They will verify a persons identity, the background check with show clear for the different offenses or show the criminal offenses they have.

You can also go to the city or county websites and search for civil cases and sometimes even criminal cases online.Have fun!

Another option is looking to see if Chicago has an Apartment Association (assuming they do).When I started in real estate my local Apartment Association, as a perk for paying around $75 a year membership, not only provided me with a lease created to adhere to local laws (it's a really good lease), along with paperwork for other things as well (notices, eviction paperwork, lease renewals, etc.) but they also provide low-cost credit and criminal checks so when I screen a potential tenant it only costs me $13 for state and $18 for federal. 

That should show criminal activity and eviction history in state.

Just tell him that you are denying him based on his criminal record that you just became aware of. 

There's no point in running a credit/criminal on someone when you don't even have their ID card to prove they are the person on the application.By the way, at least 10% of all my applicants pay the fee (which is non-refundable) but then never submit the documentation.

They allow you to send your applicants a customized application, from where you can have them screened for their credit, criminal and eviction history.

Aside from the credit, criminal, and eviction reports, the basic info you should ask for would be employment history, rental history, 2-3 references, and 2 emergency contacts to keep on file.

Most landlords - smart ones - run both, plus a criminal check. 

@Noah Willard Have you actually ran the candidates credit, criminal, income, and eviction background to verify what they are claiming?