When renting out a property, landlords always want to make sure they choose the right tenants, and a tenant criminal background check is an important step in this process. These checks help landlords understand a tenant's history and assess if they will be a reliable renter.
Whether you are a new landlord or an experienced one, it's important to know how these checks work and what information they reveal. Knowing this process can help both landlords and tenants have a smoother rental experience. Here, we'll discuss what a criminal background check includes, how it affects rental decisions, and the rights of tenants during this process.
What Does a Tenant Criminal Background Check Include?
A criminal background check is a search through public records to find any criminal history linked to a potential tenant. This check can reveal different types of criminal records, including:
- Felonies
- Misdemeanors
- Minor infractions
It may also show arrest records, but it's important to note that an arrest does not mean a person was convicted of a crime.
How Checks Affect Rental Decisions
The information from a criminal background check can significantly impact a landlord's decision to approve or deny a rental application.
For example, if a tenant has a history of violent crimes or serious offenses like drug trafficking, the landlord might decide that renting to them is too risky. On the other hand, a minor offense from many years ago might not affect the decision as much, especially if the tenant has shown good behavior since then.
However, landlords must be careful not to discriminate against tenants based on their criminal history. The Fair Housing Act and other laws protect tenants from discrimination. This means landlords should evaluate each case individually, considering factors such as the:
- Type of crime
- How long ago it occurred
- Whether it poses a current risk
Making decisions based solely on criminal records without looking at the context can lead to legal problems for landlords.
Tenant Rights in the Background Check Process
Tenants have rights when it comes to criminal background checks. Before running a check, landlords must get the tenant's written permission. This is usually done through a consent form included with the rental application.
If a landlord decides to deny a rental application based on the results of a criminal background check, they must provide the tenant with a written explanation. This is known as an adverse action notice.
The notice should include information about the company that provided the background check, the specific reason for the denial, and how the tenant can obtain a copy of the report. This allows the tenant to review the information and dispute any inaccuracies.
Guide to the Tenant Screening Process
To sum up, a tenant criminal background check is an important part of finding tenants. At Remax Haven Realty, a full-service property management company in the Cleveland, Ohio area, we understand the value of thorough screening.
We help landlords find reliable tenants while ensuring a fair rental application process for everyone. Partner with us to make tenant screening easy and secure. Contact Remax Haven Realty today to learn more about our property management services.
