Landlords......need help please!

[flash3992]

Can I get a background check on a prospective landlord? I know that landlords can get a background check on a prospective tenant. But can the "reverse" happen? Beffie and I are thinking about moving. She found this place that would be halfway between our jobs. But "this time", I want to know WHO I'm dealing with.

Any information will be greatly appreciated.

TIA

[Snowpuff]

Well, you can get a background check on just about anyone ~ even online ~ for a fee. You can google "investigations" or similar for more info.

[verwon]

Sorry, I didn't see this when you first posted it. I wanted to let you know that court actions are public record, so if you want to see how the new prospective landlord has been with his past tenants, did he take ALL of the to court and sue for outrageous amounts of money, or whatever, just go ask at the local courthouse under their name.

[AJames81]

I wish I had done this before I just moved in. Apparantly my landlord took the guy upstairs to court over a leak and lost, with the court ruling against my landlord. He then tried to charge the former tennants for the leak damage (not their fault) and they moved out. So now we have an occassional leak and mold damage from before that was carpeted over. Perfect.

[katlnhats]

Hi Flash,
I missed this one as well. If the court actions aren't the only thing you'd like to know, do a paid online background search. It will show up if the landlord has an arrest/felony record, is broke or has filed bankruptcy, and various other things. In other words, you'll get lots of info that way and I "think" it costs about $30.00.

Kat (Good Luck!)

[Freedom Lover]

Originally Posted by AJames81

I wish I had done this before I just moved in. Apparantly my landlord took the guy upstairs to court over a leak and lost, with the court ruling against my landlord. He then tried to charge the former tennants for the leak damage (not their fault) and they moved out. So now we have an occassional leak and mold damage from before that was carpeted over. Perfect.

Certain types of mold (and sisnce your resulted from a leak, I would imagine it would apply) are health hazzards and cause health risks. Contact the county health department where you live, post haste.

You can do your own background check on the landlord. Most county's and states have the court records online. you may not be able to get the details, but who sued who for what, and who was arrested for what should be available.