In New Brunswick, NJ, only 19.8% occupy homes they own, meaning that up to 80% of the population lives in a rental. Despite the demand for rentals in the area, finding the right tenant can be a challenge. After all, you don't just want someone who will pay their rent!
Ensuring the well-being of your property and existing tenants is of utmost importance. That's where new tenant screening comes into play.
Performing a tenant criminal background check can be a difficult process to navigate. This is especially true if you've never done it before. There are also legal issues to consider if you want to avoid lawsuits.
In this post, we'll take you through all you need to know about background checks for new tenants, so keep reading!
Understand New Jersey Laws
Before starting a tenant background check, get familiar with laws about the application process. Here are some things you should know.
- Landlords cannot ask applicants about their criminal history before making a conditional offer
- They can ask if the applicant is subject to lifetime registration as a sex offender
- Landlords must inform applicants that an agreement is dependent on criminal history before taking any fees
- Applicants have the right to prove inaccuracies in their criminal record or evidence of rehabilitation
Housing providers must apply these standards fairly and without discriminating against any applicant.
Get Written Consent
Before you do a background check on a prospective tenant, you should get their consent. One way to do this is by including a clause in your rental application.
You can also have a separate consent form for background checks. Make sure the consent form states the purpose of the check and the information you will be seeking.
How to Do a Tenant Criminal Background Check
Before you start a background check, verify the potential tenant's identity. The best way to do so is by requesting a copy of their ID, such as a driver's license or passport. This is crucial for ensuring the information corresponds to the correct person.
After, you confirm the individual's identity, review county, and state criminal records. Contact the local courthouse in New Brunswick, NJ, to gather information on any:
- Criminal convictions
- Arrests
- Pending charges
You can also consult the sex offender registry. These help identify if a prospective tenant has a history of sexual offenses.
Another excellent resource is eviction records. These provide insight into a tenant's past behavior as a renter.
Use Professional Screening Services
To conduct a thorough tenant criminal background check, consider using professional screening services. They know how to do a criminal background check in compliance with local laws. And, professionals are skilled at using the databases needed to complete the tenant screening process.
If you're in need of help doing a tenant background check in NJ, Lawrence Property Management can help! This is just one of the services we offer to property owners. To learn more, contact us on our website or by calling 609.450.3473!
