As an NYC landlord, you can afford to be careful when selecting your tenants. With apartment vacancy rates in the city at their lowest level since 1968, demand is far higher than supply.
However, with greater demand comes greater screening needs. If you are trying to narrow down dozens or even hundreds of applications, it is essential to have a compliant, thorough tenant criminal background check system in place.
This is how you cut through the noise to identify tenants who will pay the rent, fulfill their obligations, and respect their community. However, it is essential that you conduct any tenant screening process in the correct way. Here's what all NYC landlords need to know when it comes to rental application checks.
Understanding How You Can Act On a Background Check
Running a criminal history verification can help prevent potential problems down the road. NYC landlords should be aware that certain criminal records, like violent offenses or fraud, may be red flags when evaluating prospective tenants.
NYC's Fair Chance Act prevents landlords from denying tenants solely based on criminal history, but it does allow for considerations based on specific circumstances. Understanding how to navigate these laws can help protect your property while staying compliant with regulations.
What To Check
When reviewing rental applications, it's important to include thorough rental application checks that extend beyond criminal history. Checking employment, credit history, and rental references. This will give a more well-rounded view of a tenant's suitability.
Make sure all tenant information is cross-verified through multiple sources. In NYC, it's also advisable to use comprehensive background screening services that specialize in working within the city's legal framework.
Why You Should Use Background Screening Services
Outsourcing to background screening services can save landlords time while ensuring compliance. These services typically provide in-depth reports. This allows you to make quicker, more informed decisions. Here are some of the top advantages:
- Faster verification process
- Legally compliant reports
- Detailed tenant history
Hiring a service means fewer headaches and more peace of mind, especially in a fast-paced city like NYC.
NYC Housing Laws Are Always Changing
NYC's laws around tenant screening are constantly evolving, and as a landlord, it's essential to stay informed. Changes in local legislation, like the Fair Chance for Housing Act, limit how criminal history can be used in tenant decisions. Keeping up with these updates ensures you're compliant and protects you from potential lawsuits.
Regularly consult with legal professionals or subscribe to landlord associations that provide timely updates on legal changes. By doing this, you can adjust your tenant screening process as necessary and avoid costly legal issues.
Tenant Criminal Background Check Services For You
A tenant criminal background check is essential for your bottom line. It's also essential for your tenant's satisfaction and for the safety of your community. However, this is something you cannot afford to cut corners with. By staying up-to-date on laws, being serious about compliance, and conducting deep checks that go beyond the surface, you can achieve this and enjoy success as an NYC landlord.
For professional screening services, PMI Paramount is here to help. Our local team conducts robust checks for NYC landlords that are fully compliant with all local, state, and federal laws. Get in touch to find out how we screen for you.
