5 Steps to Using Local Eviction Records for Professional Tenant Screening in Flint
Professional tenant screening is a mandatory procedural requirement for property management in Flint, MI. Landlords must implement standardized verification protocols to mitigate financial risks associated with non-payment and property damage. A critical component of this process involves the review of local eviction records. The Genesee Landlord Association (GLA) maintains a proprietary eviction database that provides members with access to historical data specific to Genesee County.
This guide outlines the five mandatory steps for utilizing local eviction records to ensure compliance with Michigan landlord tenant law and maintain professional standards in property management.
1. Define Standardized Screening Criteria
Before initiating any background checks, landlords must establish a written set of screening criteria. This document serves as the legal framework for evaluating all applicants. Consistency is required to ensure compliance with federal and state Fair Housing regulations.
The criteria should specify the exact parameters for acceptable tenant history. For example, a policy may state that any eviction judgment within the last seven years is grounds for denial. Defining these rules in advance prevents subjective decision-making and provides a clear administrative record if a denial is challenged. Landlords should utilize proven legal documentation provided by the Genesee Landlord Association to ensure their screening policies align with current rental property laws in Michigan.
2. Access the Genesee Landlord Association Eviction Database
The Genesee Landlord Association provides a specialized tool for searching eviction records in Genesee County. This database contains over a decade of local records, including filings that may not appear on national credit reports. National screening services often overlook local municipal court data, making this hyper-local resource essential for property management in Flint, MI.
To utilize this resource, members must log in to the GLA member portal. Users enter the applicant's full name and previous addresses into the search interface. The database returns results including case numbers, dates, and landlord comments. This information allows for a more comprehensive assessment of an applicant's local rental history than standard commercial background checks.
3. Cross-Reference with the Michigan MiCOURT System
While the GLA database provides critical local context, landlords must also verify information through official state channels. The Michigan MiCOURT Case Search system allows for the retrieval of civil court records across various jurisdictions. This step is necessary to identify if an applicant has a history of legal disputes outside of Genesee County.
Landlords should perform searches in the 67th District Court for Flint-based cases and the Genesee County Circuit Court for broader litigation. Verification through MiCOURT ensures that the data obtained from the GLA database matches the official court record. This dual-verification process is a standard requirement for professional tenant screening in Flint, MI, and helps maintain the accuracy of the landlord's administrative files.
4. Evaluate Record Details and Case Outcomes
Not all eviction filings result in a final judgment for possession. Landlords must distinguish between a "filing" (the initiation of legal action) and a "judgment" (a formal court order).
When reviewing eviction records in Genesee County, examine the following data points:
• Case Status: Determine if the case is active, dismissed, or satisfied.
• Judgment Type: Identify if the judgment was for non-payment of rent, termination of tenancy, or health and safety violations.
• Landlord Comments: Utilize the GLA database to read notes from previous property owners regarding the circumstances of the filing.
Professional property management requires a neutral evaluation of these facts. A dismissed case may indicate a resolved dispute, whereas multiple filings for non-payment suggest a pattern of financial instability. Objective analysis of these records is a key component of adhering to Michigan landlord tenant law.
5. Maintain Documented Compliance and Notice Procedures
If a landlord denies an application based on information found in eviction records, they must follow specific notice procedures. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and relevant rental property laws in Michigan, landlords are required to provide an "adverse action notice" if the denial is based on a consumer report.
All screening results, including printouts from the GLA database and MiCOURT, must be stored in a secure, confidential file for each applicant. Maintaining these records for a minimum of three years is a recommended administrative practice to defend against potential discrimination claims.
Landlords seeking to professionalize their operations should attend GLA networking events to stay informed about changes to local court rules and screening best practices. Consistent attendance at these meetings ensures that property owners remain compliant with evolving legal requirements.
Conclusion
Utilizing local eviction records is a procedural necessity for any landlord operating in Flint and Genesee County. By following a structured five-step process: defining criteria, accessing the GLA database, cross-referencing state records, evaluating case details, and maintaining documentation: property owners can significantly reduce their risk. For access to the specific tools and documents mentioned in this guide, visit the Genesee Landlord Association website