What is the best online credit check for landlords?

Question

I would like to check the credit score and background history of a potential renter. I only have one property.

Answer 1

As an individual, you are not privy to a tenant's credit reports since you do not subscribe to the credit bureaus.

You could go through a management company that can do extensive background and/or credit checks.

Answer 2

I will tell you that lots of renters have bad credit scores right now, because of the mortgage crisis, bankruptcies etc.

To me, I check the local Circuit Court records online, such as

16th Judicial Court > Case.net Here is Missouri.

It is more important to me that my renters are not drug dealers or in trouble with the law, a speeding ticket, I could care less about,. if you limit your potential renters to their credit score, you may have a tough time finding a renter these days. As many are loosing their homes and need a place to rent, doesn't mean they are a bad renter, they just had a bad turn of luck, job loss etc.