Best way or how to properly do a background check?

[Michael Lynch]

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]

Quote from @Michael Lynch:

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