Research by the Eviction Lab, cited by Globest.com, reports about 1.08 million evictions in 2024. A significant number of these evictions were due to tenants' criminal activities.
Finding the right tenant for your rental property is about ensuring safety and compliance. That's why a thorough tenant criminal background check is essential.
A proper renter screening process is key to your peace of mind. You'll also get reliable tenants who can protect your rental investment.
New landlords in Rockville, MD, may be unable to verify their tenants' criminal backgrounds. Ensure safe renting and property rental security with our guide. Keep reading to learn more!
Understand Tenant Application Laws
Montgomery County tenant screening laws dictate how Rockville, MD, landlords should evaluate a tenant's criminal background. Complying with them reduces the risk of potential lawsuits and penalties later.
Landlord-tenant laws in Maryland also provide guidance on how to avoid disputes and legal risks later. Some of the laws that guide tenant criminal record verification in Rockville, MD, include:
- Fair Housing Laws
- Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Law
- Bill 8-24
- Housing Justice Act of 2021
- Security Deposit Regulations
- Fair Credit Reporting Act
These laws prohibit Rockville, MD, landlords from discriminating against tenants during the screening process. They also require landlords to extend conditional offers to prospective renters before conducting criminal background checks.
Obtain the Applicant's Written Consent
Maryland state law requires landlords to obtain written consent to help protect the applicant's rights. Obtaining written consent also prevents lawsuits and other legal consequences.
The consent should inform the applicant that you will conduct a criminal background check. It should also inform the applicants of their rights and the scope of the screening.
Some tips to help you obtain the applicant's written consent include:
- Explaining the screening process
- Explaining the purpose
- Including a consent clause in the application form
- Providing a separate consent form
- Complying with the Maryland's Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA)
A property management company can help you easily obtain the applicant's written consent. The company achieves this by including a clear disclosure in the rental application form.
Finding Reliable Screening Services
Outsourcing screening services ensures fast tenant credit checks and criminal record verifications. The service providers understand the best screening practices to ensure fairness.
Tenant screening experts also ensure a thorough process. They have modern verification tools and can easily access the applicant's public records or databases. This enables easier detection of:
- Altered credit reports
- Fake applicants' identities
- Undisclosed criminal information
- Altered paystubs
- False income claims
- Falsified employment information
Before outsourcing screening services, evaluate their pricing. A reputable tenant screening professional will have transparent pricing to save you from hidden fees. Also, choose a service provider who returns reports in the least time possible.
A Tenant Criminal Background Check: Key to Legal Compliance
Conducting a tenant criminal background check is key to keeping your Rockville, MD, rental property safe and secure. If you need professional assistance with tenant screening, PMI Potomac is here for you.
Our team, led by Matt and Susan Mangan, provides property owners with quality management services integrated with state-of-the-art technology. For over two decades, we have helped many property owners maximize profitability and preserve their investments.
Call us today and let's find the right tenants for you.
