Background Checks

[Tim Johnson]

Hi BP!  I'm looking for a better option for back ground checks.  We currently use Buildium and use their $15 tenant screening.  We enter the information, the tenant gets an email, approves the application, and then we get the result.

We sometimes have applicants (e.g. the elderly) who do not have an email address. Or, more commonly, they have only one email address for a couple.  Our policy requires us to screen all adults living in the unit.

For example, we currently have a couple that have applied. She has an email address, but he hates computers. So we are using his son's email address, having him go there to approve the process.  It's turning into an ugly mess and left a sour taste in his mouth.   We're definitely getting started on the wrong foot with this couple.

It seems like there must be a better way to do background checks? I don't want to create bogus email addresses (that come to myself to subvert the system) as someone suggested. Is there some kind of authorization that my LLC can get to enable me to run background checks without explicit approval? Or some site that doesn't require email approval? Or some other less painful method?

I only run under 5 checks per month, so the volume isn't huge.  Thanks in advance for your advice!

I am a resident of Minnesota.  Adding my other favorite states for visibility: Wisconsin, Michigan, Florida, Georgia, Texas, California, Washington, Iowa, Ohio, Contentment, New York, Carolina.

[Jeff B.]

On your application, add this statement

• I declare the above statements are true and correct and agree that they are part of the rental / lease agreement.  I hereby authorize a background check, verification of references, employment and a credit check as a condition of occupancy; 
•  Signature _______________________________ Date __________
  

Then use a full service credit reporting service; I use RHOL.COM and get true reports from Experion or Trans Union.