How to do a landlord background check

When filling out a rental application, you’re expected to provide the landlord with all kinds of personal information, including references, pay stubs and a credit check. In most cases, however, renters sign a lease without knowing much about the person they’re entering into a contract with.

Before committing to a lease, you should find out everything you can about your future landlord. Otherwise, you could end up with someone who doesn’t respond to urgent maintenance requests or who doesn’t treat tenants with fairness and respect.

Here are some precautions to take:

• Look for information online. Search the landlord’s name and the property address with words like “complaints,” “review,” “bedbugs” and “eviction.” With notorious landlords, you’ll often find numerous complaints about similar issues.

• Check public records. Public records of property ownership and court proceedings will reveal if a landlord has been linked to code violations, evictions, foreclosures or small claims court settlements. Most public registries can be accessed online.

• Talk to the neighbors. Ask other tenants about their experiences living in the area and whether they’ve had problems with the landlord. They may be willing to tell you things about the property the landlord doesn’t want you to know.

Above all, trust your instincts. If the price seems far too low or the landlord tries to rush you through the rental application process, it’s a good idea to keep looking.