How to Run a Credit Check on a Prospective Tenant

Decide the type of credit report you want to order for checking your prospective tenant's credit. The costs vary depending on the kind of credit report you want. Once you know what report you want, you can add that report fee to your tenant's application fee. This is a common practice carried out by most landlords.

Have the prospective tenant complete a written application for a credit check. Also get the tenant's social security number which is necessary to run a credit check on them.

Obtain written permission from the prospective tenant that you can run a credit check on them. This is very important and you can include this as a point in the written application so that the tenant signs it and authorizes it in writing.

Choose from one of the following credit checking service companies to determine where you will run a credit check on a prospective tenant. The companies include the following:

Tenant Verification Services checks a prospective tenant's credit history and criminal history.

Renter's Check can provide a person's criminal and work history along with address verification.

Mr. Landlord also offers credit checking services and has an offer of first two reports free.

E-Renter offers tenant screening and tenant credit check services online.

AAA Credit Screening services has facilities for landlords to rub credit checks on prospective tenants, including checking their address and work history.

Important Note: It is illegal to run a credit check on a prospective tenant without written authorization. Violation can result in a $5000 fine or a two year imprisonment.