The Basics of Conducting Tenant Background Checks.
It is surprising how many people are not aware that most landlords these days have a policy of conducting background checks on their prospective tenants. It may also be surprising that some landlords are not completely knowledgeable about the scope that is permissible in such checks.
The general idea is that a landlord needs to know that his prospective tenant is responsible and reliable. For example, it is in his best interest to know in advance that the person to whom he is renting will pay his rent, keep the property in good condition, and not conduct any illegal or other dangerous activity on his property. As it is certainly reasonable for the landlord to want to know this kind of information prior to taking the person on as a tenant, obtaining the facts is an appropriate measure.
One of the main factors in a landlord’s background check of a prospective tenant is gaining information about his credit history. While this may seem unduly intrusive, the point is for the landlord to know that the tenant is conscientious about paying his bills and debts. Unfortunately, there can be circumstances which cause a person to have a negative credit history through no fault of his own, such as in the case of a divorce. While some landlords take these possibilities into consideration, others do not.
Many landlords also conduct a background check to see if a tenant has a criminal history. In addition to being a positive measure in protecting the property, it is also helpful in protecting other tenants. Although the scope of criminal background checks can vary, it is generally limited to felony convictions and behavior which could place the property or other tenants in a position of danger.
Checking the background of a tenant includes checking his employment history and his prior residences. If he has a significant history of getting fired from or quitting jobs, or lacks the current financial status to be able to meet his financial obligations responsibly, these are signs that renting to him may not be wise. In addition, both the frequency of changing residences and the conditions under which he has done so are also reflections on whether or not he would be a good prospective tenant. For example, if he violated the terms of a prior rental agreement or lease, if he was evicted from a previous residence, or if his rent was not paid up to date when he moved, the landlord should be hesitant in renting to him. In most instances, these types of negative factors are enough to influence a landlord’s decision to refrain from renting to the person.
The main purpose of conducting background checks on prospective tenants is so that the property owner can protect his property, his current tenants, and his business interests. When these checks are within a reasonable scope in order to determine the basic character and suitability of a prospective tenant, it is both appropriate and necessary for the landlord to acquire this relevant information.
