Florida continues to grow at a rate of 1,000 new permanent residents every single day. The demand for homes and apartments in Emerald Coast, FL also brings new challenges for landlords here. Eager applicants aren't always responsible or respectful of their new surroundings.
To maximize your odds of finding respectful and considerate tenants, it's important to do proper research with a tenant criminal background check. You should never judge a book by its cover--that's why we have this guide on running background checks the correct way.
Leave no stone unturned with this helpful guide on the process.
How to Run a Tenant Criminal Background Check
A tenant screening strategy typically involves insight into criminal, financial, and rental history. Before you can do one, legally, you have to get their consent. The tenant applicant must provide written consent, either on the application or a separate document with their signature.
Acquire Important Details
You should have all of their basic info from their rental application, including their Social Security number, roommates' basic info, address history, and references you will be using in addition to the criminal background check. You'll also want to have multiple proofs of income to use alongside their credit check. Don't settle for just a high credit score; likewise for a high income with a low score.
The reason you want copies of documentation and details in writing is to deter lying or forging details. You'll want to use all of these details to cross-reference with their references later.
Hire a Reputable Tenant Screener
The fastest and most cost-efficient way to screen high volumes of tenants is to let a professional service handle it. They will eliminate costly processing errors that can occur with DIY methods. By going with a company that has FTC approval, you will avoid any legal issues, as well.
In exchange for trusted screening information, you'll pay a fee per applicant. Some property management companies include this in their services, which can reduce the application turnaround time and save you on fees.
What You'll Expect to See
Your average background check can take a few days to get back to you. A complete report can include:
- Criminal history
- Credit report
- Employment history
- Rental history
- Terror watchlist
- Tenant risk evaluation
What you won't see on a credit report are evictions, as these no longer get reported unless a collection agency is used to collect on a judgment. This change was made in 2022.
Safety, Built on Trust and Transparency
You can invest in the long-term success of your rental properties by starting with a solid foundation of trustworthy tenants. By using a thorough application process, a reliable tenant criminal background check service, and following it all up with a list of references, you can deliver on your promise of providing a safe and trusted community in Emerald Coast.
Coastal Realty Services knows all about community. We're one of the largest long-term property management and Real Estate companies in town. If you're looking for reliable and comprehensive tenant screening, reach out to us today!
