As a property owner or landlord, your goal is to find a tenant who will not only pay on time but also care for your property. VeriFirst's goal, as a background check company, is to help you find the right tenant and also encourage compliance with federal regulations such as FCRA and Fair Housing laws. To stay compliant, this means honoring consumer rights but you also need to protect your business. 

When is the last time you took the time to review your tenant screening criteria?

Employers and property managers rely on background check companies to provide current and accurate information before making the decision to hire or rent. A common misconception is that there is one large database that all consumer reporting agencies rely on for their data. In fact, there are hundreds of databases, records, and other sources that still could have erroneous data on the individual being screened. For this reason alone, screening companies must verify and double-verify data and also rely on the adverse action/dispute procedures set out in the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

With a possibility for errors, how do background check companies get their information?

As with any industry, terminology matters. Background check jargon can be challenging but it is helpful to have a basic understanding of some terms. A professional background screening company will also guide hiring managers, property managers and non-profit organizations through the process, pointing out ways to save both time and money. Background checks prior to employment (or during), before renting to a tenant, or hiring a volunteer is important to hiring and placing quality individuals but efficiency counts too.

Manage risk, save time and money with this list of jargon, terms, and definitions behind background checks. 

Over the past decade, the consumer reporting and background screening industry has seen significant growth. With growth typically comes competition, and with competition usually comes aggressive pricing. The cost of a criminal background check can vary by search type and by screening company (aka Consumer Reporting Agency - CRA). This post is to provide an estimate of what employers and landlords can expect to pay when conducting employment and tenant screening.   

Background checks are becoming more common, not only for creditors and landlords, but for employers and people looking for roommates or babysitters. A background check can eliminate people who do not meet your set criteria. Perhaps you are an employer who requires your employees to use a company car. Obtaining a driving record is a critical piece in the employment process. By utilizing background checks, you are able to feel more confident that you are bringing a person into a situation that will work for everyone involved.

Before performing a background check, you need to make sure you understand some of the basics behind a background check.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) places limits and rules on the usage of consumer reports by both employers and landlords. As such the following duties must be carried out when you are making use of a personal consumer report.

Last week, NPR shared a story of Eduardo, a 32 year old man who was tried as an adult at age 17 when he was caught selling cocaine outside his New York apartment building. He was released on parole for good behavior but his criminal record has stayed with him ever since, affecting job and housing opportunities. In December, Governor Cuomo pardoned Eduardo, one of the first pardons in the state for those convicted for non-violent crimes at age 16 or 17, sealing his record from the public. 

Should employers be concerned?

Landlords must follow regulated processes when choosing tenants for their properties. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) protects consumers from inaccurate information and allows the ability to dispute false claims. If a property owner chooses to screen potential tenants, and if they work with consumer reporting agencies or other companies who provide information about tenants to property owners, these regulations must be followed. In late November 2016, the Federal Trade Commission issued new guidance with regards to tenant screening.

Here's an update on what landlords need to know about screening tenants.

The New York Times reported last week that 10,000 Syrian refugees have been successfully placed within the United States. Many of the refugees were placed within the past three months. With their new legal status, the families will begin integrating into their communities, looking to connect with relatives already in the country, seeking employment and housing. Both businesses and landlords will need to understand how to help someone who is settling into the country, with previous employment or education records possibly destroyed by war. Will you be prepared? 

What does your HR department need to know in order to hire immigrants? Is your property management company prepared to offer residence to refugees?