Tenant criminal background checks

Landlords and building supervisors are increasingly using tenant criminal background
checks.


Some communities even refer to these checks as fashionable. However, it should made clear that there are not central database for residence that is available for use by the general public or private companies, as for credit reports.

Criminal records checks have to be made by county basis. Because isn't a national reporting system, the information on a prospective applicant's lease may not be up to date. In addition, discrimination based on criminal history or conviction of certain types of crimes some is prohibit by law in some counties and states.

Whether landlords have the right, to conduct tenant criminal background checks is open to discussion. On one side of the coin, it may prevent a registered sex offender or applicants with a violent criminal history from living in a neighborhood were children live.

On the flip side of the coin, California is a state where it is unlawful to discriminate against an individual for criminal convictions not related to what is being applied. By conducting criminal background checks on applicants, landlords in states such as California could face claims of discrimination if they reject an applicants request to live where they wish.