5 Ways to Check for Evictions: A Comprehensive Guide
Checking for evictions is a crucial step in the tenant screening process. Evictions can indicate financial instability, a history of property damage, or other issues that could make a tenant a risky choice. By checking for evictions, you can minimize the risk of renting to a problem tenant.
1. Check Local Court Records
Most evictions are filed in local courts. Visit your county clerk’s office and ask to search eviction records. You can search by the tenant’s name, address, or case number. To access these records, you may have to pay a fee, but it’s usually nominal.
2. Use an Online Eviction Search Service
There are several online eviction search services that can help you check for evictions. These services typically charge a fee, but they can be a convenient way to get information about a tenant’s eviction history.
3. Contact the Tenant’s Previous Landlord
Contacting the tenant’s previous landlord is a good way to get information about their rental history. Ask the landlord if the tenant was ever evicted and if they would recommend them as a tenant.
4. Ask the Tenant Directly
Ask the tenant if they have ever been evicted. Most tenants will be honest about their eviction history but avoid giving complete information. You can ask them about any previous rentals in which they may have had a dispute with the landlord and ask for specific details about the dispute.
5. Get a Tenant Screening Report
Most tenant screening services include an eviction search as part of their report. These reports typically include more information than you can get from a local court search, such as the reason for the eviction and the amount of money owed.
Source www.avail.co
Comparison of Eviction Search Methods:
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Local Court Records | Free | Can be time-consuming |
| Online Eviction Search Services | Convenient | Can be expensive |
| Contact Tenant’s Previous Landlord | Can provide additional information | Landlord may not be willing to provide information |
| Ask Tenant Directly | Easy to do | Tenant may not be honest |
| Tenant Screening Report | Provides comprehensive information | Can be expensive |
Conclusion
Checking for evictions is an important part of the tenant screening process. By taking the time to check for evictions, you can minimize the risk of renting to a problem tenant.
If you’re looking for more information about tenant screening, check out our other articles on the topic:
- How to Screen Tenants: A Comprehensive Guide
- The Best Tenant Screening Services
- How to Avoid Renting to a Problem Tenant
FAQ about Evictions
1. How can I check for evictions on a rental property?
Answer: Search public records at the county courthouse or online through websites like LexisNexis or Westlaw.
2. What records should I look for?
Answer: Court filings, eviction orders, or judgments against the property owner or landlord.
3. How far back should I search?
Answer: Most states require records to be kept for 7-10 years, but it’s best to search as far back as possible.
4. What are some red flags to look for?
Answer: Multiple evictions within a short period, patterns of complaints against the landlord, or inconsistencies in the landlord’s story.
5. What if I find an eviction record?
Answer: Contact the court or legal professional to verify the information and determine the circumstances of the eviction.
6. Can I still rent the property if there is an eviction record?
Answer: It depends on the circumstances. Some evictions are not valid, and some landlords may be willing to rent to tenants with past evictions.
7. How can I protect myself from illegal evictions?
Answer: Know your rights as a tenant, document all interactions with your landlord, and seek legal assistance if necessary.
8. What is the best way to check for evictions on a potential landlord?
Answer: Run a credit report or search public records for any evictions or lawsuits against the landlord.
9. Can I use social media to check for evictions?
Answer: Sometimes, but it’s not always reliable. Search for the landlord’s name or property address on social media platforms.
10. Is it illegal to rent a property with an eviction record?
Answer: No, it is not illegal, but it is important to be aware of the risks and protect yourself accordingly.
