Background Reports
Background reports should always include an investigation into an applicant's
identity, employment, and prior and current landlords. A rental application,
completed in its entirety, provides a basis from which to begin. Contrast the
information contained in the same with that found in the tenant credit report.
Meet the prospective tenant in person and have them produce a valid government
issued photographic identification card. Keep in mind, work I.D.'s, like
fictitious employment records, can easily be purchased on the Internet. Note the
state of issuance, spelling of the applicant's name, listed address, and other
identifying information. Compare it with that found in the rental application
and tenant credit report. Ask the applicant for copies of current utility bills,
again verifying their name and present address. If possible, visit their stated
residence to verify that the prospective tenant actually lives there. Don't
forget to observe the applicant's living conditions, for insight into how he or
she might treat your property. Also, talk to neighbors and the building
superintendent. Inquire about how long the applicant has lived there, and
whether he or she gets along with others, including the landlord. If you or a
private investigator can't stop by in person, look up the telephone numbers of
these individuals online and call them.
Next, call the applicant's current landlord, under pretext, pretending to be a
prospective tenant yourself. You may just find that the so-called landlord isn't
one at all. Real property records are also helpful in this regard. Once you have
verified that the landlord is who he or she is purported to be, call as a
property owner. But don't expect him or her to be honest with you. Phrase your
questions carefully. This landlord may just be trying to get rid of a problem
tenant or fear reprisal by telling you the truth. Employment verification is a
critical part of a background report. Never limit your inquiry to a pay-stub
alone. Confirm that the employer actually exists through directory listings and
state corporate records. Once you have, call the employer's personnel department
and ask about the prospective tenant's position, length of employment, and
salary. Don't rely upon a reference given in the rental application, or you risk
that this may be a friend or family member of the applicant.