If you are a landlord, do you require prospective tenants to pass a background check? If you are searching for a place to rent, do you think that background checks are an invasion of privacy? If you are a landlord or a prospective tenant that has a criminal record, you may find this information very helpful.
There are two sides to this story.
Many landlords do require background checks for several reasons.
One of the reasons is for the safety and security of the other tenants.
If tenants know that it is required, they may feel safer in their dwelling.
They may also think there will be less trouble.
Another reason is that if a person doesn't have a criminal record, they are less likely to leave and not pay.
That's not always true though.
Many people that have never had a record, still skip out on the rent.
However many people feel that a background check is an invasion of privacy, and that it should have no bearing on their rental agreement.
A lot of people that have some sort of a criminal record feel that they are branded for life and are treated differently.
So who is right? The landlord who doesn't want to rent to you because of your background, or the tenant that has a record and feels that they should be treated fairly.
There is not a right or wrong here.
Tenants should look at each situation separately and make a determination from their findings.
Maybe the crime happened several years ago, or maybe it wasn't that serious.
Having a criminal background doesn't necessarily make a bad tenant.
If you have a criminal record and are being rejected by landlords, talk to them and explain the situation.
They may decide to rent to you if you tell them what happened and they can see that you are not a threat.
If you are a landlord and have misgivings about someone, discuss this issue with them.
It may not be as bad as you think.