Written Rental policy detailing guidelines on Sreening /Application-no criminal history

[Alessandra C.]

 I am trying to create good policies for Screening Applicants -  NO CRIMINAL HISTORY- may be too strict-  It is hard to decide and I would like hear what is your experience or input:

1) speed tickets- how many infractions allowed? Time after infraction a factor? Can an infraction older than 7 years be a denial factor? What the speed or difference in speed allowed?

2) Do you approve DUI in the Criminal Records? How many ? Time elapsed since infraction? Can an infraction older than 7 years be a denial factor?

3) Any suggestions for  online free or paid  reliable  National criminal search or  North Carolina- Charlotte criminal search that you  can disclose to the prospective tenant as source of the denial?

4) What other types of Criminal background do you feel that is safe to allow in your approval applications?

5) Do you have any guidelines or book you recommend about  Screening/Applications?

6) What do have in your application as a factor for denial under the Criminal Background?

Any other questions/inputs  or histories  are welcome!

Thank you!

Alessandra

[Christopher Gilbert]

I submit a written list of requirements to the applicants so there are no questions about any rejections.  I have a no felonies policy as well as a no violent or drug related crimes.  These are mainly because I do not want any of my rentals becoming police magnets.  As far as the other things like DUI or public intoxication I let one slide but if I see a trend of them stringing out for multiple years I usually pass because that tells me that this person has a habit of making poor decisions and it is tough to hold a job or pay rent when they are in jail.

For background screening I recommend National Tenant Network (NTNonline.com) or RentPrep (Rentprep.com).  Both of these services will perform a state and national criminal background search as well as rental history (eviction)/credit check.  For about $35 per person they will do a full background check as well as give you a rating and recommendation.  If they reject the candidate they also provide a notification that you can give to the applicant which is very important because it gets you out of the liability of being the one that rejects the candidate.

Hope this helps.