When renting out property, ensuring the safety and security of your investment and your neighborhood is essential. You don't want to get into unnecessary legal trouble because you allowed a dangerous person into your property, even if unknowingly.
One of the best ways to achieve this is by conducting a thorough criminal background check on prospective tenants. In Dothan, Alabama, landlords and property managers can access resources that make it easier to review a tenant's history responsibly and legally.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to conduct a tenant criminal background check in Dothan, AL.
Step 1: Get the Applicant's Written Consent
Written consent is a must before beginning a criminal background check. This is a legal requirement in Alabama and across the United States.
In your rental application, include a clear section about your intent to run a background check and ask the applicant to sign an acknowledgment of their consent. Without this permission, you could face legal consequences for violating privacy laws.
Step 2: Use a Reputable Background Screening Service
In Dothan, many landlords turn to third-party background screening services, as these companies often provide accurate, up-to-date criminal history records. Some popular services for tenant background checks include Checkr, SmartMove, and RentPrep.
Many of these services offer various options for background screening, including:
- Criminal history
- Credit reports
- Eviction records
When selecting a service, ensure it complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to avoid legal complications.
Step 3: Review State and County Records
In Alabama, most criminal records are maintained by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). You can request a criminal history report through ALEA's website or directly visit the Dale County Courthouse, which houses local court records, to gather further information on the applicant's background.
However, note that some records may be limited to authorized purposes. While ALEA charges a fee for criminal history checks, it can provide a thorough overview of any significant criminal history within Alabama.
Step 4: Follow Federal, State, and Local Laws
Tenant screening is subject to both federal and state laws that protect applicants from discrimination. Under the Fair Housing Act, it's illegal to discriminate based on:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- Sex
- National origin
- Disability
- Familial status
Additionally, Alabama follows the FCRA, which requires you to notify applicants in writing if you decide not to rent to them based on background check information. You must provide a copy of the report and inform the applicant of their right to dispute the information.
Step 5: Verify the Information
Sometimes background check reports can contain errors or outdated information. Always verify the information you receive with other sources and cross-check details with the applicant if needed. A simple conversation can often clarify any misunderstandings or inaccuracies in a report.
Landlord Tips for Tenant Criminal Background Check
Follow all the legalities when conducting a tenant criminal background check, but don't skip this important step in the rental application process.
Ready to outsource this process to someone else? PMI Wiregrass is a full-service property management service with 20 years of experience in the Dothan, AL area. Contact our team to learn about how we can boost your rental property business.
