Isn't it time that tenants ought to be able to legally check the background of landlord as well?

Question

Just like landlords are doing to tenants. As many of you already know, there are many sinister, unethical landlords whose character is questionable. Many of them have complaints and lawsuits against them which would be beneficial for tenants to know too.

Answer 1

Nobody is stopping you from checking the background of the Landlord. If it is a company you can check with the better business bureau, the real estate commission, and websites like apartmentratings.com. You can also buy a report from D&B.

If it is an individual, you can do a background check on them with their permission, same way that they are able to do a background check on you with _your_ permission.

The only reason that they can legally check your background is because you allow them to. You probably even pay for the background check as part of an application fee.

Of course, if they are an individual they can refuse to give permission just like you can refuse to give permission.

Answer 2

Maria, I sympathize. The best way to live in an enjoyable setting is to ask the other tenants that live in the apartment complex.
Or if you are just renting a house, ask the neighbors how the last tenant fared with this owner. People love to gossip, so let them. If something really unfair has gone on you'd be able to find out with some checking.

Don't be afraid to let a landlord know up front that you expect your entire deposit back when you shampoo and degrease and wash the windows and scrub the baths. The painting cannot be deducted from your deposit unless it needs paint again when you vacate after 6 mos of living there. Otherwise you should receive all of your money back. Let them know that's what you will expect at the end. See how they respond to that. If it's anything other than "Gee great, I don't want your deposit I want my place back in good shape, like it is now." Anything unenthusiastic and I'd look elsewhere.
I have cheerfully refunded entire deposits over and over after carefully coaching my tenants in what they need to do to get it back. This would be a nice habit for most landlords to get into. Of course the amount of tenants that have wrecked the place and the expect any money back galls me too.

Best of luck, take care of you.

Answer 3

That is an excellent point.
but most tenants can do more harm to a landlord than vice versa.
if a tenant does not pay the rent it could be the very reason that the landlord IS in court.
If the landlord doesnt pay his mortgage with your rent, you move and it is his problem (again).
If you dont pay rent the landlord might lose his place.