Need tenant screening service advice (Milwaukee, Union: renting, credit check, tenants)

[Frozen]

Hey folks

Father in-law is getting up there in age and just doesn't want to deal with all the headaches
of renting out his duplex, his past tenant was a ****** with no remorse.

Looking for advice on background / credit check services for tenants.

Can I charge them (tenant ) for the background / credit check at time of application

Anyone have a service they recommend,
any tenant application you guys prefer for the state Wisconsin.

Thanks in advance

[Ralph Shinners]

Hi Frozen, I am a landlord in Milwaukee. What I have been using for several years for tenant screening is Trans Union's Smart Move (https://www.mysmartmove.com/). I would definitely recommend it. Yes you can charge an application fee that would go towards the cost of it.

[slamont61]

I say sell it if you don't want to deal with it. If he's up in the years not wanting to deal with the process of renting, chances are he's not going to be to wild about maintaining it either.

Let him enjoy the later years without any headaches of being a landlord.

[Frozen]

Thanks Ralph!

@ slamont61
I have been down that road with him, but the duplex is part of a trust
that will go to his 2 daughters, one being my Wife.

The guy has helped me out over the years, so I do what I can for him,
I just don't have the time and patience of dealing with the games some
tenants can play, so to minimize any problems I thought if they agree to
a background check / credit check and I can verify employment, it might
weed out the pro (rental) fessionals

let me know if there is anything else you guys recommend

Thanks all

[Ralph Shinners]

Those are the keys, you want to do the background and credit check and verify employment. And don't forget to check with their current landlord that they gave proper notice, paid on time and are not being evicted. I myself am not too concerned about them having amazing credit as long as they have a job which provides enough to pay the rent. A lot of folks have some rough credit histories but can still make good tenants.