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Landlords and property managers in Florida have many concerns throughout the day, but one that should be at the top of the priority list is screening potential tenants with a thorough background check.

Failing to perform a background check can lead to many issues down the road, so it's imperative to make sure your applicants are telling the truth about who they are and their past. Elements that should at the very least be included in a Florida tenant background check include:

• Rental history
• Employment and income verification
• Credit history
• Criminal background check

If you're in areas such as Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater, and other nearby areas, here are three reasons to conduct a tenant background check.

Ensure Existing Tenants, Neighbors, & Others Nearby Are Safe

As a landlord or property manager, you do have a responsibility to ensure that the potential new tenant isn't a criminal or sex offender. If you own or manage a multifamily dwelling, such an apartment or townhome community, then you have to make sure your existing tenants are safe from anyone with a history of violence or burglary.

Also, convicted sex offenders are generally required to live a certain distance away from areas where children may be, such as schools, playgrounds, and more. If your property is close to a school or public playground, you may not legally be able to let them live there, depending on when their crime was committed and the ...