Do you run background checks on ALL tenants, or just the one signing the lease?

[Douglas B.]

(a sub30kclub topic)

I'm thinking about renting a duplex to section 8 tenants. To protect myself, I'm thinking about insisting on running a criminal background check on every person who will be living in the unit, not just the person signing the lease. (I'd run a criminal background check and a credit check on him or her).

I know it'd cost me a little more up front since I'm sure I could't charge the tenant for the cost to background check everyone, but I think that extra cost might be worth it for my peace of mind.

Any advice?

Doug

[Account Closed]

Everyone that is a legal adult NEEDS to be on the lease and you should run a check on. No questions. Now your tenants may ask not to have a person on the lease because Section 8 won't pay the full amount then.

I would not aid in the tenant committing fraud then. The other person probably makes to much money for the Sec 8 recipient to continue to get assistance, but they want that free money (which is the hard earned dollars you earned being taxes so they can LIE about their living conditions). Don't aid in it!

You could be found liable if you knew and didn't report it yourself!