What can a landlord see on a background check?
When a landlord runs a background check on a potential tenant, they can access a variety of information. This includes:
**1. Criminal history:** A landlord can see if a potential tenant has a criminal record, including arrests, convictions, and charges.
**2. Credit history:** Landlords can view a tenant’s credit score, outstanding debts, and payment history.
**3. Eviction history:** Landlords can see if a tenant has been evicted in the past.
**4. Employment and income verification:** Landlords can verify a tenant’s employment status and income to ensure they can afford the rent.
**5. Rental history:** Landlords can check a tenant’s rental history to see if they have any past issues with previous landlords.
**6. Sex offender registry:** Landlords can determine if a potential tenant is listed on the sex offender registry.
**7. Bankruptcy filings:** Landlords can see if a tenant has filed for bankruptcy in the past.
**8. Civil court records:** Landlords can access civil court records to see if a tenant has been involved in any legal disputes.
**9. Driving records:** Landlords can check a tenant’s driving record to see if they have any traffic violations or DUIs.
**10. Social media presence:** Some landlords may also look at a tenant’s social media profiles to get a better sense of their lifestyle and behavior.
**11. Immigration status:** Landlords can verify a tenant’s immigration status to ensure they are legally allowed to rent property in the country.
**12. Personal references:** Landlords may also contact personal references provided by the tenant to get a better understanding of their character and reliability.
FAQs:
1. Can a landlord run a background check without permission?
No, landlords must obtain written permission from the tenant before running a background check.
2. How far back does a landlord background check go?
The scope of a background check can vary, but typically landlords look back 7-10 years.
3. Can a landlord deny a tenant based on their background check?
Yes, landlords can legally deny a tenant based on the information found in a background check.
4. How long does a background check take for renting?
Background checks for renting can typically take a few days to a week to complete.
5. How much does a landlord background check cost?
The cost of a background check for a potential tenant can vary but is typically around $30-$50.
6. What if there are errors on a background check?
Tenants have the right to dispute any errors found in a background check with the screening company.
7. Can a landlord check a tenant’s social media without permission?
While some landlords may look at a tenant’s social media profiles, it is generally considered unethical to do so without permission.
8. Can a tenant challenge a landlord’s decision based on a background check?
Tenants can challenge a landlord’s decision if they believe it violates fair housing laws or discriminates against them.
9. What information is not included in a background check for renting?
Background checks for renting typically do not include sensitive information such as medical records or religious beliefs.
10. Can a landlord share a tenant’s background check with others?
Landlords must adhere to privacy laws and should not share a tenant’s background check with others without permission.
11. Can a tenant request a copy of their background check?
Tenants have the right to request a copy of their background check from the screening company.
12. How often do landlords conduct background checks on tenants?
Landlords may conduct background checks on potential tenants before signing a new lease or renewing an existing one.