{"id":65,"date":"2021-05-26T17:02:36","date_gmt":"2021-05-26T17:02:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aesir.visualmodo.com\/prebuilt-website\/realestate\/?p=65"},"modified":"2021-05-26T17:03:34","modified_gmt":"2021-05-26T17:03:34","slug":"how-to-perform-a-landlord-background-check","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aesir.visualmodo.com\/prebuilt-website\/realestate\/2021\/05\/26\/how-to-perform-a-landlord-background-check\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Perform a Landlord Background Check"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ve found the perfect new apartment or rental house. You love the neighborhood. Your application has been approved. You\u2019re ready to sign on the dotted line, right? Not so fast. How much do you know about your soon-to-be landlord, property manager or property management company?<\/p>\n

There are lots of reasons why you should take the time to ask yourself, \u201cWho is my landlord?\u201d before you commit. Your rent payment is likely one of your biggest\u00a0monthly expenses, and if you\u2019re signing a lengthy lease, you should find out as much as you can about the person who owns and operates the place you\u2019ll call home. Check out these five easy ways to check your landlord\u2019s reputation before signing your lease.<\/p>\n

\"\"1. Google them<\/h2>\n

The internet has a way of quickly uncovering all kinds of misdeeds, so start with a simple Google search of your landlord\u2019s name or property management company, as well as the property address.<\/p>\n

Hell hath no fury as a renter scorned, so you\u2019ll also want to peruse some of the many apartments and landlord review sites online that let tenants anonymously review their apartment complex, landlord or property management company.<\/p>\n

2. Search public records<\/h2>\n

There\u2019s a wealth of information about properties and landlords available via your local government agencies, and you\u2019re usually able to check your landlord for free. Consider it your landlord background check!<\/p>\n

Your county courthouse should have ownership records searchable by address, so you can find the legal name of the person or company that owns the property \u2014 it may not be your landlord directly. You can also search for code violations, foreclosure proceedings, evictions, and small claims court settlements, all of which should be red flags for renters.<\/p>\n

3. Get to know your (future) neighbors<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re moving into an apartment complex with multiple units, take a few minutes to walk around the grounds out of earshot of the landlord. If you see any tenants out and about, strike up a conversation about what it\u2019s like to live there. Ask how long they\u2019ve lived there \u2014\u00a0renewed leases\u00a0are a good sign of a positive landlord-tenant relationship. Get a few pros and cons, ask how complaints are handled, and find out if they have any gripes about management.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re moving into a single-family home, ask the landlord if they\u2019d mind you having a conversation with the current tenants. If you don\u2019t have access to any other tenants, find a neighborhood-specific blog or Facebook group to join. Tell people you\u2019re thinking of moving into the area, and ask if they know anything about the property manager.<\/p>\n

4. Be the interviewer<\/h2>\n

Landlords ask you questions when you apply to live in their property, so why shouldn\u2019t you ask them questions too? Ask them how they handle repair requests. Find out if the landlord lives on-site, nearby or in a different state. Ask how the move-in and the move-out process goes. Learn more about their process for requesting entry to your unit. They should be able to easily answer your questions and address all of your concerns.<\/p>\n

5. Go with your gut<\/h2>\n

When in doubt, trust your instincts. If you experience any of the following:<\/p>\n