Screening tenants for criminal records

[Sam Leon]

I don't know about other landlords, but I do a quick Google of those who requested a viewing, and I ask them to fill out a quick questionairre before I even schedule a viewing, things like how many parking spaces do you need, do you intend to smoke or vape on the premises, your move in date etc...

When I do Google their names sometimes I see criminal records listed.  For example recently I had two and these are their charges:

PERSON A

• AGG ASSAULTW/ DEADLY WEAPON WITHOUT INTENT TO KILL
• TOUCH OR STRIKE/BATTERY/DATING VIOL

PERSON B

• CORRUPT BY THREAT PUBLIC SERVANT OR FAMILY
• DUI ALCOHOL OR DRUGS 1ST OFFENSE
• RESIST OFFICER-OBSTRUCT WITHOUT VIOLENCE

This is before viewing the apartment, before actual application.  I feel like not wasting my time and just say no, because these are recent (less than 2 years) and these are not jaywalking or parking at expired meters.  These look pretty serious to me.

But can I just say no, not even showing the place, and move on?  I understand we can no longer just reject someone based on having criminal records, will I get into trouble by doing this?

[Allan Smith]

You probably should hire a property manager. They are cheap and there is a lot of details, automations, and regulations that they adhere to. For only 10% or so, that's a pretty good deal.

to my knowledge criminal activity is not a protected class. But regardless, your listing should say what types of charges on someone's background you will not accept. All the requirements should be in the listing.

there is no reason that any landlord or property manager should be relying on a Google search. We have a stringent screening process, and that includes a credit and background check. Google will use mostly for checking their social media. I do this through my property management software which is buildium. It costs $15.

you need to have a funnel that you move people through. It all starts with the listing. You pre-screen people there, and then for us, they prequalify themselves through the software and upload their photo ID to schedule a self showing if they qualify. Then they can submit an application which we process to verify everything like the background check. You don't have to do all this stuff, but if you don't, you will certainly get stuck with more dud tenants which costs you a lot of money in the long run .