You're not looking for landlord reports on the credit report. You're looking for their credit rating.
If you're going to rely on previous landlord references, don't depend on the tenant for the source of that landlord's name and phone number. They can give the name of a friend as a landlord. Look up the owner's name in public records and contact them.

You can check local court records on line using name and birthdate for criminal records. I wouldn't rely on newspaper reports myself.

It's only $10 to run a credit report and it takes 2 minutes.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13