How do you screen tenants moving in from other states?

[ScottF]

I find some tenants that are moving into the area have nothing on their Minnesota records. Anyone have luck in pulling info from their previous location about evictions?

__________________
Scott Ficek
Re/Max Advantage Plus
612-281-5419
Saint Paul Houses
Minnesota MLS

[Tony Sena]

Originally Posted by ScottF

I find some tenants that are moving into the area have nothing on their Minnesota records. Anyone have luck in pulling info from their previous location about evictions?

__________________
Scott Ficek
Re/Max Advantage Plus
612-281-5419
Saint Paul Houses
Minnesota MLS

Scott,

We require all information to be placed in writing from previous landlords regardless if they are local or out of state. We do everything we can to verify information and getting it in writing provides a paper trail. This way if we happen to get a bad apple, we can at least show the landlord we did everything we could to verify the information the tenant provided.

[White Bear Lake Homes]

This is a good tip...that is, getting "in writing" a past rental reference from a previous landlord. Paper trails require more upfront work, but they can be a life saver if ever needed for defense/support. Great tip!