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When Renting, Don't Forget!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Realty Station Inc.

When most property managers and landlords interview a prospective tenant, they run a credit report, verify income and references, etc.  However, there is one important background check that many landlords and property managers forget about -- the criminal background check.

At Realty Station, we run criminal background checks on each adult that will be living in the home, immediately after receiving the completed application, just as you would a credit report.  For convenience and to save costs, we use a company called Accusearch.  

Accusearch has the ability to run criminal histories nationwide. This is especially useful if a propective tenant has just moved from another state.

If running a criminal background check is not part of your sreening process, please add it! 

If you need assistance with property management, please call Realty Station at 360-377-5699.

Maria Couto
RE/MAX Premier - Berkeley Heights, NJ
Realtor with "Results That "MOVE" You'
You're right. I don't do many rentals, but it has never come up: I've never thought of it and don't think anyone in my area ever asks for it. Nice Post.
Mar 12, 2008 01:14 PM
Stanton Homes
Stanton Homes - New Home Builder - Raleigh, NC
Design/Build Custom Home Builder in North Carolina

Both checks are pretty important - and it's amazing what someone can "leave out" when filling out an application!

Apr 21, 2008 12:52 AM
Robert Machado
HomePointe Property Management, CRMC - Sacramento, CA
CPM MPM - Property Manager and Property Management
There is the issue of discrimination to consider.  One, you must treat everyone the same, so you have to pay for a criminal background check on each and every applicant.  Second thing to think about is, if the government has decided that the person can be legally in society, can a landlord refuse them housing if they have rental references, good credit, and income?  Just wondering what your response is to that.
Apr 21, 2008 05:39 PM
Wallace S. Gibson, CPM
Gibson Management Group, Ltd. - Charlottesville, VA
LandlordWhisperer
Ditto - I do not run criminal checks BECAUSE I would have do run them on him/her doctors coming into UVa Med Center who make $15,000/mo and are renting because they will only be here 2 years....I'm not running any; however, I do run credit on each adult applicant, know how to search myspace and facebook and I know how to read a credit report and look up public records.
Apr 21, 2008 11:53 PM
Golden Estate Management
Golden Estate Property Management - Los Angeles, CA

Hmm a criminal background check may not be a bad idea. I can't believe were not doing that??? Thanks for the post!

Dec 11, 2008 09:26 AM