Many renters choose to rent from private owners instead of professionally managed complexes. There can be many benefits to renting from an individual landlord, but in today's real estate market where foreclosures are commonplace and rental scams abound it is important to do your homework before signing a lease.

First and foremost it is important to find out whether the prospective landlord actually owns the property. A number of recent rental scams in South Florida have involved people renting out properties that they do not actually own. To check this:

1. Go to the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser website (www.PBCgov.com/PAPA)

2. Click the red "PAPA" button on the upper right

3. Click the "Address" radial button

4. Enter the address you plan to rent

The owner listed should be the landlord on your lease.

Next you want to make sure that your rental is not currently in foreclosure. To do this:

1. Go to the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court website (www.MyPalmBeachClerk.com)

2. Under Public Records click Court Records.

3. Under  Civil, Criminal & Traffic Court Records Search click SEARCH NOW

4. Click Search by person name, business name or case type.

5. Enter the name of the owner of the property you plan to lease.

When performing this search, if you do find a foreclosure suit against your prospective landlord, make sure it is in reference to the property you plan to lease. Here you can see any action in Palm Beach County to which the prospective landlord is a party. That includes any foreclosures.

Finally, make sure that if there is a condominium or homeowner's association that your prospective landlord is current on all payments to the association. This is an important step for a number of reasons. First, is association dues are not being paid the association may restrict a tenant's access to amenities in the community like the gym or the pool. Second, as of July 1, 2010 with the passage of Senate Bill 1196, associations can demand rental payments from tenants of owners who are 90 days behind on their dues. If the landlord is behind, the association may intend to file a foreclosure action to gain possession of the property. Most associations require that tenants be approved before they move in, so that is a good time to make certain that the landlord is current. It is also important, as a tenant, to understand the association rules that govern the community in which you plan to rent - ensure that your pets, vehicles, and other lifestyle factors are not in conflict wth association rules so that problems do not arise after you move in.