Tenant evicted, $2k damages + had criminal background...now what?

[Elizabeth Schartman]

Curious for thoughts on what went wrong...thank you for your insights!  My tenant stopped paying rent and had to be evicted.  While I'm thrilled this person is out, I'm out 3 months rent, plus legal fees and now about $2k in damages.  Broken window, stained carpet, significant cleaning of things like maggot infested garage, rotting food in warm fridge, urine in corners of carpet.  I use a property manager.  In reviewing the tenant online on my own, I found a criminal record on this person, with mug shot (so no denying this is the person), with 'claims substantiated'.  Wouldn't this type of thing be caught in a background check?  Anyone willing to share the tenant screening process you use? (this is in Arizona - Phoenix)  Thanks again.

[Karl B.]

And this is why I self-manage. It takes little time and I don't have to rely on someone who isn't nearly as invested in my property as I am. 

Ask your PM for a copy of the credit/criminal check they had on this tenant. How old was the charge/mugshot? I know some states expunge from the docket after X-amount of years, even for serious crimes.  

I check the docket online even before I have my local apartment association do a search. They do additional searches (Megan's Law database, the other 49 states, etc.). 

Sue the tenant and get a judgement against him. Then when he likely doesn't pay you, go to the prothonotary's office and get a lien against him and renew it every X-amount of years - varies by city. If he ever inherits anything, someday sells a house or gets a lawsuit windfall you'll be paid.