Renter Background Checks: What They Are, What’s Included, and Why They Matter

Whether you are new to renting or not, you’ve probably heard of a background check as a part of the application process.

A rental background check is a screening process that landlords use—with your consent—to compile a renter’s credit, criminal, and eviction history into one report. Some checks may also include identity verification, income, or lifestyle indicators like pet ownership or smoking.

Background Checks for Renters Explained

What Is a Rental Background Check?

Think of a rental background check as a snapshot of a renter’s financial and legal history. Rather than just seeing what is on the surface or what renters tell landlords or agents during the application process, a rental background check provides a verified record of a tenant’s credit, criminal, and eviction history, which they might not be inclined to share willingly on their own.

What Do Background Checks Consist Of?

Each landlord can specify what details they want to be included in their background check for renters, but most reports include a renter’s credit history, rental history report, criminal records, eviction history, and sometimes identity verification, income details, or sex offender registry results.

Credit Report

Running a credit report on prospective tenants helps landlords get a better picture of that person’s financial stability and overall responsibility. Landlords may review your credit score, existing accounts, payment history, and debt levels to assess your financial responsibility. Some might look at the overall credit score of an individual, while others may look into more finite details within the report.

How to Pull Credit Reports

Some landlords will accept credit reports pulled by the tenant, while others will ask for permission to pull information in line with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Renters can request a free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com, which includes reports from:

• Experian
• Equifax
• TransUnion

For the most part, credit bureaus develop a score and report based on individuals’ creditors, including their auto financing company, credit card issuers, and banks or credit unions.

Criminal History Report

In addition to requesting credit reports, landlords can ask to conduct a criminal history report on any prospective tenant. Specific laws may prevent landlords from renting their property to formerly convicted individuals.

Landlords usually need to check local and state laws before making decisions, as some jurisdictions restrict how criminal records can be used in tenant screening. As a tenant, it’s a good idea to know these laws, too, if you have a criminal history of any kind.

How to Find Criminal History Records

Pulling a criminal history report searches records across the country at both the State and Federal levels. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), a thorough background check will gather an individual’s criminal records reportable within the last seven years.

Note: A criminal record differs from a criminal conviction and a conviction will be reportable indefinitely. However, some cities and states have “ban the box” or fair housing laws that limit how and when landlords can use criminal history.

Eviction Report

Another element of a background check is an eviction report that lists any evictions an individual has had in the past. Generally speaking, evictions are a red flag to landlords for any prospective tenant.

How to Find Eviction History

Evictions are considered public records and will appear on your credit report for up to seven years. Therefore, any time a landlord pulls a credit report on a prospective renter, they are always watching for previous evictions.

Why Do Landlords Conduct Background Checks?

Conducting a background check is in the landlord’s best interest to protect themselves and their property, and having a background check can help narrow down the options to applicants who might be better tenants in the long run.

To Understand Tenant Interest

While landlords can screen tenants over the phone and during apartment tours, they can’t always understand someone’s interest from these minimal interactions. Conducting a background check helps landlords understand their potential tenant’s interests better and how they plan to use the space.

To Protect Their Property

Choosing tenants without due diligence could lead to costly issues like property damage, unpaid rent, or legal disputes. A background check helps landlords identify any red flags before getting into a sticky situation. While some bad tenants are bound to slip through the cracks, these checks help to weed out the vast majority of potential tenant headaches.

To Make Better Rental Decisions

Rental properties take a lot of time, money, and effort to manage, so conducting a background check helps landlords make the best decision regarding your prospective tenants.

How Much Does a Rental Background Check Cost?

According to the CFPB, most checks cost between $25-$35, though some go as high as $55. Application fees are non-refundable and generally required for each applicant over 18. In some states (Maryland, New York, Rhode Island, Illinois, California, and Colorado), renters can use a Reusable Tenant Screening Report to avoid submitting multiple applications and paying repeated fees.

Can I Dispute a Background Check?

Yes. If a landlord makes a negative decision about your application, you can request a free copy of your report from the tenant background check company within 60 days and dispute information that’s inaccurate, outdated, or not yours.

Can I Rent with a Bad Background Check?

Yes. If you have bad credit, a past eviction, or a criminal record, you may still qualify for a rental depending on the landlord’s criteria and local laws. Being upfront about your history, providing references, or offering a higher deposit can improve your chances.

How Can I Fail a Background Check?

You may fail a background check if records show red flags around financial responsibility, rental history, or identity. It could be a previous eviction, low credit score, or unpaid debts, not meeting the income limits, or supplying false information about employment and references.

Summary

A background check is a standard part of any rental application process, and you should expect that most landlords will require one. Background checks help you see if an individual is financially stable, responsible, abides by the law, and shows no eviction history. If you know of any potential red flags in your background check, it’s best to be upfront and honest with your potential landlord about them.

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FAQs about Rental Background Checks

What is a rental background check?

A rental background check reviews a tenant’s credit, criminal, eviction, and other records to help landlords decide on lease applications.

What information is included in a rental background check?

It typically includes credit history, criminal records, eviction history, identity verification, income information, and sex offender registry checks.

How far back do rental background checks go?

Credit history may show up to 7–10 years; criminal records vary by state, and some convictions may be reportable indefinitely.

Can I still rent with bad credit?

Yes, but landlords may require a co-signer, larger deposit, or proof of stable income to offset a low credit score.

How much does a background check cost?

Costs vary by screening service but typically range from $25 to $75, often paid by the applicant.

Can I dispute errors on my background check?

You can dispute incorrect information directly with the reporting agency under FCRA regulations.

Will a background check affect my credit score?

No. Most tenant screenings are considered “soft inquiries” and won’t impact your score.

Can a landlord deny me based on my background check?

Yes. A landlord can deny your application based on your background check, but the decision must comply with federal, state, and local fair housing laws. If you’re denied, you’re entitled to an “adverse action” notice and a free copy of the report to review for errors.