WARNING: DO NOT TRUST ZILLOW BACKGROUND CHECKS

[Travis Steinemann]

Hello all, 

I was going to review Zillow on Google, but I guess they are too big to need reviews. I have 12 units and have been using Zillow for applications and screening, and everything was going OK until recently. I had a tenant apply, but he told me he was charged with a felony for drug possession in 2018. Zillow said his background was clear. That was strike 1. Then, we filled the unit with another tenant who Zillow once again said had a clear background. Fast forward 21 days and the police bust the apartment door in and arrest him for drug trafficking and possession of a stolen firearm as a felon (according to the newspaper). I searched him on Forewarn and 17 violations came up. Now we have to evict him and he is in jail. 

DO NOT TRUST ZILLOW BACKGROUND CHECKS. 

If anyone else has had a similar experience, I would love to hear about it. This is a major problem in my opinion.
 

[Patricia Steiner]

I don't know anyone who does...there are plenty of online options and you need to choose one based on the screening criteria. Some only do state searches and other do more.  You have to be careful about asking about convictions as this has turned into the latest in class action lawsuits against landlords.  The awards have been based on the premise that if someone has served their sentence, they are deemed free and clear of their debt to society.  Therefore, to deny housing based on a fulfilled obligation is unlawful. The awards have been in the millions.  So don't ask - just do a National Screen on all applicants from an independent source - and let your minimum credit score criteria be the reason for non-acceptance.  Zillow isn't what it presents itself to be...good post and a good warning.  Thanks for sharing your experience.