Apartment policy not to provide rental history

[Gregory Schwartz]

We are in the process of screening a tenant which of course includes verifying rental history. We ask simply questions, like were they late, did they have lease violations, outstanding debt and would you lease to the tenant again. But we were told Graystar management has a policy that they don't disclose any rental history even with a signed release of info by the tenants?! This same PM company requires tenants to provide verifiable rental history?!?

I've been in PM for the last 5 years... has this always been a thing with Greystar? And if so, this sounds like the most hypocritical practice, we require but don't provide rental verification. 

[Chris Seveney]

@Gregory Schwartz

Blame politicians for making it too easy to see these property managers.

It is called risk mitigation and as a company they do not want to disclose personal information (even though they require it to rent to you).

I honestly don’t see an issue with it

[Gregory Schwartz]

@Chris Seveney really, you think it's ok if all the apartment complexes stopped sharing rental history? 

Would you approve applicants without a verified rental history? 
Doesn't this hurt the tenants trying to move to a better location or larger home for their family? 

I have to deny this family who is otherwise likely very qualified. My unit sits vacant longer and this poor family will struggle to find a good place to live. We all know the type of landlords that dont screen tenants, they're horrible and usually dont take care of their properties. So what kind of living conditions will this family end up in? 

I really hope it's not a policy that becomes widespread.