Background check for new tenant

[Cristian Rivera]

Hey guys here is a scenario: You found your first tenant and they sign the lease now you are ready to make sure he is not a criminal, a a slum tenant, has good credit, or lied in the application. Where should you go for something like that, that is good, accurate, honest and trustworthy, as well as it doesn't charge an arm and a leg? Do you have any other suggestions as far as screening a tenant?

[Corina Eufinger]

Woah, danger. You signed the lease FIRST and are now doing your background check? It won't matter what you find on the background check at this point you are bound to letting them move in.  Always do the background check first.  Always.  Once they sign a lease its a contract. 

Transunion has a program called SmartMove you can sign up for.  There is a fee per screening done. It's comprehensive with national criminal and credit report along with most wanted lists. 

Again, can't stress this enough.  Do the background stuff first.  Lease is the last thing you do.