Have you had multiple problems with your landlord not fixing things properly or timely or not at all? Has your landlord attempted to charge you late fees even though you have paid before the agreed late period?  Most states require a full five days grace period prior to late fees being assessed.  A background check is necessary; chances are complaints have been filed by other previous tenants.

A lease is hard for landlords to break.  Leases usually favor the tenant, but require the tenant to take actions that maybe time consuming as well as expensive.  Often times the tenant moves out leaving the security deposit behind.

Spend the money on the background check and you may save the hassle of having to fight for your deposit money!