A tenant screening company offers one of the most valuable services that landlords can use in their businesses. It brings the peace of mind of knowing that applicants are being vetted appropriately so that the best tenant can be chosen for each vacancy.

Landlords should look for the following qualities and elements when selecting a tenant screening company:

1. Proven and Experienced

The tenant screening company chosen should have a track record of satisfied customers and great results. Look for positive reviews of the service online to verify that they will do a thorough and effective job with the screening process.

2. Criminal Background Checks

This parameter is one of the most important to look for from a tenant screening company. Ensuring that applicants do not have a criminal record is key to making good selections and having a positive experience with ideal tenants down the road.

3. Eviction Records

Tenant screening companies should screen for past evictions as part of the screening package. Evictions are one of the biggest tenant screening red flags for landlords, as past behavior is often an indicator of what can be expected in the future.

4. Credit Check

Tenant screening should also include pulling a copy of the applicant’s credit report. This will help to ensure persons who are financially viable are always chosen as tenants. Problems with credit history such as a low credit score, delinquent accounts, bankruptcy or other issues could indicate the individual will not be financially reliable as a tenant. Landlords should ensure that a credit check is part of the protocol offered by tenant screening services.

5. Modern Tenant Screening Company Processes

The tenant screening company you choose should also have access to the most up to date records available at this time. Inquire about the company’s processes and ensure that they are using cutting-edge technology and resources.

6. Fair and Compliant

The tenant screening company that landlords choose should also be aware of and compliant with all laws that are relevant to fair tenant screening. An awareness of the federal Fair Housing Act as well as relevant state laws is important to ensuring all applicants are treated fairly throughout the screening process.

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based upon race, creed, origin, skin color, disability and family status. Experienced tenant background screeners will have a solid grasp and proven track record in this area. They should also update their practices as needed based on changes to the law.

7. Bringing It All Together

In addition to these steps and qualities provided by professional tenant screening companies, landlords should take certain screening steps of their own. These would include verifying employment, calling past landlords and checking references. Inquiring about behavior and reliability from past contacts can help with making an informed decision going forward.

With the help of an experienced, proven professional tenant screening company landlords are assisted in making better choices. Our screening services can assist in all of these areas and more. We look forward to working with you!

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/04/07/upshot/millions-of-eviction-records-a-sweeping-new-look-at-housing-in-america.html

Disclaimer: The information on this website does not constitute legal advice and is governed by our Terms of Use. We make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites.

Earlier this spring, the Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF) and Rental Housing Association of Washington (RHAWA) announced that they have filed a lawsuit in King County Superior Court against the City of Seattle. They are protesting a fair chance housing law that prevents landlords from making rental restrictions based upon past criminal records.

The suit was filed on behalf of three landlords. These landlord challenges with the fair chance housing law alleges it is creating a violation against the constitutional rights of landlords to free speech and due process. The landlords believe they have a right to seek information about applicants’ pasts and use it to enhance their decision-making process.

Seattle Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda Law Challenged

Seattle City Attorney spokesperson Dan Nolte said their office is reviewing the complaint. However, he said they believed that the ordinance in question is constitutional and they plan to defend the law.

The Fair Chance Housing law went into effect in February of 2018. It prevents screening potential tenants by landlords based upon past criminal convictions. Landlords are also prevented from factoring in records that were vacated, sealed or expunged. Juvenile records are also off limits.

The fair chance housing law originated as a recommendation from the Seattle Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda. In the past, landlords were allowed to screen tenants for criminal convictions. The new version is broader, exempting landlords that share a bathroom or kitchen with tenants or are renting an accessory unit. Landlords managing four units or less are also exempt, and the fair chance housing law doesn’t apply to adult sex offenders.

RHAWA Recommends “Ban the Box,” HUD Enforcement and Expanded Public Services

The Rental Housing Association of Washington (RHAWA) suggests that “ban the box” legislation – removing the checkbox that requires applicants to disclose their past prior to a background check – as well as enforcement of HUD guidelines, additional supportive public housing and expanded public services could help as well.

RHAWA has advocated for a local Certificate of Restoration of Opportunity program allowing those with criminal convictions to appear before a panel to receive a certificate they could take and present to a landlord.

Persons with criminal records lament that in a sense they are forced to live in the past, continually reminded of the mistakes they made even if they have reformed their ways.

Finding a Balance Between Landlord and Tenant Rights

The Seattle Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda advocated for the fair chance housing law in an effort to give persons with a criminal record a fair chance at housing. Without at least having a chance, it is difficult for them to transcend their pasts and get a fresh start. However, landlords should have the right to use tenant screening to select the best renters available.

Seattle Tenant Screening Laws

The RHAWA group has also sued the City of Seattle regarding a law to put a cap on move-in fees for tenants. They successfully sued and overturned a law insisting landlords rent out available properties to the very first qualified applicant. However, the city of Seattle intends to appeal and try to reinstate this law.

 Source: https://www.seattle.gov/civilrights/civil-rights/fair-housing/fair-chance-housing-law

Disclaimer Statement: All information presented is for information purposes only and is not intended to provide professional or legal advice regarding actions to take in any situation.

While even the most discerning landlords have no guarantees of always picking the most ideal tenants, there are some characteristics to look for that increase the chances of a mutually beneficial experience.

Here are our top 10 qualities of ideal tenants that landlords should look for when considering rental applicants:

1. Financial Viability

As business owners, landlords should put financial considerations first. Ideal tenants should ideally earn three times their monthly rent payment per month.

2. Job Stability

In addition to sufficient income, landlords should try to get a sense if the applicant will retain their current employment for the foreseeable future. Find out how long they have worked in their current position and if you still have doubts, ask them if you can call their employer.

3. Positive Payment History

Landlords should also verify that a potential renter has a track record of paying on time with few if any late rental payments. A credit check can provide this information.

4. No Criminal Past

Tenants who engage in illegal activities are a big risk and can make being a landlord very stressful. A resident background check can yield information about their criminal history or (hopefully) lack thereof. A professional tenant screening company can assist you with this process.

5. Positive References

Landlords should ask for references from past landlords and follow up with them to verify their history. If the feedback is negative, move on to other more promising applicants.

6. Clean Eviction Record

A tenant who has been evicted in the past could be an eviction risk in the future. While people can change, landlords should check this area carefully. A tenant screening company can assist you with this important check.

7. Good Communication

Positive, effective communication is key to every successful relationship. Ideal tenants who are good communicators are likely to be easier to work with than those who are not.

8. Neat and Organized

Look for signs that the applicant is organized and on top of things. If they seem scattered and/or have an unkempt appearance, this could indicate that they will not properly clean and maintain your property.

9. Conscientious

While this quality is harder to quantify and determine from just a couple of meetings, look for signs that the candidate will be thoughtful and considerate while staying at your property. Timeliness, politeness and respect are some of the signs that indicate they will be conscientious with you, your property and other ideal tenants.

10. Not High-Maintenance

While you want good communication from ideal tenants, you don’t want a tenant that communicates “too much.” An applicant who is overly talkative and complains a lot just might turn into a high maintenance tenant. Watch for signs in applicants’ personalities and histories that might indicate they will be difficult to work with. The ideal tenant is at least somewhat self-sufficient.

Ideal tenants have certain qualities and characteristics in common. Look for these 10 tenant attributes to help you screen applicants and find the very best renters. A professional tenant screener can assist with many of the areas on this list.

Sources:

Disclaimer: The information on this website does not constitute legal advice and is governed by our Terms of Use. We make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites.

Washington state and the city of Seattle are often seen as frontrunners in human rights in the U.S. The city of Seattle is a leader in the realm of advocacy in fair housing as well. A recent change in Seattle regulations related to tenant screening is garnering attention from landlords across the nation.

Not All Landlords Approve of the Fair Chance Housing Law

City leaders have approved new legislation that now dramatically limits the inclusion of criminal history within the tenant background screening process. This new tenant screening law effectively eliminates the use of criminal records in many instances. The new legislation was passed unanimously in August 2017 with an 8 – 0 vote.

The new Fair Chance Housing Law in Seattle prohibits landlords from considering convictions that have been sealed, vacated or expunged. Juvenile arrests and convictions are also exempt from consideration. The new legislation will take effect within the next six months and will be in effect in the early part of 2018.

Multi-unit property owners in Seattle have pushed back on these new tenant screening laws, stating that they open them up to risk from tenants that will be insufficiently vetted. However, there are still provisions remaining that will provide landlords with protections.

Rentals in Close Proximity to Owners Exempt From New Tenant Screening Laws

Persons attempting to rent out a portion of their own residence resulting in a shared bathroom or kitchen with the tenant will still be allowed to use criminal histories as part of their screening process. Primary lease holders who were given authority by a landlord to sublet to roommates will also be allowed to use criminal history as part of their consideration process.

Those renting backyard cottage-style rental units and mother-in-law apartments in the basement area or other parts of the home may also use criminal background screening. However, micro-housing rentals are covered by the new tenant screening law; owners and landlords of these properties may not use criminal history as a part of their process for deciding on who they will take on as a tenant.

Those monitoring the country for such changes in state law related to landlords and tenants speculate that this adjustment could result in the change of additional tenant screening laws in other states across the U.S.

The new tenant screening laws are expected to greatly impact the practices of property managers and landlords. Policies that are reliant on records related to criminal history as a vetting tool will have to be changed by landlords in Seattle. Performing tenant screening incorrectly could put property managers, landlords and property owners at risk for litigation and financial loss. Many of them will likely opt to work with a qualified third-party tenant screening agency in order to ensure thorough tenant screening that is in full compliance with current tenant screening laws.

Professional Tenant Screening Ensures Compliance

Many landlords feel that being allowed to use criminal history and related background information allows them to more effectively safeguard properties and protect current tenants from potentially threatening applicants. While formerly incarcerated persons do have a right to housing and a fresh start, people living in proximity to them also deserve safeguards and considerations. There is a fine line here; however, landlords can vet candidates by diving more deeply into their financial past, eviction history or civil records.

This development underscores the value of using third-party tenant screening companies to ensure landlords stay in compliance with current city, state and federal tenant screening laws. Professional tenant screening can help to ensure higher-quality tenants and safer rental properties for all occupants.

Disclaimer: The information on this website does not constitute legal advice and is governed by our Terms of Use. We make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites.

As real estate prices rise, an increasing number of people are looking to rent in many areas of the U.S. Most landlords have a list of common landlord concerns that should factor into their screening process.

The following landlord concerns are the top six tenant issues landlords face – as well as how to handle them:

1. Payment Issues

The number one landlord concern regarding tenants is worries about their ability to pay the rent in full and on time every month. To help ensure a good payment history, landlords should verify that the monthly rent comprises no more than 30 percent of the applicant’s household income. Verifying employment and getting a credit check can also help with ensuring that a financially viable tenant is chosen.

2. Past Evictions And Other Related Landlord Concerns

The second concern most landlords have is regarding the applicant’s past rental history. Have they ever been evicted before? Getting an eviction report and/or calling previous landlords and finding out the reasons for any gaps in reported living history are some ways to uncover past problems as a tenant.

3. Criminal History

Most landlords don’t want to rent to persons who are potentially dishonest or dangerous. A background check and/or a professional tenant screening service can help to uncover these types of landlord concerns.

4. Lying on the Rental Application

Just because it’s listed on a rental application doesn’t mean it’s true. Landlords can verify information shared by applicants by calling the phone numbers given for their employer, past landlords and personal references. Tenant screening can yield additional verification.

5. High Maintenance – Calls a Lot, Makes Lots of Requests

Another potential nightmare for landlords is a tenant who calls them too frequently over small or inconsequential matters. This type of tenant may be a complainer, or just overly talkative. Interviewing applicants ahead of time can allow landlords to learn how to screen for this type of “high maintenance” and potentially disruptive client.

6. Will Break the Lease and Move Too Soon

Lastly, landlords are also averse to tenants who move too frequently. These landlord concerns can be solved by having the renter sign a lease for an agreed-upon period of time, usually one year. The landlord can include a penalty such as forfeit of the security deposit if the lease is broken.

Landlords who are proactive about these six common landlord concerns are far less likely to be negatively impacted by them. Using a professional tenant screening service can assist in avoiding many of these issues.

Source: http://rebusinessonline.com/low-turnover-higher-rental-prices-lead-to-attractive-apartment-market-for-landlords/

Disclaimer: The information on this website does not constitute legal advice and is governed by our Terms of Use. We make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites.