What Does a Landlord Check Before Renting?
When you apply to rent a house or apartment, the landlord typically runs a background check on your personal life and credit history. You must give permission for the landlord to run a credit or criminal background check on you. Once you do so, he has the right to request your social security number, identification and other pertinent data.
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Income
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Most landlords will require proof of a job or other source of steady income before accepting you as a tenant. Some landlords may also require that you meet a certain income level. The landlord may verify this information by calling your employer, if you grant him permission, or ask you to provide pay stubs that can prove you make enough to pay the security deposit and make rent payments in a timely manner.
Credit History
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According to consumer agencies such as the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, having a good credit history shows the landlord that you know how to pay your bills on time. Having a poor credit history makes you a higher risk, since a record of late payments could indicate that you may pay your rent late or skip out on the lease early. The landlord may ask for your social security number to access your credit report. The landlord can also look for any history of landlord-tenant issues, such as evictions or civil suits by previous landlords.
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Criminal Background
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The landlord can also do a criminal background check. Tenants who have criminal records can pose problems for the landlord, especially in an apartment with multiple units that house other tenants who may not want to live near such neighbors.
Tenant Screening Legalities
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A landlord must have your permission before running a credit or criminal background check on you. Typically, landlords request that you complete a rental application and provide them with your full name, social security number and government-issued identification, such as a driver's license number.The application should specifically state that the landlord intends to run a background check.
Tips
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If you cannot qualify to rent property because of your credit or income history, you can get a cosigner to sign the lease with you. A cosigner promises to take over the lease agreement should you default, including paying any rent or fees due to the landlord. A cosigner must be able to qualify for the lease on his own to sign for you. This includes having a source of income and good credit.
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