Why is Tenant Screening less important than Employee Screening?
If you’re a landlord or Property Management Company, you certainly wouldn’t agree with the premise of that question. You are probably thinking (maybe from experience) that a bad tenant can cause just as much havoc as a bad employee. Maybe more!
If your goal is to rent or lease to the best prospects, then you need to trust and clearly understand the information reported to you by your provider. That reporting should stand up to any inquiry or scrutiny that can lead to litigation, and give you peace of mind knowing that you had made a truly informed decision within the guidelines of the law.
The Risks of Instant Automated Online Background Checks
Many landlords use instant fully automated online background check services for what initially may seem very convenient. However, these automated systems often pull information from unverified databases, potentially leading to incomplete or outdated information, false positives due to similar names, missing crucial context about past incidents, including expunged records, and other FCRA compliance failures. These shortcomings can expose landlords to legal liability and discrimination claims. And the cherry on the cake is…who on earth do you call for help or clarification when you need it RIGHT NOW? I mean, have you ever tried calling an automated service like that? If you have, then your frustration level is more than justified!
Understanding FCRA Compliance
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) provides the legal framework for tenant screening and consumer reports. This federal law ensures accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information while protecting applicants from discrimination. FCRA-compliant background check companies must follow strict guidelines about data collection, verification, and dispute resolution.
The Critical Role of FCRA-Compliant Background Checks in Tenant Screening
If choosing the right tenant is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your property investment, then why not work with a strategic partner who guarantees the accuracy, clarity, current and compliant information, so you don’t even have to think about it? How’s that for convenience? Working with a full-service, FCRA-compliant background screening company with live support staff offers crucial advantages that protect both landlords and prospective tenants.
Benefits of Working with a Full-Service and Compliant Background Check Company
These companies should be able to ensure that the information in each report will be verified as:
• Accurate
• Clear
• Current
• Compliant
The perfect scenario - Experts you can count on
Imagine a trained Quality Assurance staff who confirms information against primary sources, ensuring accuracy and proper context. They can distinguish between similar names, confirm current status of cases, and identify expunged records that shouldn't be reported. In other words, you will receive the information you can use to make an informed decision with confidence. As a bonus, if there are any questions or concerns about a report, you can pick up the phone and get instant help from someone who can articulate in perfect English.
Ensuring Your Protection
A qualified Compliant Background Screening company will help ensure proper due diligence reporting by staying current with federal, state, and local laws governing tenant screening, and understanding what information can legally be considered and how it must be reported. This expertise helps protect landlords from compliance violations and litigation.
Dispute Resolution Support
When applicants question report findings, the FCRA has established procedures that professional screening companies take to investigate and resolve disputes. Their staff can explain findings, verify information, and make corrections if needed.
Live Support When You Need It
Full-service background check companies should provide trained staff to answer questions about report interpretation, compliance requirements, screening criteria, dispute resolution, legal updates, and best practices. This human support is invaluable when dealing with complex situations that automated systems aren't equipped to handle.
Making the Right Choice
When selecting a background screening company, prioritize these features:
• FCRA certification and compliance
• Accreditation by industry organizations
• Comprehensive data sources
• Trained support staff
• Clear dispute resolution procedures
• Strong privacy and security measures
• Experience in tenant screening
• Instant “Live” support
Conclusion
Using an FCRA-compliant background screening company with professional staff support helps protect your property investment. While automated instant background checks may seem attractive, they can't match the accuracy, compliance, and support of a full-service screening partner. In the complex world of tenant screening, having trained professionals to guide you through the process isn't just helpful - it's essential for protecting your investment and staying compliant with the law.