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If the criminal act is recent, like within 2 years, I may question it. But, if it's an older conviction and I can verify past landlord references, I'll usually let it go. Of course, it also depends on what type of criminal act was committed. If you're a murderer, I ain't renting to ya! LOL But, a DUI/DWI isn't a big deal to me, as long as it's not recent.
I'm sure many landlords do not run a criminal records check, but how's your credit report, income verification and rental history look?
Too bad for a tenant coming to me...I was almost scammed but do to my check I figured out on time what was going on and that person lived in my street for years and was a realtor...only when things didn't add up I started to do some research and came across 3 felony charges and convictions.
I always thought that a realtor wasn't able to obtain alicense if they were convicted and the bs that they are finger printed....only if the Licensing board does their job which clearly isn't always the case.
The whole situation has appaled me so much that I wouldn't rent to a convicted felon! Unless it was something like 20 years ago and the person has now good credentials...basically turned their life around and I do believe in a 2nd change....but that has to be proven for a long time.
I don't want to be the donkey and people telling me later on, you knew and you still went in it with open eyes. Specially in todays economy when jobs are harder to be kept and criminality is on the rise...I want people with the best credentials I can get....which for me isn't too hard since my properties are in the best locations and even though I haven't anything posted online I received 4 calls last week...so I can be picky but fair. After all we have the fair housing law, but that doesn't mean I have to rent to a convicted felon...
find apartments and rent? are some landlords lax or what?
They do, I can assure you. The property where I'm living sold to another management company 1 1/2 yrs ago, no background checks now. I've been here along time. I can already see a difference.
If the criminal act is recent, like within 2 years, I may question it. But, if it's an older conviction and I can verify past landlord references, I'll usually let it go. Of course, it also depends on what type of criminal act was committed. If you're a murderer, I ain't renting to ya! LOL But, a DUI/DWI isn't a big deal to me, as long as it's not recent.
What about accessory to armed robbery that was 40 years ago when they were 18 and nothing since then?
Something that happened 40 years ago should be of little concern to a landlord if you're upfront about it. Honesty goes a long way with me. If you try to hide a conviction, it gives me more reason to look harder for other problems.
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