I am going to rent a house. I want to make sure that whomever I rent
will be fairly reliable, so how can I get a credit/Background check
for my new tennants.

Dear cpearson88,

Thanks for your question.  First, let me request that if any of the
following is unclear or if you require any further research – please
don’t hesitate to ask me for a clarification.

You requested information about conducting a background/credit check
on your new tenants.

The process is really amazingly simple.  You’ll need to request your
tenant (or potential future tenant) to provide you with their name,
most recent address, most recent employer and social security number. 
It’s a good idea to receive their approval for your credit inquiry in
writing.  Once you have the requisite information in hand, click on
over to –

http://www.safe-rent.com/screening_applicant.htm

You can check out the product features and benefits of the Saferent
offerings.  When you’re ready, click over to pricing and decide how
much information you want – there are three levels or reports, ranging
from $17.95 to $34.95 (or thereabouts).  Select the report you want
and follow the instructions on the site.

Google Directory lists 3-4 dozen competing services at –

http://directory.google.com/Top/Business/Financial_Services/Credit_and_Collection/Tenant_Screening/?tc=1/

So, if you don’t like the Saferent offering, there are quite a few
more providers to choose from.  You may also want to compare prices
prior to investing your money in the actual report.

I hope this response adequately addresses your request.  Please let me
know if you are in need of additional information concerning this
query.

Thanks,
ragingacademic-ga


Search Strategy:

“renter AND "background check"”

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Request for Answer Clarification by cpearson88-ga on 25 Dec 2002 18:57 PST

I think with all the information thus far I will be able to get
started in the right direction, thank you all for your responses...

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Request for Answer Clarification by cpearson88-ga on 25 Dec 2002 19:17 PST

One more thing.  Could I get this information from public records for
free or do I have to go through a company to get this information.  I
am trying to spend as little as possible at first and I am willing to
do all the leg work for now.

Thanks

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Clarification of Answer by ragingacademic-ga on 25 Dec 2002 21:50 PST

cpearson88 -

Thanks much for the excellent ratings, comments and tip.
It's much appreciated.

I will look around to see if I can locate anything that is free, and
will post back here if I find something.

thanks,
ragingacademic

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Clarification of Answer by ragingacademic-ga on 27 Dec 2002 16:01 PST

cpearson88 -

A couple of things you may find of value -

The Apartment Owners Association provide lower-priced credit checks
(but you may have to become a member first) -

http://www.apartmentownersassociation.com/creditcheck.html

They also provide members with a variety of free forms -

http://www.apartmentownersassociation.com/#

I could not locate anyone who provides such services for free.

Good luck with your rental!
thanks,
ragingacademic

Quikc response, Very helpful.

Just to add to this.

You absolutely want to get the person's permission/authorization to
allow you to get their credit report in writing. It's not merely "a
good idea." Moreover, if you deny someone something on the basis of
their credit report, you have various legal obligations to that
person. They then have the right to obtain a copy of their credit
report for free and will need a denial letter for you.

FCRA
http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fcra.htm#615

Regards,
luciaphile-ga

Luciaphile is right on the money. The penalties can be quite severe
for not following this law:

"604.b.2(A) In general. Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a
person may not procure a consumer report, or cause a consumer report
to be procured, for employment purposes with respect to any consumer,
unless--
  
(i) a clear and conspicuous disclosure has been made in writing to the
consumer at any time before the report is procured or caused to be
procured, in a document that consists solely of the disclosure, that a
consumer report may be obtained for employment purposes; and
  
(ii) the consumer has authorized in writing (which authorization may
be made on the document referred to in clause (i)) the procurement of
the report by that person."
http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fcra.htm#604

Oops! wrong section.

"606. Disclosure of investigative consumer reports [15 U.S.C.  1681d]

(a) Disclosure of fact of preparation. A person may not procure or
cause to be prepared an investigative consumer report on any consumer
unless

   (1) it is clearly and accurately disclosed to the consumer that an
investigative consumer report including information as to his
character, general reputation, personal characteristics and mode of
living, whichever are applicable, may be made, and such disclosure
  
      (A) is made in a writing mailed, or otherwise delivered, to the
consumer, not later than three days after the date on which the report
was first requested, and
  
      (B) includes a statement informing the consumer of his right to
request the additional disclosures provided for under subsection (b)
of this section and the written summary of the rights of the consumer
prepared pursuant to section 609(c) [§ 1681g]; and
  
   (2) the person certifies or has certified to the consumer reporting
agency that

      (A) the person has made the disclosures to the consumer required
by paragraph (1); and

      (B) the person will comply with subsection (b)."
http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fcra.htm#606

That is very good information, thank you for your comments : )

ace, luciaphile - 

Thanks so much for the "legal" help!
I wasn't aware this was a legal requirement.

Thanks again.
ragingacademic