Background check - Landlord Forum thread

Background check by Screening Applications (Ohio) on February 18, 2012 @12:15

Sifting through many applications:
When I decide NOT to rent to a propective tenant, what reasons legally can I say to applicants as to WHY not?
1. when criminal backround is poor, what do I disclose?
2. If "story doesn't add up"/Rent to pay ratio poor/job or family situation ODD...what do I disclose?

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Re: Background check by Anna Mouse on February 18, 2012 @12:22	[ Reply ]

Do you have to give a reason? Might you say you have had several applicants and someone else was more qualified. Course if they lied on the application or during prescreening and stuff did not add up you could tell them straight out. However not sure you need to go there.

Re: Background check

Denial & Adverse Action letter

Re: Background check by Jake on February 18, 2012 @13:39	[ Reply ]

If you do not want to rent to someone for any reason you can always find something wrong with the application. One thing you must include on your application is the question: Have you ever been CHARGED or CONVICTED of a MISDAMEANOR or FELONY. Then provide a sheet for them to write out the offenses. You can reject anyone based on a criminal record especially when they respond no or leave out 98% of their offenses. This question can always be followed with a criminal background check. Another thing you can reject applicants for is a low credit score. The definition of low is whatever number you want for a cut off. You can also reject people for inadequate employment and for a lack of verifiable rental experience. When someone calls and you are denying them, never get into details. You may simply say one or more of the following: your credit score was too low, your employment record is not strong enough or you do not have enough rental experience. Do not get into the fact that they are fresh out of prison and unemployed. Then get off the phone before you have to listen to their life story along with the whining and begging. You are not running a rehab center or a homeless shelter.

Re: Background check

Re: Background check by Bryan (Ia) on February 18, 2012 @14:26	[ Reply ]

As far as I know, the only time you must provide a reason is if you decline based upon credit. Then you have to supply them with certain info, the forms for which are available here.

Re: Background check by anon (Northeast Ohio) on February 18, 2012 @16:13	[ Reply ]

I don't disclose anything. I tell them it is a competitive process and I have chosen a better qulified candidate. If you don't give reasoning, or anything specific or exact you don't have to hear the rebuttal, after you have already made the decision to go with someone else. Are you screening for a SFH, or an apt building situation? I screen for one house at a time.....

Re: Background check by Eric (MN) on February 18, 2012 @23:08	[ Reply ]

My background check company automatically generates a decline letter. It basically give that companies address and tell the tenant to write for a copy of the report.

Re: Background check by Patse (IL) on February 19, 2012 @11:21	[ Reply ]

simple: state; thank you for your application for tenancy, after processing documents you (the proposed tenant) do not at this time qualify for the pat/unit. You may review your credit/background check at (list agency) signed. done do NOT send applicant their background/credit information deep all records on file for 3 years.