Can I ask a tenant about items on their Renter Screening Report?

[AJ Satcher]

Hello everyone!

My wife and I are renting out our home while we travel for work. We do month to month rentals and are on our third tenant. First two so far so good! I just finished screening our third tenant and wanted to know if I can legally question them on the items on their report?

Credit history is decent, no eviction history. There are 2 criminal records. Although any criminal activity is never good, these records just show some misdemeanors from 5 years ago - Driving on a suspended license and no seatbelt violation (which seems like a spiteful add on by the officer situation, maybe because of confrontational dispute).

I was thinking I could just briefly ask about the situation, if I have the authority to. If I feel uncomfortable about renting to him then I will deny. But if I don't deem it to be a detrimental situation, then I plan on moving forward. 

Thanks

[John Morgan]

@AJ Satcher

My best tenants have skeletons in their closet like this. Lol. I don’t ask them about it. I just ask if they have any evictions or felonies. Then compare what they say to their background check. My best ones have criminal records or terrible credit scores in the 500’s. One has a prior eviction and has been excellent. And I just took someone last month with a felony. He was honest and it lined up with what he said. My turnovers are zero because nobody else will take these people. Lol. But I’m ok giving people a second chances. God has forgiven me for past big mistakes in life I’ve made, that’s for sure! So I’m ok giving others a second chance. :)