How Extensive Are Background Checks for Apartments?

If you’re apartment hunting, you’ve probably asked yourself: how extensive are background checks for apartments? Landlords and property managers use them to decide who gets approved, but what exactly are they looking for?

In this guide, we’ll break down how apartment background checks work, why they’re important, and what landlords check before they hand over the keys. Plus, you’ll get practical tips to improve your chances of passing the screening process. Let’s dive in!

Main Takeaways

• How Extensive are Background Checks for Apartments: Landlords use background checks to verify your income verification, rental history, criminal record, and adherence to Fair Housing laws. Typically, landlords can look back up to 7 years, although this can vary by jurisdiction.

How Extensive Are Background Checks for Apartments? 

As one of the most experienced rental property management in Baltimore, we can tell you for sure that background checks are a big deal for landlords. They’re a safety measure that protects both the property and the people in it. Landlords use them for these things:

To check if the tenant poses a danger to people or the property 

One of a landlord’s goals in doing a background check is to see if the person has a demonstrated recent history of being a risk to people or properties. If a landlord skips this part, they could end up putting other tenants—and even themselves—in danger. So, they look to see if the person has a recent history of such incidents to keep everyone safe. 

To confirm personal information and identity 

Landlords need to make sure their property is in good hands—and part of that is making sure potential renters are being truthful. That’s why they take time to confirm your name, current address, age, and other personal details before moving forward.

To confirm you can afford the rent

Aside from everything above, landlords also have to make sure you truly meet the most basic of qualifications: that you can pay the rent. That’s why they’ll ask for details like who your current employer is and your proof of income. For instance, they may ask for your pay stubs, W2s, or bank statements, so get those ready.

To check your rental history

Landlords need to know a tenant’s rental history. After all, history can repeat itself, so they want to know what yours entails. So, for this report, they’ll check your previous addresses, payment history, lease terms, and reasons for leaving.

When landlords look at your rental history report, they want to make sure you have been able to take care of the property, follow the lease, and coexist peacefully with your neighbors. Also, they want to make sure you’ve avoided being evicted and making lease violations. This way, they can rest assured you’ll do the same for their property.

How Far Back Do Background Checks Go?

As you already know, background checks for apartments are very extensive. Depending on the law where you live or work, they might look at a shorter or longer period in your life. However, to give you an idea, many states allow landlords to peer back into up to 7 years of a person’s rental, eviction, credit, or criminal history. 

Are Landlords Required to Do Background Checks?

Well, here’s the thing—there’s no federal law that says landlords have to run background checks on apartment applicants. But depending on where you’re renting, some states require landlords to check certain things, like your rental history. 

Also, another thing to note is there is no specific screening process required all landlords are required to follow.  Each landlord sets their own screening criteria, but it must be consistent for all applicants—otherwise, they risk violating Fair Housing Laws.

At the end of the day, the majority of landlords carry out background checks on their potential tenants for the reasons we mentioned above. Although it’s not a requirement, most do it to mitigate the risks of renting to unqualified tenants and putting other tenants in danger. 

What Can Cause a Tenant to Be Denied?

Now, there are some reasons a landlord can legally deny you a chance to live in their apartment. But what are they? Let’s look at some of them. Note, however, that laws can vary by your state and town, so you should check those for definitive information. 

Not enough income

Your landlord wants to make sure that you’re able to pay the rent consistently–and comfortably. So, as a rule of thumb, they want to be sure you make three times the rent. If you don’t, you might not have enough wiggle room to pay the rent when unexpected expenses happen. So, if you don’t have a sufficient rent-to-income ratio, they may have to turn you away.

Having a pet

Surprisingly, having a pet can actually get you denied a unit if your landlord has a no-pets policy. However, that comes with a big asterisk. If your pet is a service animal or an emotional support animal, the landlord must consider them as a reasonable accommodation. But if they’re not, it’s always a good idea to check with the landlord first and see if they allow pets on their property.

Concerning rental history

A landlord may deny you if you have a demonstrated history of unpaid rent, lease violations, or posing a real risk to other people or properties. So, that could turn out to be problematic.

How to Increase Your Chances of Approval

Even though background checks for apartments can be pretty detailed, there are easy things you can do to improve your chances of getting approved.

1. Have All Your Documents Ready: Make sure you bring everything they ask for—like your ID, proof of income, and references. It shows you’re serious and prepared. Double-check that your documents are up-to-date and in good condition, because it can help you avoid delays. Presenting organized paperwork also shows landlords you pay attention to detail.
2. Prove You Can Afford the Rent: Landlords want to see that you can pay the rent on time. So, show them you have a steady job, pay stubs, or bank statements. If possible, provide additional financial proof, like a letter from your employer or tax documents, to strengthen your case. Highlighting your responsible payment history, if applicable, can also do wonders to reassure landlords.
3. Ask Someone to Cosign: If you are new or just dipping your toe back into renting, you can ask someone you trust to cosign your lease. This just means they agree to help cover the rent if you ever can’t. Of course, discuss the cosigning arrangement clearly with them beforehand to make sure everyone is on the same page. Having a backup can reassure landlords that you have a safety net ready.
4. Reply Fast: If the landlord asks for more info or documents, reply quickly! It shows you’re responsible and makes a good impression. Also, it shows how interested you are. Keep your communication clear and professional to put your best foot forward.
5. Follow Up: After you send in your application, don’t just wait around. It’s fine to check in with the landlord or property manager once or twice to see how things are going. A short, polite thank-you email can go a long way. Also, it can pose as an opportunity to follow-up and ask any additional questions or clarify details.

Ready to Find Your Next Home? We Can Help!

To answer, “how extensive are background checks for apartments,” landlords confirm factors like a tenant’s identity, income, past evictions, rental & criminal history. Typically, these checks look back up to 7 years in your history (although this timeframe can vary by jurisdiction). They do this to keep their property and tenants safe.

In the meantime, if you want to have a simpler time finding your next home, we can help. We’ve developed a comprehensive database of some of the best homes in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Northern Virginia, and Washington, D.C. To boot, we have homes of all shapes and sizes, for all kinds of budgets. Look at our listings today to find your dream place!