Are you a property owner in Antelope Valley, California, looking to fill a vacancy? You're in luck; according to CalMatters, for every 10,000 people in California, there are only 3,789 units.
This means that you, as a landlord, can have your pick, so be sure to implement a winning tenant screening policy!
Improperly screened tenants can lead to:
- Financial loss
- Property damage
- Legal liability
- A bad reputation
No part of the tenant screening is as good at identifying these risk factors as a tenant's criminal background check. Keep reading to learn how to incorporate this check into your tenant screening process.
Understanding the Importance of a Tenant Criminal Background Check
A thorough tenant criminal background check is essential in the rental process. It helps verify a prospective tenant's criminal history, ensuring your property remains safe.
In a community like Antelope Valley, where crime rates can fluctuate, protecting your investment is paramount. Here's why a tenant criminal background check is indispensable:
- It mitigates risks by identifying potential red flags (an example being a long history of repeated robbery convictions)
- You create a safe environment for other tenants by securing law-abiding tenants
- Boosts your reputation by demonstrating that you take your tenant's safety seriously
Sometimes, a landlord can also be held partly responsible if a tenant engaged in criminal activity and caused harm. Screening tenants effectively allows you to be on the lookout for this possible risk.
The Steps to Perform a Tenant Criminal Background Check
Before accessing any personal information, always get written consent from the potential tenant. Written consent is typically only a requirement for credit history checks.
However, getting consent for the criminal check shows your transparency and preserves tenants' dignity. The next step is to gather vital details such as the prospective tenant's:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Social security number
If you work through a tenant placement service, your agency can streamline this step. You must use only accredited services or platforms specializing in tenant screening.
Several online platforms provide this service, but working with a trusted, face-to-face partner always yields better results.
Making Your Final Decision the Right Way
Once you have the final results of your check, ensure that you analyze each applicant thoroughly. Fair housing laws prohibit discrimination and the blatant denial of an application simply because someone has a criminal record.
Only once you've considered each applicant in detail are you fully protected from these liabilities.
It's also good to pay attention to any discrepancies, such as differences in the name or cases that require further explanation from the applicant. Such discrepancies can highlight when someone attempts to hide their criminal history. Remember that going through an eviction is far more difficult than avoiding the need for one.
Your Local Property Management Partner
PMI Antelope Valley specializes in property management, including a robust screening process with a tenant criminal background check. We also offer expert property management tips and a detailed lease agreement guide to help property owners maximize their investments.
With state-of-the-art tools and local expertise, we ensure your property stays profitable and well-maintained.
Whether you own residential or commercial property, our friendly team delivers top-notch service tailored to your needs. Let us make property management simple and stress-free. Contact us today to get started!
