Checking Your Landlord’s Eviction History

Prior to signing a lease for a new apartment, you may want to check your landlord’s eviction history. Fortunately, this investigation is not difficult, time consuming or expensive, and can tell you almost everything you need to know about the place you intend to call home.

Call Your Local Housing Authority

The first place to investigate your landlord’s eviction history is at your local housing authority. This government department should have collected information of any complaints of fair-housing violations against the landlord. While these allegations may not have been based on or resulted in an eviction, they will reveal the landlord’s character.

Check Court Records

An eviction is a legal process, and all court records are public documents. This means that through a simple visit to your local courthouse you can see whether your landlord was or is the plaintiff in any eviction actions and, if concluded, the outcome of the case. The clerk of court for the small claims division will be able to search for your landlord’s name in court records and permit you to view the files free of charge.

Local Tenant’s Associations

There may be a tenant’s association in your city. These associations are dedicated to protecting tenant’s rights, which includes gathering information on bad landlords and apartment buildings. Check the phone book to see if one of these associations exists in your area. If so, contact them and request any information they might have on your landlord.

Search the Internet

Simply plugging your landlord’s name into a general search engine can reveal a lot about him. Disgruntled tenants may have posted information regarding their interactions with the landlord. Your search may also reveal other information about your landlord; however, remember that not everything on the Internet is true. Don’t rely on a single bad comment about your landlord in making your decision, but if you find numerous complaints you may want to steer clear of your landlord.

Eviction Background Reports

Several companies offer eviction checks and reports on tenants and landlords. These companies gather information from the sex offender registry, department of corrections, and other government records into a single report. These companies charge fees ranging from $100 to $200 dollars. If you do not mind paying for a report, this may be an easy way to check your landlord’s history. However, be wary of scams. Thoroughly research the company prior to hiring one.

Contact Your Local Realtor’s Association

While your local realtor’s association may not necessarily know your landlord’s exact eviction history, they will have a feel for the landlord’s reliability and the property’s management. If they have a negative opinion of your landlord, ask them for advice on how to further his eviction history. You may find that the association will provide you a report at no charge.

Checking your landlord’s eviction history is a good way to get a feeling for his personality and management style. Start with your local courthouse and housing authority to obtain records of any evictions. Internet searches, and tenant and realtor’s associations will provide you with more information on your landlord’s history of evictions.