Apartment Background Check: What To Know About Tenant Screening

Landlords or property management companies might run apartment background checks. A tenant screening report is part of the customary renting process. It helps in verifying whether potential tenants are likely to be responsible tenants.

In this guide, we will learn the ways of screening the tenants, the laws behind the checks, and how to do them effectively. Let’s find out.

What is an Apartment Background Check?

An apartment background check is a thorough check done by property owners or property management companies. This is done to assess the suitability of a potential tenant.

Getting a tenant screening report helps in gathering information about the applicant’s past behavior and financial responsibility. It is to check if anything indicates a potential for property damage, late payments, or disruptive conduct.

This check typically consists of the applicant’s credit report, criminal history, and rental history. Verification of employment and eviction records are also considered. From the judgment of all these areas, landlords may decide whether their property and rental income will be safe if rented out.

Apartment Background Check & Tenant Screening Laws

Every jurisdiction has varying laws and regulations. This includes laws about the background check of apartments and screening of tenants. However, they all share the same reason of ensuring that this process is fair and protects the right to privacy of applicants.

This is noteworthy in the United States. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires landlords to get the consent of the applicant before the background check.

A landlord can decide not to rent based on the background check. However, the landlord should ensure the potential renter knows reasons for the denial. This includes steps the potential renter can take to dispute the findings if they think they are mistaken.

Some states and cities also have laws that limit the period during which a criminal history check for a landlord can reach back. Such laws may also limit which type of convictions may be considered in the process.

The purpose of these laws is to prevent discrimination. They aim to ensure equal housing opportunities, even for individuals with a criminal record. Landlords must follow these laws when screening potential tenants. This helps them avoid legal issues that can arise from unfairness in the screening process.

How Long Does A Background Check Take For An Apartment?

Time frames to run a background check for an apartment are typically a few hours to a couple of days but may extend up to a week or more for more complex cases.

This is purely dependent on a number of factors. These include the depth of information required and the efficiency of the checking process.

Quick checks may be faster and less detailed, but they may only focus on a credit report and criminal records. While a detailed screening process may include rental history and income verification. This helps in collecting and reviewing required data thoroughly.

What is Included in a Rental Background Check?

A rental background check is a process of inquiry initiated by landlords or property management companies. This is to ascertain the level of risk posed by a rental applicant. This process helps landlords make informed decisions regarding potential tenants.

Rental History

Rental history is an important aspect, as it gives one a good view of his background as a renter. This part provides information about the previous leasing period. Such as how long the applicant lived somewhere? If they complied with the terms of the lease and paid the rent on time?

Also, landlords can contact former landlords. They can ask about the applicant’s behavior, maintenance issues, and reasons for leaving. This helps them get a complete picture of the applicant’s rental responsibility.

Credit Report

A credit score is a report that indicates financial dependability. A higher score suggests good credit management and timely bill payments. This lowers the risk of rent default. The credit report may also reveal past financial issues, like bankruptcies or consistent late payments. Landlords use this information to assess the financial risk of renting to an applicant.

Income Verification

Verifying an applicant’s income confirms their financial ability to afford the rent. This usually involves checking pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements. Landlords look for a reliable income that is at least three times the monthly rent. This helps ensure the applicant can consistently meet rental payments.

Criminal Records

Criminal background checks trace all past behaviors posing a threat to the landlord and fellow tenants. They look for felonies, misdemeanors, sex offender status, and other criminal activities. Not all landlords refuse a potential tenant with a criminal record. However, heinous crimes can definitely change their decision.

Employment History

Employment history can help gauge a candidate’s stability and potential earning level. A steady or consistent employment record indicates financial stability. Frequently changing jobs may raise concerns about the applicant’s ability to maintain a steady income. Employers may contact current and previous employers. They may also review documents that candidates submit about their employment.

These components form part of a rental background check. They provide the landlord with the necessary insights to make an informed decision. This helps ensure the security and financial stability of the property he is renting out.

How Much Does A Background Check For Apartment Cost?

Costs of an apartment background check for rent vary between $15 and $40. The price depends on the depth of the check. For example, a more in-depth tenant screening may include a credit check, a previous criminal record, and a rental history.

Landlords often pass these costs to tenants by charging application fees. These fees are usually in the $40-$59 range. It is also noted that for almost 10% of properties, application fees exceed this range. Sometimes, landlords may offer multiple screening reports for a single price. This is often presented as a good deal compared to ordering each report individually.

For instance, one background check may cost $30 per applicant. However, a package with all the needed reports might be available for $55. This package is a far less expensive option for both landlords and prospective tenants.

How to Run an Apartment Background Check

A background check on the apartment is a basic process that assures security and the environment in the case of leasing. This maintains the integrity of the property.

These are basic steps taken to successfully carry out a background check through special services:

1. Obtain Consent: First, get written consent from the applicant to do a background check on them.
2. Choose a Service: Pick a background check service that works for you. There are a lot of services, like Truth Finder, Been Verified, Rent Spree, and Turbo Tenant. These have comprehensive screenings tailor-made specifically for landlords.
3. Submit Information: Submit data of the tenant to the chosen service including Full Name, Date of Birth, Social Security Number, etc.
4. Review Reports: After the check is complete, review all of the reports the service returns. This may include credit history, criminal records, prior evictions, and employment verification.
5. Make a Decision: Make an informed decision about the tenant’s application to ensure it works with your rental criteria.

These landlords can sift through their list of potential renters. They do this with a degree of assurance. This helps them feel confident that these renters will not do property damage, late payments, or have disruptive behavior.

Tenant Screening Services For Independent Landlords

For landlords, choosing the right tenant screening service can simplify the rental process. These tenant screening services offer quick and efficient ways to vet potential tenants.

• RentSpree: Helps streamline tenant screening. It provides credit reporting, eviction history, and income verification. The Rent Spree suite is designed to speed up the rental application process. It delivers necessary reports in one easy-to-use platform.
• TurboTenant: It focuses on the key aspects of tenant screening. These include credit history checking, criminal records, and eviction history. Turbo Tenant packages aim to optimize the tenant selection process. They bundle these services to provide comprehensive results in the screening.

Each of these platforms has its own features and packages. Each one these are suitable for full background checking or streamlined tenant screening. These tenant screening services will help landlords and companies in making sound decisions.

How To Pass A Background Check For An Apartment

Sometimes what stands between you and the flat you like is the background check. Here is a list of dos and don’ts that will make you feel secure about doing your best to close the deal:

Run a Free Background Check On Yourself

Beginning the background check on yourself is very important in at least knowing what potential landlords would find out. This includes your credit reports, criminal records, and rental history. You can search people for free or for a very small fee on various websites.

Discovering discrepancies or points of concern early lets you address them proactively. This makes your application more appealing to a landlord. It’s like a pre-emptive strike that prevents surprises.

Ensure Your Credit & Criminal History Are Clean

Maintaining a clear credit report and criminal record is crucial when looking for an apartment. Start by keeping bills organized. Make sure to pay bills on time. Manage your debts diligently. Resolve any outstanding legal issues.

If you have a criminal record, getting advice from a legal expert on expunging or sealing your record would be invaluable. Additionally, showing personal growth through steady employment can improve how landlords see you. This helps balance any past missteps.

Maintain Positive References

The best reference list for your application should support your dependability and personality. These include previous landlords, employers, or respected community members. These references can vouch for your creditworthiness and ethical standards.

It allows the referees to prepare in advance, so that they will be in a position to respond promptly and positively in support of the application.

Know Your Rights on Background Checks

Make sure you fully understand your rights concerning background checks. Rules vary by jurisdiction, but all require the landlord’s permission before conducting any checks.

You have the right to see the report and receive an explanation from the landlord about their decisions based on the background check. This allows you to advocate for yourself and address any issues directly.

Prefer Flexible Landlords

It can be strategic to target landlords or property managers known for their flexibility. This is especially useful if tenants have less-than-ideal backgrounds. Being open about your past can sometimes influence their decision-making process. This involves sharing how you have changed, evolved, and taken steps toward stability. Such an approach requires research and, in some cases, networking to find the right opportunities.

Consider a Cosigner

A co-signer may come in handy if there are any red flags on your background when it comes to a landlord. A co-signer basically becomes a guarantor that the rent will be paid in case you are not in a position to make the financial commitment.

It lowers the risk for the landlord, thereby making your application more attractive. Ideally, a co-signer should have a great credit history and solid income, making a perfect safety net.

Apartment Background Check FAQs

Can You Refuse To Rent To Someone With A Criminal Record?

Yes, landlords can deny renting to a person with a criminal record during the tenant screening process. As much as this is tantamount to discrimination, most times, there is no protection against it in most states on the basis of criminal history.

What Charges Can Stop You From Getting An Apartment?

Specific charges that lead to apartment denial aren’t usually listed. However, it should be noted that landlords often scrutinize felony convictions more critically. Additionally, the type and severity of the offense matter. The amount of time passed since the conviction also affects a landlord’s decision.

Do All Apartments Do Background Checks?

Most apartments usually perform background checks on prospective renters. These checks review rental and criminal history as part of standard business practice. However, if you have sealed or expunged your record, it might not appear in most background checks. This could help you pass these screenings more easily.

Conclusion on Apartment Background Check

Apartment background checks are crucial for many landlords when deciding on an applicant. These checks review a candidate’s past through various aspects to assess their suitability for the property. Both tenants and landlords need to understand the regulations considered in these screenings. This ensures fairness and compliance.

• Background Checks: Evaluate tenant suitability through credit report, criminal background, rental history, and employment checks.
• Laws: Governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act and local laws, requiring consent and fair notice.
• Duration: Completion time ranges from hours to a week, depending on the check’s depth.
• Cost: Typically $15 to $40, often covered by application fees.
• Applicant Tips: Includes self-checks and maintaining clean histories. Securing references, understanding rights, and using a co-signer also matter.

Knowing these aspects of a tenant screening report helps ensure landlords protect their property. At the same time, it allows them to provide fair housing opportunities.