Tenant screening is a
crucial component of the leasing process, since it protects the property, the
property owner and the local community while making sure that Fair Housing
Guidelines are being met. It is more essential now than ever that landlords, property
owners and real estate agents band together to show how important tenant
screening is, especially since there has been legislation attacking the use of
criminal and eviction records in tenant screening.
If you are not sure
whether or not you want to use tenant screening on your rental property, we
recommend taking a look at some of the benefits that the background tenant
screening has to provide. Whether you are looking for the best tenant
screening service or simply want more information about the importance
of tenant screening, here are a few reasons why tenant screening is so
important:
●Tenant
screening protects your property. Tenant screening helps
protect your property. By screening applicants for any criminal history of
property damage, violent offenses or other serious crimes that can pose a risk
to your property, you can dramatically decrease your liabilities and protect
your local community at the same time. We recommend including eviction records
on your applicants’ background checks to learn what type of renter they have
been in the past. Since you have invested a great deal of time and money into
your rental property, we recommend using tenant screening as a way to protect
your financial investment. Keep in mind that some cities, states and federal
courts are trying to restrict the use of criminal and eviction records in
tenant screening.
●Tenant
screening safeguards you. Another reason to use tenant screening during
your leasing process is that tenant screening protects you as the property owner.
Of course, you want to rent to someone you can trust, but how can you find out
if the applicant you are reviewing is trustworthy while adhering to the rules
of the Fair Housing Act or FHA? Tenant screening is one of the best ways to
help you find an applicant you can trust while avoiding FHA lawsuits. When you
get your prospective tenant’s credit report during your tenant screening, you
are able to determine whether or not they are financially responsible enough to
send you rental payments in a timely manner. There is nothing worse than
renting to someone who fails to pay their rent or pays it late.
●Tenant
screening guards your other tenants if you own multiple units and your local
community. Tenant screening also protects your other
tenants if you own multiple units, as well as your local community. Whether or
not you have tenants on the same property, tenant screening will help keep the
surrounding community safe. You can use a tenant screening company to check
through databases like the sex offender registry list, the terrorist watch list
and the International Police Organization to make sure that your tenants do not
tarnish your reputation within the local community. If you are planning on
doing any yard maintenance or property repairs on your own, then screening your
applicants will give you more peace of mind.
