Tenant Background Checks for Landlords
Screen rental applicants with available criminal background information and, when appropriate, combine it with credit and eviction searches. Choose an affordable report without a monthly membership fee.
Criminal-only or combined screening
Not all background screening products contain the same information. Choose based on your lawful rental screening criteria.
What to Know
What Can a Tenant Background Check Include?
A landlord background check can refer to criminal history searches, or to a broader tenant screening report containing several sources of information.
Criminal record searches
Some products search national-level criminal data. Review report coverage, identifiers and the details of any matching record.
Sex offender searches
Available within certain criminal screening products and bundled report options. Verify identity and source details before drawing conclusions.
Credit and eviction information
Broader packages can combine financial screening and available eviction history for a more complete assessment.
Simple Process
How to Run a Tenant Background Check
Make background screening one part of a fair, well-documented application review.
Collect applicant details
Use a consistent rental application and any authorization required by law and your screening provider.
Select a screening product
Choose criminal-only screening or a bundled option with credit and eviction data.
Review results carefully
Verify any relevant matches, follow applicable law and make a documented decision using consistent criteria.
Transparent Pricing
Criminal Background & Full Screening Options
Compare a focused criminal search with a bundled credit, eviction and criminal screening product.
Instant National Criminal Search
National-level criminal search advertised with sex offender information and previous address history. Actual coverage and processing vary.
See Report OptionsBest Deal
Full credit report with FICO Score, quick eviction search, 3-in-1 national criminal search, sex offender search and previous address history. Credit access may require accreditation.
See Report OptionsHelpful Answers
Tenant Background Check FAQs
Understand the available report types and responsible ways to use background information.
Is a tenant background check the same as a credit check?
Not necessarily. A credit report focuses on financial account information. A background screening report may include criminal history, eviction records or other sources depending on the product.
Does a national criminal search cover every courthouse?
No. National-level databases vary in coverage and freshness. Some records may require separate county-level verification and may not be legally reportable.
Can I get credit, eviction and criminal reports together?
Yes. The advertised Best Deal package includes these categories of screening and previous address history. Review the current package inclusions.
Can a landlord automatically reject an applicant for any criminal record?
A blanket policy can create legal and fair housing concerns. Consider applicable law, relevance, accuracy and the individual facts. Consult qualified legal guidance for your rental policies.
What if a background report has incorrect information?
Verify that records belong to the applicant and provide appropriate opportunities to address errors. If you take an adverse action based on a consumer report, FCRA notice requirements may apply. See FTC landlord guidance.
Choose the Right Background Check
Open a free account and compare the available criminal search and full tenant screening reports before you approve your next applicant.
Screening information is not a guarantee of future tenancy. Use reports only for a lawful permissible purpose, evaluate accurate and legally reportable information, and follow federal, state and local fair housing and consumer-reporting rules. FTC guidance for landlords.