One in three adults in the United States, or about 77 million people, have a criminal record. Some are arrest records, while others are criminal charges or actual convictions.
With such high prevalence rates, you'll likely encounter some applying to become your tenants in Lake Havasu City. And unless you perform a tenant criminal background check, you won't know if they've committed severe crimes.
But while it's your right as a landlord to screen tenants, there are still laws and guidelines you must abide by. This guide will walk you through the process, so read on.
Know the Law
While conducting a tenant criminal background check in Lake Havasu City is legal, you can't deny applicants with a record outright. Otherwise, you may break federal or state guidelines and laws on fair housing. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to discriminatory claims.
Here are some legal factors to consider when screening tenants for criminal histories.
Arrest Record vs. Conviction
An arrest record means law enforcers apprehended someone suspected of committing a crime. It doesn't automatically mean the arrested person is guilty. Conversely, a conviction means the court found a person guilty of a crime.
You can't reject a tenant based on an arrest record alone. However, you can refuse them if they have a record of conviction. The latter is even more crucial if the court convicted them of a severe crime, such as assault or arson.
No Blanket Bans
It's illegal to enforce a blanket ban on anyone with a criminal background. That means you can't refuse housing to everyone with a criminal record. You can only reject applications from individuals with convictions.
Consistent and Unbiased Screening Processes
You must also implement a thorough but consistent rental screening process. You can't just say, "I should screen this person because I think they have a record." If you're checking a person's criminal history, you must do the same with all other applicants.
Tenant Criminal Background Check: The Benefits
Safe tenant screening processes, including compliant criminal background checks, allow for a more secure rental property. They help you avoid renting out to people who may use your property for criminal activities. They also minimize the risks of crimes against your property and other tenants.
For added security, you should also perform the following methods for tenant verification in Lake Havasu City:
- Credit score and credit history checks
- Income and employment history checks
- Rental and eviction history checks
Alternatively, you can rely on professional tenant placement. This service includes screening tenants, marketing your property, and drafting lease agreements.
Simplify the Tenant Screening Process
A comprehensive tenant criminal background check can help you spot red flags in prospective tenants. But while it's your right to conduct these checks, you must do so in compliance with fair housing laws.
If you don't want to deal with the complexities of tenant screening, Arizona Living Rentals & Property Management has your back. We provide full-service property management solutions, including pricing, marketing, tenant screening, maintenance, and lease renewals. In short, we can take care of everything you need to keep your property in Lake Havasu City occupied by great tenants.
So, connect with us today, and we'll happily give you a free property consultation!
