Tenant Screening

By E-Renter Tenant Screening
Posted on March 8, 2007 under Tenant Screening & Background Checks | Be the First to Comment

While, rental applicants can be screened before they become your tenants, the question remains what can a landlord do, if he already has tenants in his / her building? Is it possible for him / her to go back now and begin screening existing tenants?

Well, the answer to the last question is no, it is not possible to do so, because in order to request a credit report, which is a first-level screening tool, one must have a valid business reason for asking for the report. However, for a landlord with tenants already in place, tenants who have signed leases or rental agreements, any valid reason for asking for a credit report is eliminated.

And, in case a landlord wishes to check the criminal background of a tenant, which again is a second-level screening tool, tenant’s permission is required, though it is a gone conclusion that existing tenants will take umbrage, and will not only be unhappy, but unwilling to accede to such a request.

For already existing tenants, the only thing a landlord can hope for is for any bad elements to be nearing the end of their leases, or that they have a month-to-month rental agreement, which can be terminated easily, after giving due notice, typically of thirty days. And, as for a really, truly bad tenant, the length of his / her lease should not pose a problem, as it can always be terminated for reasonable cause.

That apart, landlords should make themselves cognisant with all rules and regulations before drafting a lease, and must take all necessary precautions, such as, screening tenants and conducting background checks on prospective tenants, including ensuring all promises in the rental lease are adhered to, as their insurance for a litigation free landlord / tenant relationship. A simple click of the mouse and any landlord or property manager can visit www.e-renter.com for tenant screening and background check services. www.e-renter.com, the best tenant screening agency in America!