Renter Lesson
DIY Landlord Background Check
We recognize the challenge of selecting a dependable landlord. Regrettably, tenants often discover the shortcomings of their landlord only after the tenancy has commenced. So, we have developed a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to assist prospective tenants in thoroughly evaluating a landlord prior to entering into a rental agreement.
Estimated Time
Tools and Materials
2-4 hours
- computer or mobile device
- access to internet
- pen and paper,
- a digital place to save links
- pen and paper
Lesson 1 of 4: Starting Research
Google their name and check reviews. If unknown, find them on the property website, Apartments.com or rental sign in front of houses. Search property name and the words “news articles” to see if anything has been published about mismanagement.
Lesson 2 of 4: Check for Code Violations
In Memphis, you can easily check for problems at rental places on the Open 311 website. Just look for “Pins” and pick the “Code Enforcement” and “CE Commercial” categories. This can help you see if there are any issues at the rental property.
Lesson 3 of 4: Confirm Who Owns the Property
1. Find a name
Visit the Shelby County Assessor of Property’s search website.
Search tip: Avoid entering things like “E,” “East,” “St.” or “Street.” For example, if the street name is “East Holmes Road,” enter only “Holmes.”
Methods of Searching
The Map: use the zoom function on the map to locate the property. By dragging the map around and clicking on the property, you can find the information you need.
“Search by Address” : Use this function on the left side of the webpage, but please keep in mind that it may not work for apartment complexes.
2. Search the name
Click on a property, the website will display “Property Details,” including the owner’s name.
For example: the corporate name listed as owning a rental home is “VB ONE LLC.”
Search tip: Leave out the “LLC” part.
To find out the owners behind that corporation, click on “Property/Assessment Details,” and below the owner’s name, find the “Owner Mailing Address” and copy it.
Then, search the address and corporation name on Google for results. Another way is to visit the Tennessee Secretary of State’s Business Information Search website, type the owner’s corporate name
3. Still need more information?
- Click the blue number under “Control #.”
- Next, search the Dallas address you find by Googling “300 CRESCENT CT STE 700.” This will lead you to NexPoint Asset Management, which manages Vinebrook.
- Note that for many affordable apartments in Memphis, the Assessor of Property website lists the owner as HEALTH EDUCATIONAL AND HOUSING FACILITY BOARD OF THE CITY OF MEMPHIS, indicating that the owner has received a tax break from the Health and Ed board. To find the true owner, click the blue “Click Here” next to “Property/Assessment Details” on the Assessor website. The “Owner Mailing Address” is usually associated with the actual owner. You can try Googling it.
- If you need further assistance, you can email Health and Ed Board administrator Stephanie Bryant at Stephanie.Bryant@MemphisHEHF.com.
Lesson 4 of 4: How quick are they to evict?
The last type of research to be discussed is related to evictions. Some landlords file for eviction just two weeks after the first missed payment. Here are a couple of methods to identify aggressive evictors:
- Check this spreadsheet listing the 50 names associated with the most eviction cases in 2022, sourced from the Shelby County General Sessions Court’s website.
- Use the national nonprofit Eviction Lab’s Memphis webpage to view the top 10 apartment complexes for eviction filings since March 15, 2020.
This mini series is an abridgement of the following article
Steimer, Jacob. “Want to check out the landlord before you move in? Here’s a four-step guide.” MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, 19 Jan. 2024, mlk50.com/2023/02/16/want-to-check-out-the-landlord-before-you-move-in-heres-a-four-step-guide/?fbclid=IwAR3B8cKBJFueV0bcwFLwayT3HmVfODq7w4cf68AlculWgOJBaJdCsdxYcmU. Accessed 22 July 2024.
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