I have a property for rent as I write this, I use a "Tenant Phone Screening Sheet" for everyone that calls, It has 15 questions on it ranging form their income, to previous two address and how long at each, reason for leaving, credit & criminal history. income questions, etc..

It is important to have all prospective tenants complete the same process (submit application and application fee, provide proof of income, consent to thorough credit/criminal screening, etc) If you have a gut doubt about an applicant, chances are their application/screening will highlight something concrete that you can deny their tenancy (bad credit, insufficient income, criminal record, etc.)

One, you cannot keep out sex offenders and criminals from buying a property (unless of course that is in their CC&R's too?)

In a worst case scenario, where your investors lose money, you can bet your life that their attorney will file both a civil and a criminal complaint against you with your state.

Tasha C, it's too late now, but for future reference:Always take an application and check it thoroughly, including credit, eviction and criminal, no exceptions.Your lease should state that no one else moves in without applying and qualifying and getting accepted and being added to the leaseBill Gulley is right, since you now have a tenant, qualify her and have the conversation, that way she'll know if she has to find another place.

As long as its in the lease and signed I believe it should not be a problem in Louisiana especially considering our laissez faire customs of legal execution so long as it isn't criminal or does not conflict with housing laws.Thoughts?

The police told me that since this criminal was given permission to stay there with her, that there isn't anything I can really do about it.

I'm about to be a first time landlord and I've read so much on these forums about running background, credit, criminal, etc. checks and there are many websites that offer those services.

I have only declined applicants on the basis of income, credit or criminal history.

The lender has two remedies in theory to the event which would be civil suite (it is not a criminal offense) and foreclosure.