And the companies and travel agents warn prospective renters in advance when they will be checked.

Even after the price is agreed upon, there may be more stress for the prospective renter.

(If there are any problems in a credit history, the prospective renter must write a letter of explanation.)

IN most parts of the city, landlords have a fairly predictable list of questions for prospective renters.

He emphasized that the prospective renter should read the contract thoroughly, understand the fine print.

He said, too, he was working on a feature that will allow prospective renters to check reviews of the homes.

Making the data available, he said, gives prospective renters an opportunity to compare the rent they're being asked to pay with that of current tenants.

The prospective renters of the apartment at 211 Thompson Street certainly lost thousands of dollars.

A tape recorder inside plays the many answering-machine messages the pair received from desperate prospective renters.

In the weeks after Sept. 11 prospective new renters came mainly in search of bargains.