Say somebody applies, they have good credit, no criminal history, job, etc, but for whatever reason I just do not want them as a tenant.

Then it would be considered fraud.The only report I would need to pay for would be a back ground check to make sure there wasn't anything criminal in their history.Generally, I have found that if someone has a very high credit (720+ FICO), and in Brooklyn, NYC, you will certainly need high credit for any apt, you have a very clean background check.Given that and income has to be 4 times Annual Rent qualified from their Pay Stubs or W2 or both and verification from their employers, it's really difficult to get better quality of verification even from Companies that charge more than $20 for all of this information.Also, I don't blame Cuomo for these things.

Criminal, nationwide eviction, credit checks.

Most crimes require criminal intent or mens rea. 

Make sure mom isn't a criminal.

@Ned Carey  Well the WA state AG thought it was down right criminal...

I sometimes approve people on the spot after I check their rental and criminal history on my phone.I usually avoid carpet because it usually doesn't last long inside a rental.If the house isn't rented after a couple of months and there has been little or no interest, you will probably have to lower the price.

I agree with all the others as this is a civil matter not criminal.

(Criminal Justice Major) I really want to learn as much as possible and I have sent my resume to a few place without any responses , I believe its because my history doesn't include Real Estate , what could I do to find a way in?

Before I approve anyone that has a criminal record, I always ask if they are on probation, and if they are on probation I get permission to contact their parole officer.