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Old 07-19-2018, 09:08 AM
 
3 posts, read 2,706 times
Reputation: 10

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Can tenants legally conduct background checks on their landlords? If so, what would be the best way to get a complete and accurate background check on the landlord?*

I am asking especially since some landlords live in the rental property (e.g. landlords who rent our rooms in their house, landlords who live in the same apartment building, etc.) and I want to be safe.*
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Old 07-19-2018, 09:19 AM
 
1,663 posts, read 1,571,213 times
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Without an authorization form signed by the landlord, you’re left with any information you can find in the public domain.

I’d start with your local court system, just do a name search and see what comes up.
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Old 07-19-2018, 09:43 AM
 
13,109 posts, read 20,856,336 times
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Your would have the same right as they have. You can personally access whatever is public records or you can, with their written permission, go into more personal records. The only real difference is the landlord is bound by the FCRA when conducting their checks while you most likely would not be.
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Old 07-19-2018, 12:00 PM
 
Location: North Idaho
32,559 posts, read 47,729,085 times
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You can search public records. The search that landlords do, they have to have permission from the tenant before they access some of the information sites that give more personal information. If your landlord doesn't give you permission, then you can't do those searches. Plus, you have to have a membership in those search sites and follow their rules.

But you can do a search to find out if the landlord really owns the property and you can find out if the landlord has been in lawsuits... although you might have to go down to the courthouse to find out about lawsuits. Very few places have that information online. But while you are at the courthouse looking for lawsuits you might be able to find any criminal convictions in that county..
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Old 07-19-2018, 01:14 PM
 
Location: Long Island, NY
1,898 posts, read 2,822,511 times
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A Public records search does NOT require permission and does NOT violate FCRA. To do an accurate search, you would need the landlords full name and social security number.
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Old 07-19-2018, 02:07 PM
 
12,016 posts, read 12,695,396 times
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Sure why not? You can hire a private detective if you want.
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