Criminal Tenant

Once upon a time, a broker leased a condo unit. Everything moved smoothly until the broker got a call from the building admin.

The building admin called the broker and the owner to inform them that the tenant had pending estafa and fraud cases, which they found online. It seemed that the admin didn't want criminals staying in their confines.

The broker Googled the tenant's name and came across the same cases the admin referred to. So, the broker confronted the tenant about them.

As it turned out, the cases had been dismissed and were simply due to an irate business associate who tried to "hassle" him. The tenant provided the court documents showing that they were dismissed.

Lessons:

1. Doing a complete background check of tenants is almost impossible in the Philippines. However, doing a quick google search to prevent these surprises would be advisable.

2. Don't be quick to judge. Always hear both sides of the story.

3. Finally, have a clause in the lease contract that would allow landlords to kick the tenants out if they gain notoriety or are found guilty of committing a crime.