credit check companies

First, congratulations on the first rental..... nice job!

Since I have been in Human Resource Management for 15 years, I have learned that credit checks, like any other single source, only tells you part of the story. So, we only do a formal Credit Check when necessary.

What we do is.

1) Our application has a page dedicated to getting the applicants permission to search their background. The wording looks like this:

AUTHORIZATION / Release of Information
I agree to permit an investigation of my credit, tenant history, banking and employment for the purposes of renting an apartment or house with DeJor Properties, LLC.

2) Also, our application states in one of the paragraphs: ".....I recognize that as a part of your procedure for processing my application, and investigative consumer report may be prepared whereby information is obtained through personal interviews with others with whom I may be acquainted. This inquiry includes information as to my character, general reputation, personal characteristics and mode of living, all in an effort to ascertain my fitness for renting a property from DeJor Properties, LLC."

Hope this helps as to what we do.

Take care and God bless,
Rohn
DeJor Properties, LLC

That is some great stuff! You're right about the credit check. Doesn't carry too much weight. Recent "negatives" might not even show up (I'm not saying not to do one). Character and employment references are more important. And even those can be "fixed". My biggest consideration goes to "first impression". And talking to current landlords, driving by current residence can tell you a lot, too. Also, I have a place on my application for "in case of emergency". Most often this is someone closest to the tenant and is a good contact source in case of trouble later. AND if it's a young person/couple I will try to have a parent sign the lease as well. This way they are guaranteeing their "young adult" too.

Rina

That's what I had on my rental applications too, it worked like a charm! You guys know your business, I'm tellin ya. Keep this good stuff comin, I'm lovin' it! (Like MdD's)

Another HUGH factor is;

Persons' with poor references, poor credit, poor previous landlord relationships, questionable character, or reputation issues most often DO NOT TURN-IN THEIR APPLICATION. And, if they do, often they are already telling me what I will find; and now I have some facts to go off of.

Another VALUABLE means of learning about your applicants character is to search PUBLIC RECORDS...... like in my case, I will search the Iowa Courts Online Search at http://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/ESAWebApp/DefaultFrame?in=1 Recently I found an applicant that had 14 separate legal issues in the last 5 years from speeding tickets, divorce, bad check writing, harassment of precious landlord and other questionable legal issues, it all tells a story.

Your local newspaper may have an electronic archive searchable section where you can search out additional public information. The last renter, after I googled them, I learned that their church publication had them listed time and time again for assisting the elderly in their church and volunteered their time to many activities.

All these items give a clue about their character and mode of living which give us insight into their fitness to rent a property from us.

The bottom line here is; the application and selection process also weeds out undesirable applicants.

Take care and God bless,
Rohn
DeJor Properties, LLC

That's quite a rap sheet, NEXT!

Rohn,
Thank you so much for your help. There's so many nice and knowledgeable people
in this forum site.
Thanks again,
Jae