Make sure to do a full and complete background check (credit, criminal, etc.)

My suggestion is get a good RE lawyer or steal a good copy - one that someone paid a lot of money for and then change the names to protect the guilty and damn the innocent :-)  Note to Self - Divorce lawyers and Criminal attorneys may have gotten you out of jail - but they do not know RE Law...so have someone who practices RE law do the docs...or the title company will jam you up at closing....when they do not like the LLC docs......

(I know, but it happens)Analyze their credit report and if you feel comfortable, do a background check and make sure their criminal history checks out.Another key factor is employment history.

But, the landlord could be on the hook for a tenant's actions, most notably serious criminal offenses.

STAY AWAY FROM THAT CRIMINAL! 

@Aaron Mazzrillo no offense taken, I I agree with most of your points; regardless I appreciate your vote of confidence and the kind words.  

I had a warrant issued and am being charged with "criminal housing violation". 

Friend got it with this at a vacation home.Forget the billing and fix the problem:First take better pictures of the meter and the connection for evidence.Get an electrical contractor to come out, disconnect the illegal connection and install a security box with a lock so there's no access to the power  connects.Write a letter, send it Certified to the neighbor with copies of the tampering that this is criminal fraud and theft and if it occurs again, they will be prosecuted - - clearly note a copy has been sent to the Utility Company.You might research the owner of the property and send a copy to them also (in case it might be rented).You didn't start this but need to control it.

They offer little protection if someone is injured due to negligence or criminal actions.

He gets deported through ICE as a criminal alien.