How to run a Tenant Check as the Landlord

Question

I'm having *several problems* with my current tenant, including suspected illegal activity. I did not run a background check (credit check, evictions record, criminal records check) before she moved in, and now I am regretting it. This is my first home, a 2-family. I have owned it for about 3 years. This is my second tenant. The first one was relatively easy.

This tenant is very sneaky and lies and I already have multiple just causes to evict. I just want to know more about who I'm dealing with.

I do realize that the corona virus is going around out there. Please understand that these problems started before the virus outbreak, and that she can move back in with family here in town.

Thank you.

Kenneth Garrett · Answer

@Elyssa Serrilli

I agree with the others check your state and city laws on evicting. Many areas have prevented landlords from evicting, but that doesn’t mean you can’t serve them with notices.

As far as screening, I use smart move from TransUnion. The perspective tenant pays them direct. You still should contact previous landlords especially the previous landlord and the current one. The current one may just want to get rid of them so contacting the previous one may provide additional information. You should also contact there employer.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

A background check is designed to identify risk and prevent you from allowing a bad tenant into the home. It's too late for that so running a background check won't help you.

She's already violated the lease. A lot of states are not allowing notices to vacate or evictions for the next 120 days or more. Figure out what your law allows and act accordingly. You definitely need to get rid of her as soon as possible and start over.

John Warren · Answer

@Elyssa Serrilli you probably won't be able to do anything with the corona virus pandemic happening, but once that is over I would terminate the lease at the end of the lease. If the end of the lease is still a long way off, then you might have to have a frank conversation with the tenant and ask if he/she can leave. If that doesn't work, you could also offer cash for keys. Lastly, speak to a local attorney about what your options are. Do not lead off with the word eviction as that won't fly with what is going on currently.

Elyssa Serrilli · Answer

Yes, I'm definitely learning this lesson about pre-screening! This is my second tenant, and a good friend knows her, but he "didn't want to speak bad about anyone"... boy did I chew him out! Her two previous "landlords"... one was her mother, and one was a friend. Who knows if either was ever her landlord.

This tenant does not have a job. She is on SSI / Disability.

Elyssa Serrilli · Answer

Thank you, John. Thank you, Nathan. Yes, I think it will be good to get her out as soon as possible. I'm going to try the more friendly "cash for keys" approach, but if she doesn't go for it, I'm going to start the eviction process as soon as possible.

How to run a Tenant Check as the Landlord

How to run a Tenant Check as the Landlord

Most Popular Reply

5 Replies