Best way or how to properly do a background check?

Question

Hi,

We tried Short Term renting our house last year. It's just way too slow in the winter. We would like to try long term renting. What is the best company / software to use for a background check? Someone told us that the potential tenant pays for the background check?

Any information would be great.

Thanks!

Nathan Gesner · Answer

I recommend you include some of your key qualification criteria in the advertisement. For example, I mention that every adult must pay a $30 application fee, pass my credit/criminal background, make a combined income of 3x the rent, and whether or not the property accepts pets. Use the top three or four discriminators so applicants can screen themselves.

Then you need to have clear screening criteria yourself. What's the lowest credit score you will allow? Do you check Landlord references? Do you verify their income? Do you know how to read the credit/criminal background? What if they have collections or judgments?

Here's a detailed guide on how to screen applicants: Application Screening Guide

Account Closed · Answer

Thanks Everyone! .... Great Information,,, I really appreciate your help. :)

Account Closed · Answer

Thanks Guys! ..... I really appreciate it.

Emily Koelsch · Answer

I think you'll be happy making the shift to long-term rental. I use this screening service: https://www.ezlandlordforms.com/tenant-screening-services/

A couple of things I like: 1) you can select "applicant pays" when you sending a screening request, so you can get it at no cost to you; 2) it's easy to do - all you need is an applicant's name and email address to send a screening request (I like that I don't have to collect a bunch of personal information); 3) it gives you a lot of data - credit report, criminal history background report, resident score, eviction history report; 4) it's fast. I think they say it can take up to 24 hours, but I've always gotten results almost instantly.

Good luck!

Carlos Hennings · Answer

Not all background checks are the same!

When choosing a screening service, make sure it covers:

• Credit Report – Looks at payment habits and financial responsibility.
• Judgments & Liens Search – These don’t show on credit reports anymore but can uncover unpaid debts.
• Nationwide Eviction Search – Past evictions are a big red flag.
• Nationwide Criminal and Sex Offender Search – Helps spot any serious legal issues.
• Income Verification Report – Pulls real bank deposit info instead of relying on pay stubs.

Credit Report – Looks at payment habits and financial responsibility.

Judgments & Liens Search – These don’t show on credit reports anymore but can uncover unpaid debts.

Nationwide Eviction Search – Past evictions are a big red flag.

Nationwide Criminal and Sex Offender Search – Helps spot any serious legal issues.

Income Verification Report – Pulls real bank deposit info instead of relying on pay stubs.

Yes, it is standard practice to have the applicant cover the cost of their background check. Just be sure to use a service that provides a thorough and comprehensive report, rather than a basic surface-level check. Having accurate, detailed information is critical when deciding who you are entrusting with your property.

Patrick Roberts · Answer

That's interesting. I didnt realize that Baselane offered background checks.

Best way or how to properly do a background check?

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