I've seen posts about semi-war zones but nothing about full on war zones.Now when I say war zone I'm talking about very ghetto areas (drugs, guns, gangs, the whole 9 yards).

I have been envious of US Landlords' ability to check criminal records, this could be very useful, for example if a tenant has a history of illegal acts concerning drugs or similar issues.

We tell potential tenants that we do not rent to felons, sex offenders, or with any sort of drug or assault arrest even if there is no conviction.

He even admitted to drug paraphernalia being found in the unit.

They have survived blight, job loss, high taxes, an influx of drugs from the city, you name it.

Drug dealers with angry dogs?

. - Tenants complaining about gunshots, drug dealers, violence, etc. to try and negotiate rent, late payments, etc.

Is there a strong way to screen for drug or alcohol abuse prior to signing a new tenant? 

The boiler is 30+ years old, there's a leak in the exterior wall one of the current tenants is on drugs and moving out, the other one is looking to leave.And to top it all off, none of the utilities are separate.

@Cole FleishourDoctors or not, I know some who are on drugs and alcoholics, they are human like anyone else.If they have violated at least two items of your lease agreement.