What do realtors look for when performing a background check on a potential tenant?

Question

we just got bumped from renting a condo because of a felony my partner had from 10 years back.

now we found another place and this time i was going to be the primary lease-holder. i have been absolutely clean and sober for 2 1/2 years, but i have some DUI's from 3 years ago on my record. they are all misdemeanors, but will that keep us from being able to rent this house? my father has agreed to co-sign, and he has excellent credit and rental history.

or would we be better off having my father rent the place in his name, and his name only? is that against the rules if he won't be living there? and what happens if he does that and lies about living there, could we be evicted for that if it's found out?

sorry lots of questions, but i am so torn up about losing the first place. we had signed the lease and put down the deposit. they just called me today to tell me we couldnt have it. i dont want this to happen again, we really like this new place we are looking at now also.

Answer 1

stability

.  Employment history and current job (the longer at one place the better)

.  Credit history - the ability to pay bills consistently over time

.  Lack of criminal behavior - Felonies are a problem.  Misdemeanors vary but the further away the better.

Good call on having dad co-sign.  That should help a lot.

Hope it works out for ya.

Take Care

Answer 2

Each property management firm is different.  Some will be much more strict than others.  Part of it is financial (credit check), part is background check (they don't want criminals living there).  

Most places do NOT do a criminal background check.  You will know for sure when you see the application, because it must be disclosed.  

Having your father rent it may not be the best idea, because most property management firms will require you disclose all of the people living there anyway.  Of course, you could always ask them their policy up front.

Finally, you might consider renting from an individual rather than a property management firm.  They're less likely to perform any sort of check and money always talks.

Answer 3

the first link is what the realtors look for when renting.here are the 4 major things.

Criminal History

Previous Housing

Credit Checks

Employment Verification

the second link is the  Fair Housing Laws  

  

Answer 4

Your father can not lease it and allow you to live there, it is illegal.

Anywhere will require a back ground check on all adults.   Try an independent owner, who may be willing to overlook the felony.

Offering a co-signer and a double deposit up front should help.

Do not talk about being "clean and sober", most people will not rent to drug addicts, even ex drug addicts.

Answer 5

If you are going to be residing in the home your name also has to be on the lease. Put it in your dads name as you a co-tenant.  

Answer 6

this isn't a law, but a practice and different management companies have different criteria--not everyone does criminal background checks

IF you really want the first place, call them us, go see them, and tell them you really want the place, and that the thing preventing it was 10 years ago and you've had a clean record since. . .showcase yourself. . . get written reference from current or last LL about what a good tenant you were, paid on time, etc.

Personally, I'd rather have a 10 year old felony conviction with a CLEAN record since, and good credit, than some one with some DUIs in last 5 years.  That shows a recent pattern of poor decision-making. . .

AND if you're NOT on the lease, you'd better not be living in my property, whether my house or twoflat.  Be up front.

Answer 7

i don't think having a dui will keep you from getting the place. i'm almost positive it's not legal for your dad to put it in his name (as if he'll be living there)  when he's not going to be there. i saw  that on judge judy, lol. unless it's disclosed before hand to the landlord and they agree to it.