Another mistake...always learning...background checks...

[Terrell Garren]

Learn from my mistakes young ones - After 12 years and a string of great tenant selections, I thought I was a godly judge of tenant character and would occasionally get lazy and sloppy. 

12 months ago, I rented a SFH to a well spoken, clean cut mid 30s couple. I contacted the previous landlord and received good reviews (I know why now). The male was a stated self employed GC, so all I verified was his checking account for monthly deposits. No background check (mistake). I signed a 12 month lease (mistake). I turned over possession before utilities were transitioned (mistake). Over the past 12 months, I've posted 7 pay or so quit notices for various problems and dishonesty. They were professional tenants. I terminated the lease in June and went to eviction court in July. No payment for last months rent and the property was a mess.

They didn't reroute their mail and I noticed the male had a different last name than on the application and lease.  I Googled the new name and found a mug shots, arrests and a larceny charge.  He was no GC either.  

Good work processes are not hard, however, I got a bit cocky, lazy, knew better and got burned.  My resolutions until I get too big for my pants again - always do background checks, issue only M2M leases, do not turn over possession w/o verification of utility transitions.