What do they check in a rental background check?

They check: credit history, criminal background, eviction history, employment and income verification, and references from previous landlords.

Can I be denied an apartment for having a criminal record?

It depends. A blanket rejection policy for criminal records may violate the Fair Housing Act. The landlord must evaluate case by case: type of crime, how long ago, and whether it is relevant to housing.

Background check for renting: what they check and how to pass it

What is a background check for renting

When you apply for an apartment in the United States, most landlords and property management companies run a background check. This process helps them evaluate whether you are a reliable tenant. Understanding what they review lets you prepare and improve your chances of approval.

What exactly does it include?

| Area checked | What they look for |
|-------------|-------------------|
| Credit history | Credit score, debts, late payments |
| Criminal background | Arrests, convictions, public records |
| Rental history | Previous evictions, landlord references |
| Employment verification | Current employment, income, stability |
| Identity verification | SSN or ITIN, identification document |

Credit score: the most important factor

Your credit score is generally the most important factor:

| Score | Classification | Approval likelihood |
|-------|---------------|---------------------|
| 750+ | Excellent | Very high |
| 700-749 | Good | High |
| 650-699 | Fair | Moderate (possible extra deposit) |
| 600-649 | Low | Low (will need cosigner or more deposit) |
| Below 600 | Very low | Difficult (will need alternatives) |
| No credit | No history | Depends on landlord |

Criminal background: your rights

Landlords can check criminal backgrounds, but there are legal limits:

They cannot automatically reject you just for having a record

Under the Fair Housing Act, "zero tolerance" criminal background policies can be discriminatory if they disproportionately affect certain races or ethnicities

Many cities have "Ban the Box" laws that prohibit asking about records until a certain stage of the process

They cannot consider arrests without conviction

Rental history and evictions

Landlords verify:

Whether you have prior evictions on your record (shown for up to 7 years)

References from previous landlords: whether you paid on time, cared for the property, etc.

Whether you have outstanding rent debts

How to prepare before applying

1. Check your own report

Get your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com

Look for and dispute errors (incorrect data is more common than you think)

Check your tenant history at LexisNexis or similar services

2. Prepare your documentation

Last 3 pay stubs or employer letter

Recent tax return (if you're a freelancer)

Bank statements from the last 2-3 months

Personal references and from previous landlords

Valid identification (license, passport, consular ID)

3. Have a plan B

Line up a potential cosigner

Save to offer a larger deposit (2-3 months)

Prepare a personal letter explaining your situation

What to do if you're rejected

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), if you're rejected based on a background check:

1. The landlord must give you an adverse action notice

2. Must inform you which company provided the report

3. You have the right to a free copy of the report within 60 days

4. You can dispute incorrect information directly with the agency

How much does the background check cost

Generally the landlord charges an application fee of $25-$75 to cover the cost. Some states limit this fee:

| State | Fee limit |
|-------|----------|
| California | Updated annually (≈$55) |
| New York | $20 maximum |
| Minnesota | No limit but must reflect actual cost |
| Washington | Actual cost, must provide receipt |

Alternatives if you have no history

If you're new to the USA or have no credit history:

Offer additional deposit: 2-3 months' rent upfront

Get a cosigner: someone with good credit who backs your application

Show solid income: bank statements with savings

Seek private landlords: they tend to be more flexible than large companies

Present reference letters: from employers, pastors, or landlords from your home country

Warning signs (scams)

A landlord who doesn't do a background check: could be a scam sign

They ask for the fee before you see the apartment

They ask for your SSN before you formally apply

They charge an "non-refundable" fee that is excessively high

Resources

AnnualCreditReport.com: free credit report

CFPB: consumer protection (consumerfinance.gov)

FTC: report scams (reportfraud.ftc.gov)

HUD: 800-669-9777 (discrimination)

Preparing well for the background check greatly increases your chances. Don't leave anything to chance: check your history, prepare your documents, and know your rights.