Renter Background Checks/credit Checks

My question is how do I obtain a credit check on some one that fills out an application for a rental unit in the future?
What laws do I need to consider while doing this. Thank you for the responses.
Hunter

Comments(18)

  • DaveT6th July, 2003

    Contact your local credit bureau and ask them for their requirements and fees.

  • 2000rock7th July, 2003

    Get a CreditReleaseStatement from them with their SS and a signature...

    Look up RealChek (google) and your troubles are over...


    ...as always,

    GoodInvesting, Rocky

  • verne_j7th July, 2003

    I'm not sure if website is still up but try:
    www.researchinc.net

    Verne

  • Jamesajohnsonjr7th July, 2003

    If you belong to a local Apartment Owners Association they will have a service available to you. Ours, www.LCAOA.ORG, Lake County Illinois has this service availalbe and links to the court judgements for evictions if your a member.

    Small price to pay to become a member yet huge returns.

    Good Luck

  • Vern8th July, 2003

    Hello Johnny_Utah,

    There is a small fee for credit checks. You must request payment for the credit check at the time that they fill out the application. $35.00 is the usual fee.

    I also phone their past landlord to get payment history. I ask if they would rent to them again.

    If you can get a first and last month rent, plus a deposit. This always makes me feel the tenant will be true to their word and pay on time.

    But in the end there are no sure fired way to tell what will happen in the future with any person.

  • B_Free8th July, 2003

    I know where u can run credit for $15.00, but I can't post addresses here. Getin touch with me & I'll let ya know.

  • Johnny_Utah8th July, 2003

    Thanks for all the good feedback. Someday I'll be able to lead a newbie towards the knowledge.
    hunter

  • hibby769th July, 2003

    The Utah apartment association (UAA) does credit and criminal for $12 and they can do it in about an hour.

    You're local group probably has a similar service. Hop on the net and you'll find dozens.

  • 15th July, 2003

    When checking references, is there anything that is illegal to ask or tell about a prospective or previous tenant? For instance, something negative that could hinder them finding a place to live in the future (like they trashed your place or were involved in criminal activity, etc.)
    Any other tips/great questions to ask of prospective tenants/references.

    Thanks,

    D

  • DaveT15th July, 2003

    I would not give a lot of weight to a reference supplied by the applicant. I doubt many applicants will provide references that will say anything negative.

    Put your faith in previous landlords. When you check prior landlords, ask how long the applicant was a tenant with the landlord and under what circumstances the applicant terminated occupancy. Ask if the applicant paid rent on time, if tenant's check ever bounced (returned for insufficient funds), if rent was ever paid late (if so, how often). Ask if the landlord would rent to this tenant again.

  • dna81616th July, 2003

    How would you know if it is really a previos land lord and not just thier brother

  • 18th July, 2003

    Here's another problem; I found a prospective tenant who said she is moving because her previous landlord refused to make repairs. She said she doubted he would give her a decent reference, she even offered to actually show me the dis-repair of her apartment.
    Is this unusual? I'm not sure what to do.

  • 2000rock19th July, 2003

    dawizzy,

    Take her up on it...

    ... all you have to lose is time.

    Then you will see first hand!!

    ....as always,


    GoodInvesting, Rocky

  • Leo_Investor22nd August, 2003

    I've went through a number of sites and most companies claim they have the most comprehensive up-to-date database. Is there any one Tenant History/Credit Report online service that works best?

    I've looked at:

    Research Inc.
    RealChek
    UDRegistry

    Which one of these do some use here? Any positive or negative comments about any of them? TIA for your replies.

  • 2000rock22nd August, 2003

    Leo_Investor,

    I use RealChek ....

    ....and WHEN your DeadBeats don't pay....

    I report them on TheirCreditReport!!



    ....as always,


    GoodInvesting, Rocky

  • beetle72222nd May, 2004

    i use www.freecriminalreports.com first, then if nothing found I use National Tenant

  • beetle72223rd May, 2004

    we started using http://www.freecriminalreports.com, great service.

    You enter the zip code where your applicant lives and if there is a court that provides public records then they give you the information to check direct with the court.

    already saved the cost of 2 criminal checks because i found they were free thru the service

  • beetle7223rd June, 2004

    I use www.freecriminalreports.com and www.ntnonline.com to check everyone. If I have a question, NTN has always take the time to help me out. You get what you pay for.

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