It's important that landlords be careful who they rent to.
And, be careful they know what their tenants are doing in their property.
A tenant that is engaged in illegal activities, such as growing drugs and/or selling drugs out of their house can wind up getting their landlord in trouble with the law. The landlord that is aware of his tenant's illegal activities could be prosecuted as a third degree felony, along with the tenant. In extreme cases a landlord could potentially have his rental house confiscated in a drug bust.
City officials in towns like Cocoa are trying to crack down on blighted areas, where crime is a nuisance. They expect landlords to help in the fight. They want to clean these areas up. Owners are being reminded to get rid of tenants that are suspected of dealing in illegal activities.
Careful screening upon move in, including a thorough search of the Brevard County Clerk of Courts Website is a good start to find out that potential tenant's criminal background.
Sandy Shores Realtor, Melbourne FL Real Estate
Brevard County Real Estate and Investing
I specialize in Residential, Investment and Relocations.
We have a team of professionals to facilitate your Short Sale.
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that for you
Hi Sandy,
This is a great article to keep your investors informed what is going on with the law, and how it can impact their property investment. I could see some people being opposed to this, but hopefully it will be a way to make the neighborhoods safer and more drug free.
Hi Bruce, Being a landlord myself, I think that landlords should have a certain amount of responsiblity as to what their tenants are doing in their rental properties - especially when it comes to illegal activities.
Sandy I once got a call from the US Marshalls service looking for a tenant in one of my buildings. I boughtthe building and he was already renting one of the units. Fortunately they apprehended him before long. Could have been a real quandary for me.
Sandy
Thanks for sharing the information.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Sandy,
Leasing is full of responsibilities and liabilities. In addition to credit report many property owners are now requiring back ground checks.
The tough part is proving that the landlord knew about the tenant's intentions. But it is a good thing to go after.
Although we know illegal activity can really create havoc and distress for neighborhoods and communities, I hope it is required that landlords be notified of illegal activities - either by neighbors or law enforcement, before that responsibility is translated into confiscation of property.
Sandy,
I have mixed feelings about the landlord being held accountable, however, they should check up on their tenants activities regularly.
Ann Hayden in Wildwood, MO
Hi Sandy, This is good to know, and like others have said I would hope the entire burden does not rest on the landlord. The true burden lies with the law breakers and they should be held most accountable.
I agree, not if you "suspected" but had actual knowledge they should be evicted- pronto ....but then a landlord really wouldn't have to evict them if they were in jail, right? It's more like a relocation program :-)
Hi Oompa! It's been a while. Good info as always! I hope you and your family are well!!
I have seen this happen before with Meth houses. The Feds don't care who the the house belongs to. They seize it!
Sandy, That is scary to know you could be responsible for other peoples irresponsibility..so unfair! thanks for sharing :)