- A background check is a standard part of applying for a rental property.
- This check includes information about your work background, rental and criminal history, and credit score.
- Property managers run background checks to make more informed decisions about prospective renters.
Finding a great apartment is an exciting prospect, but applying for and securing that apartment can often cause anxiety, even for seasoned renters. Whether renting your first apartment or looking for a new place, you’ll likely encounter a property manager who requests a background check. You’re not alone if you’re wondering, “What is a background check and what does it involve?” Learn what to expect when a property manager conducts a background check and what these reports contain.
What is a rental background check?
A background check is a report containing information about your professional and personal background. Background checks are commonly issued when people want to learn more about you. The information someone obtains from your background check can help the individual assess your character.
What details does a rental background check include?
A background check can include various components. A prospective property manager may ask for a comprehensive background check or only the most relevant items. A background check may consist of the following parts:
- Work background: Positions held, employer names, duration of employment, and income
- Rental history: Previous addresses, whether you paid rent on time, and whether you were involved in an eviction procedure
- Contact details of earlier property managers
- Criminal history: Arrest and police records for the last seven years and all criminal convictions, if any
- Credit score
How is a background check used for your apartment rental?
A property manager may use a background check to decide whether you’d be a good renter. Many property managers use background checks to create a shortlist of renters. For example, they may immediately discount anyone who’s committed a serious crime. Here is how your background check could be used for each detail included:
Your work background
While there are certain questions a landlord can’t ask you, that doesn’t cover queries about income or employers, past and present. This component of the background check isn’t about prying into your personal life. Landlords seek out this information to gauge if a renter can pay rent in full each month, on time. If you have a solid work background, the landlord will likely infer that you are responsible, have a reliable job, and have a steady income.
If needed, you can also provide pay stubs or other documents that prove your monthly income. It also helps your case if you can show longevity at a position. Ask for a statement from an HR manager or your boss if you’ve worked at the same place for a long time (use this proof of income template to make it easy on them). It will show your future landlord that you’re committed to showing them how responsible you will be as their tenant.
Your relationship with previous landlords
If a landlord performs a thorough screening process, they will likely contact previous landlord landlords as well as your personal or professional references. Contacting references helps landlords fact check, gauge your behavior as a renter, and ensure you’ll make a good tenant.
A rental background check can pull up your address history. Landlords or property managers will check to see if you rented at those known addresses, then compare the history with what you include on your rental application.
A good rental history signifies that you’re a stable renter, but what if you don’t have a rental history? You can still grab that great apartment if you have a co-signer (think a parent, guardian, or friend). This extra level of insurance for your landlord will give them peace of mind, and you’ll be well on the way to getting the apartment at the top of your list.
Criminal history
A criminal record can factor heavily into the screening process. If you only have some victimless crimes such as unpaid parking tickets, you won’t need to worry too much. Serious offenses such as robbery, theft, fraud, assault, battery, domestic violence, or driving under the influence, though, will give landlords pause.
So, how far back does a background check go? Arrest and police records can remain visible for seven years, while criminal convictions can stay on your record permanently.
If you have a history of serious offenses, take a few steps before you look for apartments. Obtain a copy of your criminal record and ask the court if they can amend or remove any of the offenses to reflect positive actions. This could include community service, completed counseling, or anything that shows you’ve taken steps to clean up your record.
Your credit score
A credit check will show a landlord your credit score, and that one number, good or bad, will, in some way, affect your rental apartment application. A landlord wants to see proof that a potential renter will pay their rent on time and in full. Your credit score is a quick way for landlords to assess that.
A variety of factors, including student loan payments, credit card payment history, the number of credit cards you have, loan applications, and more affect your credit. Consistently paying bills late can be a reason you get denied for an apartment.
For many people, the credit check feels frustrating since it’s just a number. In some cases, it doesn’t provide an accurate explanation of your financial health. But don’t give up hope if you have a low credit score. Check for errors, and work with consumer advocate companies to help get old or incorrect information removed from the report.
Above all, be honest about your credit score. If you have a less than desirable score, tell the landlord about the factors that contributed to it and how you are remedying it. Also, show pay stubs that prove you can stay on top of your monthly rent. As with all of these factors shown in a background check, honesty and responsibility will go a long way in convincing a landlord you’re the right renter.
FAQs: Rental background check
The answer will depend on the property manager. Some individuals run background checks early in the rental process to create a shortlist for renters they will interview. Others wait until after interviewing rental applicants. Getting a background check may be the final step for these property managers before drawing up a rental agreement.
Other property managers never do background checks. They may ask for additional information to assess applicants, including pay stubs, references from past landlords, and credit card statements.
Property managers must get permission from applicants and current renters before running background checks under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This act states that consumer information is private, and others may only access it for “permissible purposes,” such as someone seeking housing, employment, or credit.
The FCRA suggests property managers should use a “clear and conspicuous” form, separate from the rental application, which explains what screens the background check will include. This form should also state that information from the background check may influence the property manager’s decision on whether to rent to the applicant. The property manager can only run a background check on you once you sign the form. If the individual runs a background check without your consent, you could file an FCRA claim with your local court.
If you have negative marks on your background check, it’s a good idea to discuss them openly with the property manager. Explain why they exist and any steps you’ve taken to remedy the problems. If you have evidence, it’s a good idea to bring it to your meeting. For example, if you missed rent but caught up later, you might bring rental receipts and a reference from your former property manager. You could also offer to get a co-signer as an extra level of insurance.
If you have negative marks on your criminal record, you could take steps to make amends. If you’ve completed community service or counseling, you could ask the court to amend or remove your convictions.
In most cases, you will have to pay for a background check, although it’s not always clear that you’re paying for it. It’s common for property managers to charge an application fee to anyone who applies to rent their properties. This fee covers the cost of the background check. Rental application fees are usually between $30 and $50 but may sometimes be higher. Some states cap the cost of rental application fees to ensure people looking for rentals don’t have to pay unfair fees.
Final thoughts
Knowing what a rental background check is and how it is used in the rental application process will help you identify any concerns prior to submitting your application. Come prepared with all required information and be ready to explain any gaps in employment, low credit score, or eviction on your record. Being upfront with your potential landlord will help you create a positive relationship, and can ultimately help you secure the apartment you’ve been hoping for.
Ready to find your next home? Search thousands of apartments for rent on Zumper and prepare for your background check; you’ve got this.
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