A thorough tenant background check is the best way to get great tenants if you're a landlord in the Burlington area. These background checks should answer several questions to determine which potential tenants are worth pursuing.
If you're interested in learning more about tenant screening, there are some helpful landlord guidelines you should know.
Read on to learn more about how you can improve running tenant background checks to ensure a smooth, streamlined process.
Tenant Verification
Every tenant background check should start by confirming that the tenant is who they say they are. This process is simple and usually only requires a valid form of identification which is typically either a state-issued ID card or an active, valid driver's license.
Of course, there are other things you can (and should) do for tenant certification, including:
- Verifying the applicant's employment
- Conducting a landlord reference check
- Running a credit check
When you do these things, there should be no issues determining the validity of the applicant. Now, let's go deeper into what a credit check involves.
Tenant Background Check: Credit
The rental application process should always include a thorough credit check. This vital part of the tenant background check involves running the applicant's credit to determine their FICO score and their credit history.
With a credit check, you're determining that the tenant has a history of paying their bills on time and will likely continue to do so. At Legacy PM Inc., we'll look at the tenant's credit score and their debt-to-income ratio. Both of these components are crucial when determining the creditworthiness of a potential tenant.
Aside from credit, it's also important to run a complete criminal background check on rental applicants. Not only does this protect the safety and security of yourself, but also of your other tenants, too.
Public and Criminal Records
A public records check will provide you with a much clearer insight into the background of potential tenants. This check is performed using one or several databases to determine the tenant's past employer, former addresses, and other pertinent information that will factor into your decision.
The criminal record check helps landlords verify whether or not an applicant may have a history of illegal activity. Using a professional property management company makes it easy to find the most pertinent information. This information should include the nature of the crime or crimes and the date they were committed, whether the person was convicted, and more.
Having access to both public and criminal records provides landlords with detailed insight into potential tenants' behavior. It also helps you determine whether the tenant will pay on time, be a peaceful member of the community, and whether they're reliable.
Improve Your Screening Process
With the right tenant background check process in place, you'll get the information you need to make the best possible decision. From credit history and criminal backgrounds to identifying and talking to previous landlords, all of these checks are crucial.
Legacy PM Inc. in Burlington has a combined 30 years of experience, so you can count on us to provide exceptional property management services. Contact us today to find out how we can help you!