Landlords run background checks to assess potential tenants’ reliability, history of paying rent, and any criminal records. These checks typically include a tenant’s credit history, eviction records, criminal background, references from previous landlords, and income verification. By conducting a thorough background check, landlords aim to understand the tenant’s financial stability, rental history, and overall character. This information helps them make informed decisions in renting their property and mitigate potential risks associated with irresponsible or unreliable tenants.
Criminal Records
Landlords will look for criminal records that may pose a risk to their property or other tenants. These may include:
- Felonies: Serious crimes such as robbery, assault, and arson.
- Misdemeanors: Less serious crimes such as petty theft and vandalism.
- Drug convictions: Any conviction related to the possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs.
- Violent crimes: Any crime involving violence against another person.
- Sex crimes: Any crime involving sexual assault or abuse.
Landlords may also consider the age of the criminal record and the circumstances surrounding the offense when making a decision about whether to rent to an applicant.
Eviction Records
Landlords will look for eviction records to assess an applicant’s rental history. Evictions can indicate a pattern of not paying rent or violating the terms of a lease.
Credit History
Landlords will look at an applicant’s credit history to assess their ability to pay rent and meet other financial obligations. A poor credit score may indicate that the applicant is a high-risk tenant.
Rental History
Landlords will look at an applicant’s rental history to assess their behavior as a tenant. This may include whether the applicant has paid rent on time, caused damage to property, or violated the terms of their lease.
Employment History
Landlords may look at an applicant’s employment history to assess their ability to pay rent. They may also consider the stability of the applicant’s job and their income level.
References
Landlords may contact an applicant’s references to get more information about their character and rental history. This may include former landlords, employers, and personal references.
| Category | What Landlords Look For |
|---|---|
| Criminal Records | Felonies, misdemeanors, drug convictions, violent crimes, sex crimes |
| Eviction Records | History of evictions |
| Credit History | Credit score, payment history, debt-to-income ratio |
| Rental History | Payment history, property damage, lease violations |
| Employment History | Stability of job, income level |
| References | Character references, rental history references, employer references |
Note: The specific information that a landlord can see on a background check may vary depending on the state and the landlord’s policies.
What a Landlord Can See on a Background Check
When you apply for a rental property, the landlord will likely run a background check on you. This check can reveal a variety of information about you, including your credit history, criminal record, and rental history. Here’s a closer look at what a landlord can see on a background check:
Credit History
- Credit score: Your credit score is a number that lenders use to assess your creditworthiness. A high credit score indicates that you’re a low-risk borrower, while a low credit score indicates that you’re a high-risk borrower.
- Payment history: Your payment history shows how consistently you’ve made your payments on time. A history of late or missed payments can be a red flag for landlords.
- Outstanding debts: Any outstanding debts that you have, such as student loans or credit card balances, will be visible on your credit report.
- Bankruptcy: If you’ve ever filed for bankruptcy, this will be reflected on your credit report.
Landlords may also look for the following information on your credit report:
- Collections: Any accounts that have been sent to collections will be listed on your credit report.
- Charge-offs: Charge-offs are debts that have been written off by a lender. They can be a sign that you’re a high-risk borrower.
- Repossessions: If you’ve ever had a car or other property repossessed, this will be recorded on your credit report.
| Information | What Landlords Look For |
|---|---|
| Rental payment history: | A history of on-time rental payments is a good sign. Late or missed payments can be a red flag. |
| Length of time at previous rentals: | Landlords prefer tenants who have stayed at their previous rentals for a long time. This shows that you’re a stable and reliable tenant. |
| Reason for leaving previous rentals: | If you were evicted from your previous rental, this will be a red flag for landlords. |
| Relationship with previous landlords: | Landlords may contact your previous landlords to get feedback on your tenancy. |
Rental History
A landlord will likely check your rental history as part of their background check. This can include:
- Your previous rental addresses
- The dates you lived at each address
- Your rental payments and any late or missed payments
- Any damage to the property you may have caused
- Any lease violations or complaints
| Property Address | Dates of Residency | Monthly Rent | Payment History | Condition of Property | Lease Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 123 Main Street, Anytown, CA | 01/01/2018 – 12/31/2020 | $1,200 | Always paid on time | Excellent | None |
| 456 Elm Street, Anytown, CA | 01/01/2016 – 12/31/2017 | $1,000 | One late payment in August 2017 | Good | None |
Rental history can be a significant factor in a landlord’s decision to rent to you. A history of consistent on-time payments, no damage to property, and no lease violations will make you a more attractive candidate.
Employment History
Your landlord may check your employment history to verify your income and stability. They may also look for any red flags, such as a history of job hopping or unexplained gaps in employment.
Here are some things that a landlord may consider when reviewing your employment history:
- Your current job title and salary: This information can help the landlord assess your ability to pay rent.
- Your length of employment: A long history of employment with the same company can be a sign of stability.
- Any gaps in your employment: Unexplained gaps in your employment can raise red flags for landlords.
- Your job duties and responsibilities: This information can help the landlord understand your skills and qualifications.
- Any disciplinary action taken against you: This information can be a sign of trouble.
If you have a history of job hopping or unexplained gaps in your employment, you may need to provide a letter of explanation to your landlord. You should also be prepared to provide proof of income, such as pay stubs or tax returns.
| Employment History | What a Landlord May Consider |
|---|---|
| Current job title and salary | Ability to pay rent |
| Length of employment | Stability |
| Gaps in employment | Red flags |
| Job duties and responsibilities | Skills and qualifications |
| Disciplinary action | Trouble |
Hey there, readers! Thanks for hanging out with me and learning about what a landlord can see on a background check. I hope you found this article informative and helpful. If you’re currently in the process of searching for a new apartment or home to rent, I wish you all the best in finding the perfect place for you. Remember, a background check is just one part of the rental application process, and there are many other factors that landlords consider when making their decision. So, don’t stress too much about it, and keep your fingers crossed! In the meantime, feel free to browse our website for more helpful articles on all things renting. Thanks again for reading, and I hope to see you back here soon!