As a property manager in the highly competitive housing market, you need someone you can trust for reliable information that is fast, keeps you compliant, and on budget. Choice Screening provides reliable, comprehensive, and compliant services to landlords and property managers, helping you make informed decisions in a timely manner.
Background Screening Products & Services
We are proud to provide a full suite of background screening services to choose from. But here are a few common services used by landlords when screening prospective tenants:
SSN Verification and Address History – confirm identity and address history
Credit Report – confirm your tenant’s ability to satisfy lease agreement.
County Criminal – protect other tenants and your property.
Rental History – reveal previous rental insight on your applicant.
Employment Verifications – ensure steady employment
Online Consent Form – easy to use and compliant
Adverse Action Services – we’ll do the work for you!
Don’t forget to background check your office personnel, maintenance crew, and any contractors you may employ.
A quick note on background check for position: different positions may require different background check services. For instance, a credit report will be required for your tenants, but would not be necessary for maintenance personnel. Picking services based on what pertains to the job is allowed as long as you run the same services for all individuals applying for the same job.
Property Management Compliance
There are many state laws and local ordinances surrounding tenant background screening, be sure you are aware and complying with them.
In April 2016, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released guidance on the use of criminal records for tenant background screening, similar to the EEOC’s Individualized Assessment for employment background screening. Read the guidance here.
In 2011, the Dodd-Frank Act amended Section 615(a) of the FCRA to require additional disclosures when a credit score is used in a background check. Read more about the Dodd-Frank, the FACT Act, FCRA requirements here.
The FCRA not only governs us as a background screening provider, but you as well. Be sure to be up-to-date on your requirements. Always obtain consent prior to running the background check. Follow the adverse action process (if applicable). Provide a copy of the report to the applicant (if requested). Allow the applicant to dispute the information (if applicable). Ensure the safety and security of your applicant’s information by following strict security measures.
One final note…Tenant background check legislation and regulation is extensive. We cannot act as your attorney nor give you legal advice so make sure you are working with a qualified attorney. It’s important to review your processes and procedures on a regular basis. This will help to identify possible gaps and get caught up on new legislation. To make it easier, you can subscribe to our blog for news and updates. With all of that said, we cannot emphasize enough the importance of speaking with legal counsel for guidance prior to starting your background screening program.
