Chicago has one of the highest crime rates in the nation. However, one neighborhood is being proactive and seeing a reduction in crime by using Chicago tenant screening to fill its area rentals.
The Elmwood Park neighborhood is making a concerted effort to reduce crime and increase quality of life for all renters and residents in the area. A rising tide lifts all boats, and the whole community benefits.
Crime-Free Housing Class Teaches Importance of Chicago Tenant Screening
The police department for Elmwood Park is also chipping in, offering classes for area landlords to help reduce crime and improve conditions for all Elmwood Park residents. The police department’s crime-free housing class touches on a myriad of subjects and issues to help neighborhood residents to create a safer area for all who live there.
One of the top discussion points for the class is the importance of proper Chicago tenant screening. Many landlords have learned the hard way that just letting anyone live in a property without a proper background check is a recipe for disaster. Professional Chicago tenant screening can check criminal history, past evictions, credit history and much more.
In Addition to Chicago Tenant Screening, Elmwood Park landlords are raising quality of life in the neighborhood in other ways that include the following:
Improving Quality and Curb Appeal. Making improvements to the properties both inside and out is very important as well. Those with criminal histories and plans to continue this behavior tend to gravitate toward properties that look run down and conducive to such activities.
Peep Holes. The simple act of installing a peep hole in entryway doors allows tenants to easily screen who is knocking at their door. This allows them to keep suspicious persons out of the property, lowering the risk of incidents of crime.
Be a Proactive Landlord. Landlords should strive to visit their properties once per week. Cleaning up the exterior of the place and checking in with tenants can ensure that everyone continues to abide by the law.
Address Crime Immediately. Addressing potential signs of criminal activity (drug use, break-ins, etc.) is crucial so that it doesn’t escalate and become a pattern.
The Elmwood Park neighborhood has been conducting its crime-free housing class since 2011, and it is a requirement for all landlords who wish to rent out their properties. Elmwood Park police offers have reported that most of the calls they’ve received within the past couple decades have been landlord-tenant related.
A Strong Motivation to Screen All Rental Candidates
Property owners in Elmwood Park know that they can receive a nuisance abatement ticket if three nuisance activities occur at one of their properties within 12 months. This is motivation for area landlords to ensure that their properties are being rented by good citizens who abide by the law.
Participants in the crime-free housing class come away with awareness of the importance of proper Chicago tenant screening for all candidates being considered as a resident one of their properties. Pride of ownership and increasing curb appeal is important as well; however, the ability to screen rental applicants for any past criminal activity, evictions and credit problems is the most important factor in reducing crime and improving quality of life in the neighborhood.
Disclaimer: The information on this website does not constitute legal advice and is governed by our Terms of Use. We make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites.
