Can we talk about renting in Bearden or Fountain City? (Knoxville: apartment complex, rental)

[lennonsong]

Hi again,

I last posted about a year ago on this board, and I've been lurking ever since. I enjoy reading such helpful information here, and I'm hoping you good folks could help me again.

My wife and I are relocating to Knoxville in August. I'm beginning a master's program at UT. She will work full-time, although we're still exploring job possibilities for her field, human resources.

We're looking to rent in either the Bearden or Fountain City areas, as we liked both of them a lot on our last two visits. $500-600 is our budget. Can you provide any specific contacts for trustworthy, reliable landlords in either area?
I should add: I saw a couple listings on Craigslist for Fountain City, but I wasn't sure if they were legitimate or not. Both postings required a $30 fee for a background check. Isn't that a sign of a scam? Or did I miss something?

Thanks again for your help!

[TN Gal now]

it's at all unusual for a landlord to request/require a background check for a new tenant, HOWEVER, I surely wouldn't give the ok/money for release of that information until filling the rental application/lease. Do that in person - not online is my advice.

[lennonsong]

Originally Posted by TN Gal now

it's at all unusual for a landlord to request/require a background check for a new tenant, HOWEVER, I surely wouldn't give the ok/money for release of that information until filling the rental application/lease. Do that in person - not online is my advice.

That shows you how little I know. We're moving from a smaller place, and I've never had a landlord ask for a background check. Although I think it's great. It shows that the landlords care about who they rent to. I've run into a few in my current town who really should do it, but don't.

I guess the Craigslist rule for background checks is to make sure it's a valid Knoxville phone number then.

Thank you for your help, TN Gal now.

[anothertntony]

Background checks by landlords are not uncommon. It will probably include checks for bankruptcies, liens, criminal background, prior evictions, credit check, etc. Most complexes likely perform the same check using part of the application fee.

I agree with the previous poster that it is advisable to do it in person. I would at least make sure that the person really has a place for rent (i.e., you have been inside, not just that you have an address - they could have given a fake address). Home owner names are public records, so you can probably search the address here to find the owner / landlord's name:

Property Tax Search - Trustee - Knox County Tennessee - A Great American Community

They may ask for your SSN to perform the check (I'm not sure if that is actually necessary). I would be more concerned about giving that to a scammer than I would losing $30.

[TN Gal now]

With the advent of information available on the internet I suppose someone could get a background check on just about anyone without their authorization, but I'm not sure what information that would include and obtained that way, probably only public information, and a SS would probably not be required. Requesting a SS number is common and a signed CONSENT for the background check is required by any reputable company performing those checks and generally (should) include limitations regarding who can see your private information. Landlords requesting that information are undoubtedly looking for someone who has stable credit so they will have a measure of comfort thinking they will receive the rent. I would imagine that responsible landlords will also want to know if someone has a criminal record, child/spouse abuse history, or is a known sexual offender. I'm not sure if apartment complexes, management companies, etc. charge the tennant or absorb the fee, but I imagine it would be included in the initial processing/application fee.

Aside from the landlord's "comfort zone" in learning about the tennant, if I was renting within an apartment complex I also would feel more comfortable knowing that everyone in the complex had been "screened" at some level - although that's certainly not a guarantee of character. If you rent a house, you're totally dependent upon outward neighborhood appearances regarding your neighbors...

Good luck with your move!

[knoxgarden]

Are those duplexes in Fountain City? There are several duplex "communities" in the greater Fountain City area that are quite nice. They do require background checks. I was shopping around for a rental several years ago. I remember some on Water Cress Drive that had nice yards. There are also some on Maple Road between Inskip and Highland.

[charz]

I rented a condo on Maple Road. I paid more than $500-600, but it was a great 2 BR, 2 bath (900 square ft). We went through Realty Management. There are duplex houses across the street--I don't know how much they are or if any are available.

[lennonsong]

Originally Posted by knoxgarden

Are those duplexes in Fountain City? There are several duplex "communities" in the greater Fountain City area that are quite nice. They do require background checks. I was shopping around for a rental several years ago. I remember some on Water Cress Drive that had nice yards. There are also some on Maple Road between Inskip and Highland.

I'm not sure if they were duplexes or not. The ad wasn't as specific as I would have liked. It did have a local number. I will look into the Water Cress Drive area, though. Thank you for the heads-up.

I rented a condo on Maple Road. I paid more than $500-600, but it was a great 2 BR, 2 bath (900 square ft). We went through Realty Management. There are duplex houses across the street--I don't know how much they are or if any are available.

Any tip is a good tip. Thank you!

[hiknapster]

It is very common to have to give a social security number for a background check. I wouldn't give one out online or over the phone to someone, though.

Also, if you do not have jobs yet, you may have to pay quite a bit of money up front.

[Kitties of Domination]

You weren't specific as to what type of rental you are seeking, ie apartment, house, duplex, or townhouse/condo. I can tell you that you will probably not get a house, condo, or townhouse for 500-600 in Bearden. If you're looking at apartments, I can recommend Londontown, though I have no idea what west Knoxville apartments are going for nowadays. Keep in mind that both Bearden and FC are desirable areas and are priced accordingly. There are better deals to be had in North Hills/Whittle Springs closer in on Broadway from Fountain City, but the area becomes older, more urban, and more working class. I like it, but it may not be to your taste.