letter stating that it is there policy not to give references, as an explanation to prospective landlords.
Neighbors can give references of you being a good neighbor etc.

There are ways to get around rules, and sometimes its worth the effort to obtain the above suggestions,if one wants too. Show your agreement that you signed and the outgoing inspection report showing the state of the apartment when you left as well.
These are proof of residency .
I would also prepare yourself for the new landlord’s rules.

I understand the OP position, and cancelled checks would not allay the concerns of a potential landlord that they hadn’t trashed the last apartment.