Shooting at Property exposes flawed tenant screening practice
The Las-Cruces Sun News had an interesting article about a shooting death of a man at a trailer park, who was previously unknown to be a tenant there. “We did a full background check,” she said. “He had just gotten out of prison. That’s probably why (his girlfriend) kept it under wraps, because otherwise we […]
Background Checks on Tenants in Texas
Increasingly, cities across the United States are considering new laws to govern apartment complexes, including new regulations mandating criminal background checks on tenants. Irving City, Texas is the next big city who’s city council is considering a sweeping proposal of reform. Landlords also would be required to conduct criminal background checks on all new tenants […]
Tenant Screening Program helps Bite Crime
Sometimes landlords and property managers can take a bite out of crime when they run criminal background checks on their prospective tenants. In addition to running tenant credit reports for financial history, landlords are now running criminal records searches to make sure their tenants don’t have a history of violance or are currently out on […]
Chicago tenants may get protection against foreclosure evictions
Chicago tenants who face eviction due to landlord foreclosure may receive some additional assistance from City Hall. The plan is being put forth by the Chicao mayor Daley, which will provide up to three months of rent and moving expenses for tenants affected by the landlord foreclosure. The new bill is also looking to expand […]
Screening Tenants for Criminal Activity
The importance of maintaining a safe living environment for your tenants cannot be stressed enough, specifically with regard to criminal activity. According to Amerilawyer.com, “A landlord can be sued for failing to take at least minimal steps to alleviate the risk posed by a violent tenant, a Court has ruled.” The court action’s purpose was […]
Tenant Screening for first time landlords and property owners
With a slow real estate market, the inventory of rental homes has increased, many with first time landlords. The amount of renters has increased as many new home owners cannot afford to pay their mortgages. Sometimes owners will attempt to find tenants themselves or use a mortgage company. Home owners are advised to screen their […]
Does Crime-Free Certificate mean Diet Crime?
We certainly hope the best for Fairfield anti-crime program with property managers in mind. The Police have established a three phase problem to certify housing complexes with the “Crime-Free” distinction. According the new article/press release, “The certification program was developed to reduce crime, clean up rental properties and increase property values” The program sounds like […]
Finding Stable Reliable Tenants
Jessica Beganski wrote a great article about how to find and maintain reliable tenants. She makes some interesting points- the most striking is that she recommends allowing for pets. Her premise is: I think having a pet shows you’re stable, responsible and flexible – all qualities of a good tenant. Most landlords and property managers […]
Marketing Timing makes unlikely Landlords
With real estate prices falling in most markets, some property owners are renting out their homes while they live in apartments. They are waiting for the property values to increase before they sell and move on. The housing market morass has created a new class of real estate investors: the accidental landlords. Some, like Mr. […]
Privacy Rights for Tenants in Albert Lea City
According to the Albert Lea City Tribune, the city council is voting to pass a new ordinance to have all landlords licensed by the city. Apparently the new ordinance will require facility site inspections as well as requiring landlords to turn over names and phone numbers for all tenants. While it may seem that licensing […]
