Did you know that nearly 20% of rental background checks uncover criminal records of potential tenants?
When it comes to renting out your property, finding reliable and responsible tenants is crucial. As part of the screening process, conducting a tenant criminal background check is important in ensuring the safety and security of your rental property.
Read a guide to learn more about what the tenant criminal background check entails and how it’s executed.
How to Screen Your Rental Applicants
A tenant criminal background check can help you find out if a potential tenant has a criminal history. Here is a simplified step-by-step guide on how to run a tenant background check:
Step 1: Obtain Written Consent from the Tenant
Before running tenant background checks, you need written permission from the tenant. This can be part of the rental application or a separate form.
Step 2: Collect the Necessary Information
Create a comprehensive rental application to collect the tenant’s vital information. Below are the important details to take.
- Name
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number
- Employment information
- Previous addresses with landlord references
- Vehicle information
- Driver's license or government-issued ID
- Proof of income
- Information about pets and other occupants
Step 3: Choose a Screening Service
Get a professional tenant screening service to help you with background checks. Ensure the company is approved by the Federal Trade Commission.
Once they screen, they will give you a tenant screening report. It may include:
- Credit reports
- Rental history information
- Employment verification
- Criminal history
- Sex offender registries
- National terrorist watchlist
- A risk score or recommendation based on the criteria you select
Step 4: Run a Credit Check
If the tenant screening service doesn't offer a credit check, request a report from the major credit reporting bureaus such as Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
Step 5: Check References
Always cross-check references to ensure that you’re getting accurate information. If possible, call the references provided.
Benefits of Tenant Background Checks
Have you done your tenant background check? If not, there are crucial benefits you are missing out on. They include:
Reduced Risk of Liability
As a landlord, the last thing you want is to get sued because of something your tenant did. Tenant background checks can help you identify potential risks associated with a tenant, such as a history of evictions, criminal activity, or bad credit. This information can help you make informed decisions about renting your property.
Find Quality Tenants
A thorough background check can help you find tenants who are responsible and financially stable. This can improve the overall quality of your tenants, preventing issues down the road.
Reduce Tenant Turnover
Screening potential tenants will reveal their rental history. This can give you an idea of how long they tend to stay in one place. If they move around a lot, they may not be a good fit for your property.
Ensure you rent to tenants that tend to stay longer in a property. It can help reduce turnover and vacancy rates.
Conduct Effective Tenant Criminal Background Check
Conducting a tenant criminal background check is an important step in finding reliable, responsible tenants. At Aksarben Property Management, we’re your one-stop shop for tenant screening. Contact us today to learn more.
