| With the advent of the current housing mortgage | | | | Since the landlord does not really know if any of |
| mess, more and more people are looking to rent, | | | | the information on the prospective renter's |
| some because they have lost their homes and | | | | application is correct, the landlord should do a |
| some because they are afraid to invest in a | | | | nationwide check of criminal records, court |
| home at this time. | | | | judgments and previous addresses. |
| Having a renter that will not only pay their rent on | | | | If the background check shows different or more |
| time but will also take care of your property | | | | previous addresses than the applicant reported |
| which they are renting is vitally important. | | | | then you may have an issue with this applicant. If |
| As a landlord you should get a signed rental | | | | you find previous court judgments then this may |
| application form with a prospective tenant and all | | | | not be a person who is known for re-paying their |
| adults who will be included on the lease | | | | debt. |
| agreement. This application form should have a | | | | Today, with all the privacy laws, calling previous |
| clause giving you permission to perform a | | | | landlords is not near as effective because people |
| background check on all applicants. In addition, the | | | | are afraid to say anything negative for fear of |
| application should have questions about the | | | | violating the privacy act. |
| prospective tenant's past 5 years of addresses, | | | | Landlords have found that if people are good |
| employment information and criminal history. | | | | stewards of their credit history and free of any |
| The application should request the applicant's social | | | | criminal activity then they are the type people |
| security number and a separate form should be | | | | who will be good tenants. |
| signed by the applicants giving the landlord | | | | Landlords are looking for someone to take care |
| permission to do a credit check in addition to the | | | | of their property, not create ill will with the |
| renter background check. This should give the | | | | neighbors and pay their rent on time. Good |
| landlord sufficient information with which to | | | | renters are looking for an environment where |
| request a background check and a credit report | | | | there are like kind within the rental complex |
| on all rental applicants which will give you a world | | | | where they are living. |
| of information with which to make a decision | | | | Renter background checks can work in favor of |
| about whether or not these are worthy renters | | | | both parties. |
| for your property. | | | | |