Criminal checks

As a landlord, conducting a criminal background check on potential tenants is a crucial part of the tenant screening process. Criminal records can provide valuable insights into a tenant’s character and past behavior, helping you make informed decisions about whether to approve or deny a rental application. However, the use of criminal records in tenant screening has been a topic of debate in recent years, as it can have a significant impact on housing opportunities for individuals with criminal records.

The reality is that having a criminal record can make it challenging for individuals to secure safe and affordable housing. Many landlords and property managers are reluctant to rent to tenants with criminal records, as they may be perceived as a risk to other tenants or the property itself. This can result in discrimination against individuals with criminal records, limiting their housing opportunities and perpetuating cycles of poverty and recidivism. State and local governments have begun to notice this problem, and to take action. A large, permanent class of people with no ability to find housing is a significant social issue.

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination based on race, […]