Private eyes can help resolve your rental problems

A recent Newsweek article shows that, not surprisingly, U.S. apartment rental companies are seeing a surge in new tenants. On the negative side, this is a result of the large number of foreclosures over the past few years. On the positive side, this is partly due to an improved job market and an increasing number of folks feeling confident that they no longer need to share living arrangements with colleagues, friends, and family. (Here’s an interesting article on the topic: “Apartment rentals surge…,” Businessweek.


Due to the combination of this “surge,” cheap foreclosed properties, and record low interest rates, many existing rental companies are expanding their enterprises. Also, there are many new landlord-entrepreneurs entering the market by purchasing properties on the cheap and converting them into rental units. With overburdened established enterprises and fledgling new owners trying to keep up with the demand, the propensity toward poor management (e.g. rules are not enforced and the community deteriorates), fraud, discrimination, and deceptive practices should increase. These potential issues are not only cause for personal concern, but more often than not are regulated by law. For example, the federal Fair Housing Act and Fair Housing Amendments Act (Title 42, Chapter 25 U.S. Code §§ 3601-3619, 3631) prohibit landlords from choosing tenants on the basis of race, religion, ethnic background or national origin, sex, familial status, or a mental or physical disability. For problems that may not be generally regulated by state or federal statutes (such as dealing with lazy managers who do not fix problems), collective or individual civil action may be possible..

In cases of egregious violations of law or on matters of personal health or financial safety, hiring a private investigator to deal with tenant-rental company problems can be a wise decision. Obviously, a private investigator should not be hired for simple problems or misunderstandings. For purposes of mediation or arbitration, however, a competent private investigator can initiate an investigation of property safety by surveying a property and provide an objective opinion about the area’s general day-to-day activities and the operations of the rental management company. If you feel you’ve been discriminated against either as a tenant or as a potential tenant, a private investigator can set up an undercover investigation or use a wide range of data sources (many of which are only available to licensed private investigators) and knowledge to locate and interview others who have been involved with a particular company or manager.

While an internet search of “rental complaints” would suggest that there are many shady companies out there, we tend to believe that most are pretty good. However, you should have peace of mind when you do decide to rent. For renters who are moving to a new area and don’t have an opportunity to check out a rental property in advance, a private investigator can do a thorough security analysis of the neighborhood as well as send other types of objective documentation (e.g., photographs, video, and current tenant testimonials). While rental consultants and real estate agents are good at what they do, many of them receive a commission from property management companies. Obviously, this reduces their objectivity. Regardless of your current location, if you are considering renting a house or apartment from a new “entrepreneur-landlord,” it is recommended you conduct a background check on him or her. While this may seem strange, it is appropriate for two reasons. First, it is likely that she or he will do a credit check on you. Likewise, you should know who you’re dealing with. Does the landlord have poor credit rating or a criminal record? Would you feel comfortable renting from him or her if she or he does? While this will likely require consent from the property owner, he or she should not mind adding this addendum to the contract. In some circumstances, he or she may even be willing to absorb the cost of this report to obtain you as a tenant.

There are numerous other reasons you may need a private investigator as a renter. The best advice we can give is this: if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Many private investigators offer free initial telephone consultations so there is no reason you should be hesitant to call one. If your particular situation doesn’t warrant a private investigator, he or she will let you know. Chances are pretty good that the investigator will know someone who can help you. In other words, one phone call could save you a lot of time.

Thinking of renting? Need help resolving a problem with your current landlord? Please visit our website for more information about our company and give us a call.

Elder abuse is a serious issue

In the United States, an aging population and the increase in home elderly care, adult day care, and assisted living centers means that more people are relying on others to care for their parents, grandparents, and friends. With children, people tend to take more precaution and are concerned with abuse. However, spiraling rates of elder mistreatment are reported by both practitioners and researchers. As noted by the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse:

There were 253,421 reports of abuse of adults age 60+ or 832.6 reports for every 100,000 people over the age of 60.  The National Elder Abuse Incidence Study (National Center on Elder Abuse, 1998) found that more than 500,000 persons aged 60+ were victims of domestic abuse and that an estimated 84% of incidents are not reported to authorities, denying victims the protection and support they need. Elder abuse is estimated to cost Americans tens of billions of dollars annually in health care, social services, investigative and legal costs, and lost income and assets. 

Obviously, people should take this issue as seriously as child care or child abuse. Like child abuse, the warning signs are similar. Here are just a few, courtesy of the National Center of Elder Abuse:

·         Physical Abuse - Slap marks, unexplained bruises, most pressure marks, and certain types of burns or blisters, such as cigarette burns

·         Neglect - Pressure ulcers, filth, lack of medical care, malnutrition or dehydration

·         Emotional Abuse - Withdrawal from normal activities, unexplained changes in alertness, or other unusual behavioral changes

·         Sexual Abuse - Bruises around the breasts or genital area and unexplained sexually transmitted diseases

·         Financial Abuse/Exploitation - Sudden change in finances and accounts, altered wills and trusts, unusual bank withdrawals, checks written as “loans” or “gifts,” and loss of property

The challenge that many people face, both with child and elder abuse, is that the abuse is often difficult to identify and goes unreported by the abused. With elders in particular, they may live in assisted living centers in communities where no immediate family is available. Consequently, the ability for family members to “keep tabs” on the care given by providers is reduced. Alternatively, they may live with a family member who does not provide adequate care or is emotionally abusive.

Of course, this is a sensitive subject. However, assessments of care centers and investigations into potential abuse by relatives should not be avoided. While there are many resources available once abuse has been identified, there are not many resources available to people who simply suspect abuse.

One available resource is a local private investigator. Utilizing a wide variety of investigative skills and expertise, along with some rights and privileges provided by state licensure, private investigators can give clients knowledge and assurance that a loved one is properly cared for. Here are just a few things a private investigator can do:

·         Conduct pre-care investigations into companies or individuals.

·         Provide consistent “assessment checks” to assure that the quality of service, cleanliness, employee morale, and mental and physical health of those being cared for has not declined. (This is a particular good option when families do not nearby.)

·         Conduct full investigations and surveillance into suspicions or knowledge of ongoing abuse.

If you suspect that someone you know may be suffering from elderly abuse and would like to know more about what a private investigator can do to assist you, please contact me for a free consultation. You can hold care providers legally and civilly accountable for their mistreatment, neglect, or abuse of the elderly.