Updated over 8 years ago on . Most recent reply
Tenant With Past Landlord Issues
Am I too harsh? I never rent to tenants with any past landlord issues even if they claim it is not their fault. For example, I've had a few tenants apply on Trulia/Zillow stating that they are looking to move because of their current landlord. A few have stated the roof is leaking, bad conditions etc. I then look at FaceBook (best screening tool) and I see that they have posted photos in local FaceBook groups about it. The photos show that the house is pretty jacked up, but I only have one side to the story (the tenant). I have one who posted about how they are in court with the landlord and claim the landlord took them to court. This is an auto no for me. I don't even show them the house when I see this. My logic is that if the landlord took you to court or if you complain about your current landlord, chances are high it will happen again.
What are your thoughts on this?
Most Popular Reply
@David O - do you have much experience with PM companies in your area? I've purchased property and looked at tons of property managed by the main companies where I invest. The sad reality is that most of them are terrible at management, terrible at business and terrible at being a landlord (the buildings managed by good PM companies don't come up for sale nearly as often). Typically when somebody indicates they had issues with their current/past landlord, I try to find out what shape the property is in and who the PM company is. If they have been renting from one of the PM companies that I know are terrible then I don't hold past landlord issues against them.