Decembere 8, 2022

What Landlords Look Out For During An Apartment Background Check

Have you found your dream apartment recently? If you have, you probably are excited to move in. With that said, did you know that you are required to undergo an apartment background check before moving in?

After all, landlords need to do that to understand you better and they would want to pick their renters carefully. Not to worry, here’s all you need to know about what they look out for during an apartment background check.

Your Previous Renting Records

One thing landlords look at is your previous renting records. This report includes all of the contact information of your previous property managers or landlords, as well as your prior rental addresses. However, even if you did not rent any prior apartments, this does not mean you will not be allowed to rent your dream apartment.

Instead, the landlord may check for other evidence that you have the capabilities to pay your rent on time. This can include checking for your work or substantial references.

Your Work Records

Landlords would definitely want to rest assured that their renter can pay for the apartment consistently. As such, they often will ask for your work records when doing a background check.

Specifically, they will verify your salary, ensure that you work where you say you work, and how long you've been in that position. Not to mention, they often want you to earn three times the monthly rent.

The landlord may also contact your employer to confirm the term of your employment and check that you have been working in the same area for at least six months. But don't panic if you've just begun a new work; you may obtain letters of reference to show the landlord, or you can request that your company write a letter indicating that you're a new recruit. Some landlords and apartment communities may even accept reference letters.

The landlord primarily wants to ensure that you will remain for the life of your lease. You might also offer to pay a greater security deposit, and produce your bank account to demonstrate that you have enough resources to repay the rent for a couple of months if required.

Your Criminal Record

The criminal history check looks at more than simply convictions. It also refers to non-convictions, which refer to cases that were not prosecuted or dismissed. Non-convictions may remain on your record for seven years, but convictions remain on your record indefinitely unless you are able to get your record purged or sealed.

If you have any reservations about your past, tell the landlord right away. This will allow you to clarify the problem before the landlord discovers it on your report.

Your Credit Record

A majority of landlords want a renter with a credit score of 600 or higher, although this may not always be the case. Even if you have a lower credit score, you will not be automatically rejected.

The credit score is important, but landlords may also check for patterns in your credit history. For example, if you routinely pay your bills promptly until an unforeseen incident, such as losing your job, they would be able to know from your credit record and take this into account when making a decision.