Why Tenant Screening is More Important Now than Ever 

tenant screening landlords real estate agents

Why Tenant Screening is More Important Now than Ever 

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Tenant screening is a vital part of the leasing process as it protects the property, property owner, and the local community, all while ensuring that Fair Housing Guidelines are being met. With legislation in the past year attacking the use of criminal and eviction records in tenant screening, it’s more important now than ever that landlords and real estate agents band together to voice the value screening has. If you are uncertain whether or not you want to utilize tenant screening on your rental property, take a look at the benefits background screening has to offer.

Tenant Screening Protects your Property

First and foremost, tenant screening protects your property. By screening applicants for any criminal history of property damage, violent offenses, or other serious crimes that could pose a higher risk to your property, you can substantially reduce your liabilities and better protect the community. Including eviction records on your applicants’ background checks is another essential piece of information to objectively learn what type of renter they’ve been in the past. You’ve invested a lot of time and money into your rental property – so why not use tenant screening to protect that financial investment?

Quick Tip: Be aware that some major cities, states, and federal courts are aiming to restrict the use of criminal and eviction records in tenant screening. The Tenant Protection Act was just introduced to the Senate recently and would prohibit your tenant screening provider from showing eviction records on your report unless (among other things) the record was no more than 3 years old. Currently you see eviction records on your tenant screening reports that are dated up to 7 years.

Tenant Screening Safeguards You

You want to rent to someone you can trust, but how can you determine that the applicant you’re reviewing is trustworthy while adhering to the Fair Housing Act (FHA)?  Tenant screening can help you find an applicant that you can trust while avoiding nasty FHA lawsuits. With the credit report in your tenant screening, you can also determine whether or not they’re financially responsible enough to send you rental payments. There’s nothing worse than renting to someone who does not pay their rent… or pays it late.

Tenant Screening Guards your Other Tenants (if you own multiple units) and Local Community

Whether you have other tenants on the same property or not, tenant screening can help keep your local community safe. With a tenant screening company that checks databases thoroughly you’ll ensure that your tenants don’t tarnish your reputation with the community. Plus, if you’re planning on doing yard maintenance or property repairs yourself, screening your applicants might give you a little more peace of mind.

As more legislation gets pushed out aiming to restrict landlords’ and real estate agents’ rights, it’s more important now than ever that we stay aware of the positive effects tenant screening has – and fight to maintain those benefits. Moving forward, make sure you’re using the best service to fully protect you and your property and subscribe for legislative updates.

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37 Replies to “Why Tenant Screening is More Important Now than Ever ”

  1. If you are a landlord, the most important things you can do is screen your prospective tenants carefully. because of tenants screening, you can protect your property and the local community also

  2. I am genuinely delighted to read this website posts which carries tons of valuable data, thanks for providing such data.Probably one of the most informative I have read in a long time.

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37 Replies to “Why Tenant Screening is More Important Now than Ever ”

  1. If you are a landlord, the most important things you can do is screen your prospective tenants carefully. because of tenants screening, you can protect your property and the local community also

  2. I am genuinely delighted to read this website posts which carries tons of valuable data, thanks for providing such data.Probably one of the most informative I have read in a long time.

Leave a Reply to Robert Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

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Read More »
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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) have united to inspect how background screening can impact American renters, with a particular emphasis on examining the use of criminal and housing court records and tenant screening practices. As part of a whole-of-government effort detailed in the White House’s January 2023 Blueprint, the FTC and CFPB are seeking public comment until March 30, 2023. We urge you to voice your unique industry perspective.

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ApplyConnect marks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of applyconnect.com. Other product and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

Get Started with ApplyConnect!

The nation’s most trusted tenant screening for real estate agents, landlords, and property managers. No cost background checks available 24/7.

©2018 ApplyConnect. All rights reserved

ApplyConnect marks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of applyconnect.com. Other product and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.