Is it headache to be a landlord? Any bad experience?

What do I legally need to tell my new landlord about my previous rental experience?

• I've owned 2 homes for the past 14 years and due to work situation I moved 2 years ago and recently had to move again.  My previous landlord was greedy and is now trying to charge me for a bunch of petty things, some things that previously existed, and also general improvements.  According to the neighbors, she has done the same to all previous tenants. As a result we are in a battle attempting to get back my deposit.  What should I tell my current landlord about my previous rental experience?  What do I need to legally say? What should I say?

• Answer:

  Nothing. There is no requirement, legally or otherwise, for a rental applicant to discuss anything about a previous rental experience elsewhere.  If asked, the response should always be: "I faithfully fulfilled all of my obligations as tenant under the lease."   Remember that landlord "references," or "prior landlord checks," are only one component of a rental decision, which decision relies mostly on employment and credit checks. The most savvy landlords do not even bother checking a landlord reference, since it is a non-factor and can even back-fire on a landlord.   If asked by a prospective landlord to give you a reference from a current landlord, you need only remind them that if you were in fact a really BAD tenant --and the landlord really wanted you out-- wouldn't they give you a glowing recommendation that you were the "Best Tenant Ever?"