Checking rental history is an essential step in the process of evaluating a prospective tenant. It provides valuable information about an applicant’s previous rental behavior, including payment history, lease compliance, and any history of property damage or evictions. This information can help landlords make informed decisions about whether to rent to an applicant and can help to mitigate the risk of financial loss or property damage.
There are a number of different ways to check rental history. Landlords can request a rental history report from a credit bureau, contact previous landlords directly, or use a tenant screening service. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages. Credit bureau reports are typically the most comprehensive, but they can also be the most expensive. Contacting previous landlords directly can be less expensive, but it can be time-consuming and there is no guarantee that the landlord will provide information. Tenant screening services offer a convenient and affordable option, but they may not have access to as much information as credit bureaus or previous landlords.