Screening Applications

You need to be very clear about your process when screening applications. The following should all be in writing and easily accessible to rental applicants.

• Make sure you provide a list of criteria you intend to access and consider
• Make clear what might appear in a screening report that would prohibit you from renting to an applicant
• Provide the name and address of the consumer reporting agency you use
• Provide the applicant their rights to obtain a free copy of the consumer report if it results in a denial or adverse action
• Know that an applicant has a right to dispute information in a consumer report
• You can only charge the actual cost of screening
• You must provide a written statement explaining why you are denying a rental application
• Remember that you cannot advertise "no criminal record" nor deny applicants with a criminal record