Can you request tenant screening information from seller?

[Mindy Jensen]

When you are making an offer on an occupied property, can you request the tenant screening information from the seller? (Yes, assuming they actually screened the tenants.) I've never purchased with tenants in place, and don't know the legalities of the request.

Thanks!

[Steve Morris]

"When you are making an offer on an occupied property, can you request the tenant screening information from the seller? (Yes, assuming they actually screened the tenants.) I've never purchased with tenants in place, and don't know the legalities of the request."

I guess you could, but to what purpose?  Outside of fraud by the applicant, once accepted you can't really do much besides get them for defaulting on the current lease.

However, I broker apartments.  One of the contingencies is books.  I do ask for full accounting with tenant apps (including credit scores), signed leases and rent increases.  But you are due these.  In addition, you may have a clause stating as buyer you get to approve any new leases (timing may vary).