Can tenants legally conduct background checks on their landlords? (apartment, tenant, rental property)

[tigress55]

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.*

[RoamingTX]

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.

[Rabrrita]

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.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

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..

[reenzz]

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.

[LifeIsGood01]

Sure why not? You can hire a private detective if you want.