As renting an apartment becomes more and more common for people worldwide, it's important to consider how to make the most informed decisions when looking for a new place to live. Background checks have become a popular way for landlords to determine the suitability of potential tenants, and for renters to assess the legitimacy and quality of properties. Here, we outline the myriad ways that background checks can help you rent an apartment, and how you can use these tools to find the right place for you.
**What is a background check?**
Before discussing the specific ways that background checks can help you rent an apartment, it's important to understand what a background check actually is. A background check is a process that involves a review of a person’s criminal, financial, and personal history. These checks are often conducted by a third-party service hired by landlords or property managers. Background checks are used to make sure that tenants have a good track record of paying rent on time, and to assess the risks that come with renting to different tenants.
**How can a background check help you rent an apartment?**
There are many benefits to using a background check when you're looking to rent an apartment. Here are few of the most significant:
**1. It helps landlords screen potential tenants.**
From a landlord or property manager's perspective, a background check is an essential tool for screening potential tenants. With a thorough background check, landlords can assess the risks involved with renting to a particular person. For example, a landlord may not want to rent to someone who has a history of not paying rent on time, or who has a criminal record that suggests they may be a risk to a property or other tenants. By providing this information to landlords, background checks can help ensure that the people living in a particular apartment complex are safe, trustworthy, and reliable tenants.
**2. It can help protect you from scams and fraud.**
As a renter, using a background check can help you protect yourself from scams and fraud. Unfortunately, there are many scams out there in the world of apartment rentals, and it can be difficult to tell what's legitimate and what's not. Background checks can help you verify a landlord's identity and make sure that the property is actually available for rent. This can help prevent you from falling victim to scams like lease fraud, where someone rents out a property they don't actually own or have the right to rent.
**3. It can provide you with peace of mind.**
Finally, using a background check can provide you with peace of mind. Renting an apartment is a major commitment, and you want to make sure that you're making informed decisions. A background check can help you feel confident that you're renting from a trustworthy landlord, and that the property you're renting meets your expectations in terms of safety, cleanliness, and other factors.
**What information is typically included in a background check for rental homes?**
Now that we’ve covered the advantages of using a background check when searching for an apartment, let's talk about what information is typically included in a background check for rental homes. Here are some of the most common types of information that may be included:
**1. Criminal history:**
A criminal history check typically includes a review of local, state, and federal criminal records to determine if an applicant has a criminal record. This type of check is important for landlords to assess the risks of renting to a particular person and verify if they pose a risk to neighbors or other tenants.
**2. Credit history:**
A credit history check examines a person's credit report and credit score. This type of check is important for landlords to assess the financial responsibility of a potential tenant and to determine if they will be able to pay rent on time.
**3. Employment history:**
An employment history check reviews previous job positions and can also include a verification of income to assess a tenant's ability to pay rent on time. Landlords also verify the tenant's current employment and see if there are plans for future employment.
**4. Rental history:**
A rental history check involves contacting previous landlords to verify the tenant's past rental history and if they have paid rent on time. This type of check is important for landlords to assess the rental history of a potential tenant.
**5. Eviction history:**
An eviction history search examines court records to determine if a tenant has been evicted in the past. This can be helpful to a landlord to determine if an applicant poses a risk of being evicted in the future.
**Conclusion**
Background checks can provide a wealth of information on potential tenants, and they're essential for landlords. As a renter, using background checks can help you avoid scams and fraud, and provide you with peace of mind when you're committing to a new apartment. By being aware of what to expect from a background check, you can make smarter, more informed decisions when searching for your next home. By doing your research and using tools like background checks, you can find an apartment that meets your needs in terms of location, price, and amenities, while also providing you with a safe and comfortable place to call home.
