How to Check Out the Landlord of Rental Houses

When looking to rent a home, it is important to find out as much information about the owner of the rental house as possible before moving in. Too many stories about foreclosure on rental units, or slumlord practices are available to not take caution when renting. The landlord has ways to check out prospective tenants; you have ways to check out prospective landlords. Here is how to check out the landlord of rental houses you are interested in.

Instructions

1. Go to the county tax collector's office of the county that the properties are in. You can also do this online. Look up the address you want, and see if taxes are owed. Unpaid taxes are a sign of trouble. If this shows nothing, move on to the next step.

2. Go to the Clerk of Deeds or Recorder's office in the county where the properties are. Find the Grantor/Grantee Search Index. Enter the landlord's name, which will bring up a list of documents pertaining to them. Specific signs to look for are Notice of Trustee Sale, Notice of Default, or legal papers filed by lending institutions. This means the landlord is close to losing the properties. If this shows no evidence of trouble, proceed to the next step.

3. Check with the General District Court for the state where the properties are. Information about court cases are mainly online and free. Look over both active and inactive cases with the landlord's name involved. Civil court will list items that are landlord related. This search will show both criminal and legal action brought against the landlord. If the landlord is free of legal issues, proceed to the next step for unrecorded issues.

4. Look for previous tenants of the properties. This can be done by looking in your mailbox when mail slips through from the old tenants. Also check with neighbors of the properties to see what their reaction is. Issues with upkeep or disputes may arise this way.

5. Ask the landlord for contact information about previous tenants. Landlords should have a way to contact former tenants for security deposit returns or other issues. If the landlord is hesitant to give this information, there may be a problem.

6. Check with the local authorities, Chamber of Commerce or realtors about information concerning a landlord or certain properties. Often, these people can provide information about complaints and/or problems which may have occurred in the past.