Certificate of registration and tenant screening report
Homeowner · Burlington, NJ · Member since 2014 · 58 posts · 15 votes
In Burlington city NJ a Cetificate of resgistration application needs to be turned in for every tenant turn over. there is a change of occupancy fee that is $100 or $75 if a criminal screening report is turned in.
Unfortunately my prospective tenant that has some history. 2 Felonies (Fireworks and coke possession) from 13yrs ago that were dismissed but do not state that in the report. in the past they accepted the CoR application and just scheduled an inspection right away, i don't know if they dug into the tenants background.
i know the prospective tenant personally, i know where he works and the people he works for. I would like to give him the opportunity to be our tenant.
The question is, should i turn in the criminal screening report , or should i just pay the extra $25 as not to open a can of worms in the off chance they don't go as far back as the screening company does?
It is a big mistake for a landlord to rent to friends or relatives. They always try to take advantage.
Send the report and use it to get out of renting to him.
In Burlington city NJ a Cetificate of resgistration application needs to be turned in for every tenant turn over. there is a change of occupancy fee that is $100 or $75 if a criminal screening report is turned in.
Unfortunately my prospective tenant that has some history. 2 Felonies (Fireworks and coke possession) from 13yrs ago that were dismissed but do not state that in the report. in the past they accepted the CoR application and just scheduled an inspection right away, i don't know if they dug into the tenants background.
i know the prospective tenant personally, i know where he works and the people he works for. I would like to give him the opportunity to be our tenant.
The question is, should i turn in the criminal screening report , or should i just pay the extra $25 as not to open a can of worms in the off chance they don't go as far back as the screening company does?
You're not operating a half-way house, and it's not worth it to get yourself in trouble to help this person. Just tell him you can't rent to him.
In Burlington city NJ a Cetificate of resgistration application needs to be turned in for every tenant turn over. there is a change of occupancy fee that is $100 or $75 if a criminal screening report is turned in.
Unfortunately my prospective tenant that has some history. 2 Felonies (Fireworks and coke possession) from 13yrs ago that were dismissed but do not state that in the report. in the past they accepted the CoR application and just scheduled an inspection right away, i don't know if they dug into the tenants background.
i know the prospective tenant personally, i know where he works and the people he works for. I would like to give him the opportunity to be our tenant.
The question is, should i turn in the criminal screening report , or should i just pay the extra $25 as not to open a can of worms in the off chance they don't go as far back as the screening company does?
You're not operating a half-way house, and it's not worth it to get yourself in trouble to help this person. Just tell him you can't rent to him.
Half way house? the things he did were many years ago. he makes 5 times the rent. He has 3 children, good credit. I won't get in trouble either way, im just wondering if giving them my report is going to drag things out unnecessarily.
In Burlington city NJ a Cetificate of resgistration application needs to be turned in for every tenant turn over. there is a change of occupancy fee that is $100 or $75 if a criminal screening report is turned in.
Unfortunately my prospective tenant that has some history. 2 Felonies (Fireworks and coke possession) from 13yrs ago that were dismissed but do not state that in the report. in the past they accepted the CoR application and just scheduled an inspection right away, i don't know if they dug into the tenants background.
i know the prospective tenant personally, i know where he works and the people he works for. I would like to give him the opportunity to be our tenant.
The question is, should i turn in the criminal screening report , or should i just pay the extra $25 as not to open a can of worms in the off chance they don't go as far back as the screening company does?
You're not operating a half-way house, and it's not worth it to get yourself in trouble to help this person. Just tell him you can't rent to him.
Half way house? the things he did were many years ago. he makes 5 times the rent. He has 3 children, good credit. I won't get in trouble either way, im just wondering if giving them my report is going to drag things out unnecessarily.
If they're dragged out - it will be from necessity. Not as you say, to "drag things out unnecessarily. " The guy has a record that needs to be checked out. Having 3 kids doesn't erase his record.
You're a good friend. Lucky for your friend you're also a landlord who will take him even though he is a high risk, and probably no other landlords will.
I don't see that being smart business or lucrative for you. But, you're obviously going to do it anyway. I think that's ill advised. And I bet your friends and family - if you've told any of them - have already said so, too.
So, why don't you at least get your ex-con friend with 3 kids, who is in need of new housing for whatever reason, to pay the extra $25?
The fact that this applicant is a friend should not be a factor in your decision to rent. What is your process for obtaining criminal information? Anything more than 7 years old should not be reported by a Consumer Reporting Agency. You may be in violation of Fair Housing Laws for denying this applicant. You should address this matter with your attorney or a local housing association.
I'm all for second changes; especially if what he has done was that long ago. That being said I would still go about it the same way as if it were any other tenant. Run the reports the way they are supposed to be run. It may draw out the process but that isn't your fault, it's the consequences of his actions. And as you said they may not even go back that far and it may be a moot point. I would be careful on renting to friends/family. That becomes a hairy situation. And just because someone makes 5 times the rent doesn't necessarily mean they know how to use their money wisely, but it does sound like he makes enough to cover rent which is really what you are looking for here. Just use your judgement as if he were any other applicant.
Hi Daniel,
I am a bit confused.... Who are you submitting this paperwork to? Secondly how and why could they directly have a say over who you rent to? Your house is yours and you should be free to rent to whomever you desire, criminal record or not... Are you saying that the county of Burlington can potentially disallow you from renting to this person based on a past criminal record??
Am I missing something or not understanding something? I have rentals in Union county and Somerset county NJ and have a similar registration process but there is no criminal element involved. This should be between you and your prospective tenant.
good luck,
Chris