Tenant Screening Should Include Eviction Reports

In today’s economic climate, small-time mom-and-pop landlords should not only run credit checks on would-be tenants, but also make sure prospective tenants haven’t been forcibly removed from their previous residences. Eviction reports are one of the most important tools landlords can use to screen prospects. According to the National Sheriffs’ Association, forceful evictions by law enforcement officers have been on the upswing for the last few years, giving rise to a new group of nomadic tenants. Evictions resulting in money judgments can be found in the public records section of an individual’s credit report. However, according to MicroBilt, a risk management information company, three out of four eviction filings don’t result in money judgments, and those that don’t are not listed on the credit report. In addition, Matthew Roesly of MicroBilt says, it often takes 60 to 90 days for a money judgment to show up on a credit report, leaving plenty of time for recently evicted individuals to find a new place before the eviction shows up. Roesly recommends every landlord pay for an eviction report, especially if your property is located in a tenant-friendly jurisdiction. “The cost of just one bad apple could be in the thousands, not just in lost rent but also in damages and legal fees,” he said.

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Posted Under: Tenant Screening

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