Always, always, always, spend the $80 (or so) for a credit and criminal check. Always require and call references. If they are a nightmare tenant, the landlord won’t tell you because they’re ecstatic the people are leaving. On the other hand, a short hesitation before they say “Oh, a wonderful tenant, sorry to lose them!” should speak volumes.

I recently learned that spending 10 minutes checking with the civil court system is time well spent. I have a tenant complaining about mold in a unit that had no mold before. Turns out they are suing their prior landlord for… mold in the unit. Taking a few minutes to run their name through the court system would save me the hassle and the money I’m spending to move them out and secure a waiver.

Be as compassionate as you can afford to be, but remember that the tenants receive a clean, safe place to live in exchange for rent. Presumably you are doing this to earn money, not provide a crash pad for everyone who needs it. I hate to sound so cold hearted — because I’m not — but their bad choices must never become my problems.

Best of luck, and good recognition of lessons learned.

First of all, her parents have her living with these two dangerous dogs, which shows you how thoughtful and protective they are.

Secondly, it is horrible that her mother is using her as a tool in trying to prolong this process. What is this teaching the little girl?

Unfortunately, there is nothing that I can do to help the little girl. Even if I were to let them live there for free, the young girl will still grow up in that environment and learn that you should try to “beat the system” and have to struggle to stay out of jail.

Thank you very much for the comment.