It is important for residential tenants to have a thorough background check done prior to signing a lease agreement. Landlords should be aware of the potential risks associated with renting residential property and use tenant background checks to protect themselves from any liability. By performing residential tenant background checks, landlords can ensure that they are making informed decisions about who they rent their property to. These checks can provide important information about potential tenants, including their criminal history, credit score, rental history, employment records and other pertinent personal data.
By using tenant background checks, landlords can make sure that they are renting to responsible individuals who fully understand the terms of the lease agreement and will abide by them. Tenant background checks can help protect both landlords and tenants from potential risks. It is important to note that residential tenant background checks should only be used with the consent of the tenant. This will ensure that their privacy is respected while providing valuable information to landlords in making informed decisions about residential tenants.
The residential tenant background check process should follow specific guidelines. Landlords must comply with applicable regional and federal laws when conducting residential tenant background checks. This includes obtaining the necessary consent from the potential tenant, as well as abiding by Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Landlords should also be aware of any local ordinances that may apply to residential tenant background checks. Finally, landlords should use a qualified third-party service to carry out residential tenant background checks in order to ensure accuracy and compliance with the law. These can include credit and employment background checks, but also social media to gain an insight to that individual.
What Landlords Look For From Tenants:
- Application completed with accurate information
- References from former landlords
- Pay rent on time
- Cares for the property
- Respects the Residential Tenancy Agreement
What Tenants Look For From Landlords:
- Location to work, school and amenities (grocery store, gym, shopping, etc.)
- Safety: does the area have a comparatively low crime rate (e.g.: drug addicts, mental illness and homelessness can be a concern if they are not properly cared for)
- Parking: available on private or public property
- How old is the property: may be a signal of major repairs (and rent increases) coming
- Major appliances included: fridge, stove, dishwasher, freezer, HVAC
- Respects the Residential Tenancy Agreement
By conducting residential tenant background checks, landlords can protect themselves while also providing a safe and secure environment for their tenants. With the right approach and quality service provider, residential tenant background checks are an invaluable tool for landlords when making decisions about who to rent residential property to.
