LANDLORDS BEWARE of young couple looking for LT rental in our area!

[tostador]

These two will put on the best show of integrity, parade the mother's young "autistic" girl in front of you, claim they are young professionals, have first month's rent in cash (money that they didn't pay in their last lease contract so were evicted), want you to keep electricity in your name(their electricity bills are well-over $250 per month), have stories upon stories of how they have been wronged in the past by bad living or job situations... The eternal victims who cannot wait to devour your charitable hearts.
DON'T BUY ANY OF IT! Do your homework and insist on credit and background checks (make them pay for the reports) - by all means check credentials and reliable references if you do believe their cons! These folks have aliases a mile long and are only in their late 20's/ early 30's. Bouncing back and forth from Chatanooga Tenn to our area of FL, these parasites seek their next host.
We are paying for our mistakes of being too nice - you don't have to. We've been citizens of the S. Walton community since 2003, and we care about our neighbors to put this thread out here.
If you'd like more info on these con-artists, or think you know who they are and would like some confirmation, write back with your name/phone # and I'll call you.

 

[Kurt]

Sorry this happened to you. Landlords beware this type of thing, and worse, can happen every time you sign a lease. Employ best practices and stay ahead of any potential problem renters.

Tostador - what have you learned about rental practices that you will change to avoid trouble?

 

[sailorman]

It's a shame some people actually do that

It's a shame some people resort to tactics like that. I myself have never had to rent a place in my life because my father owns different rental properties and I can't tell you how many times he was wronged by his renters. I now find the need to move closer to the South Walton beach area or west end of Panama City Beach area seeing as my gf works in Seagrove. I intend on being as nice and cooperative as I can be to my future landlord and treating the property with as much respect as possible and hope to be able to move into that area very soon

 

[florida girl]

I have run into similar situations, and learned to never keep the power bill in my name. It stays disconnected between one tenant and the next. I'd rather work with an extention cord! Still have to keep some faith in people though, if they agree with the contract, and have the money, it's hard to say no. I do have a 10 day grace clause though.

 

[tostador]

Thanks for all the words of support. Kurt, to answer your question - all of the above. I believe a pre-move-in credit and background check are necessary - have the potential renters complete a standard form AND have your intentions known of them paying for the service as you administer the paperwork. I think at the first mention of this, most problem people will go away and try somewhere else. The other thing I would really like is to talk with the prior landlord as a reference. Also, if you leave ANY of your own personal belongings in the house for renters to use, prepare a full and complete inventory AS WELL AS maintenance check on all appliances and gadgets - making sure they sign every page.
We unfortunately were not only taken for about 5 weeks of free rent (and that was a quick eviction), but these folks took some stereo equipment and antique furniture. Though it was on inventory and we plan to pursue, the goods are no doubt already pawned or sold to antique dealers for cash these slugs so desperately need... *If at all possible, be nearby to supervise the move-out.
Finally, my next lease contract (if any) will include a provision for upkeep of premises/cleanliness of property clause, and nothing more than a 6 hour landlord inspection notice. Not to abuse the privelege, but I could have probably saved a lot of hours on repairs and cleaning had I caught these swines' earlier in the act of tearing up our new home.
Good luck to everyone thinking of leasing your S. Walton piece of paradise.
Be careful, and Be smart!
There are good renters out there - it must be a huge bonus to snag one who believes in win-wins for everyone involved in a rental contract!