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You found it. The location works, the rent fits your budget, and you can already picture yourself living there.
Now you need to apply.
Depending on the landlord or property manager, a rental application may ask for identification, proof of income, references, rental history, credit information or other screening documents.
When you find a place you love, the last thing you want is to start searching for paperwork while you’re trying to complete the application. Preparing ahead of time can make the process easier and help you understand what information you may be asked to provide.
Here’s what renters should know about rental applications, credit checks and renter background checks before applying.
Before applying for a rental, prepare the basic information a landlord or property manager may request. This can include identification, employment or income information, references, rental history, and information needed for a credit or background check. Exact requirements can vary depending on the rental and location.
Getting organized before you start applying means you can focus on the property instead of tracking down documents at the last minute.
Consider having the following ready:
Before sharing personal information, make sure you understand what is being requested, why it is needed and how it will be used.
A renter background check is screening that may be completed as part of a rental application. What is included can vary. Depending on the screening process, a landlord or property manager may review information such as identity, credit information, rental history or other information provided with the applicant’s consent.
You may also see terms such as tenant background check, renter screening or tenant screening. These terms can describe different processes, so don’t assume every rental background check includes the same information.
Instead, ask what screening is required for the property you’re considering.
For example, a credit check and a criminal record check provide different types of information. Understanding that difference can help you know what you’re being asked to provide.
A credit check for renters provides information about a person’s credit history. A landlord or property manager may use credit information as one part of evaluating a rental application and the applicant’s ability to meet financial obligations.
Your credit history is only one part of your application. However, if a credit check is required, knowing what is on your credit report before you apply can help you avoid surprises.
Reviewing your own credit information can also give you an opportunity to identify information you don’t recognize or questions you may want to address before applying.
That’s particularly helpful when you’re actively apartment hunting. If you find a rental you want, you’ll already have a better understanding of the information that may be reviewed.
A credit report contains information about your credit history. Depending on the report, it can include credit accounts, payment history, balances, and other information reported to the credit bureau. A credit score is a numerical representation of credit risk based on information in your credit file.
A credit report and credit score are related, but they are not the same thing.
Your credit report contains information about your credit history.
Your credit score summarizes aspects of that information into a numerical score.
If a rental application involves a tenant credit check, understanding both can give you a clearer picture of your credit profile before someone else reviews it.
A rental application may involve different types of screening depending on the landlord, property and circumstances. In some situations, additional screening information may be requested.
A criminal record check is different from a credit check. It searches for criminal record information based on the type of check being completed. It does not provide your credit history or credit score.
If you’re asked to provide a criminal record check as part of a rental application, confirm the type of check required before purchasing one. Requirements and the information that can be requested or used in rental decisions may also vary by jurisdiction.
The best time to prepare for a rental application is before you find a property you want. Organizing your documents, reviewing your credit information and understanding potential screening requirements can help you respond more quickly when you’re ready to apply.
Here are six steps you can take:
Look beyond the monthly rent. Consider utilities, parking, transportation, insurance, and other regular costs associated with the property.
Having a realistic budget can help narrow your search before you begin applying.
Keep commonly requested information together so it’s easy to access when needed.
That could include identification, employment details, references, and previous rental information.
Don’t wait for a rental application to be the first time you think about your credit.
Reviewing your credit score and report ahead of time can help you understand what your credit profile looks like before applying.
If you plan to use a previous landlord, employer or another reference, confirm their contact information before submitting it.
It can also be helpful to let your references know that they may be contacted.
Ask what information is required before completing or purchasing a check.
If a landlord requests a background check, for example, find out exactly what type of screening they mean. A credit check and criminal record check serve different purposes.
Rental applications can involve sensitive personal information, so be careful about where you submit it.
Confirm that you’re dealing with the legitimate landlord, property manager or rental platform before providing identification, financial information or screening documents.
Finding a place you want to call home can take time. Once you find it, being prepared can make the next step much simpler.
Know your budget. Gather your documents. Check your credit information. Understand any screening requirements before you apply.
Most importantly, don’t assume every rental application will be the same. Ask what is required and prepare the information that’s relevant to that application.
If a credit report and criminal record check are part of what you need, Triton’s Rental Bundle gives you a convenient way to get both online. With Triton’s Rental Bundle, you recieve both results in under 2 hours.
Get Your Rental Bundle here
What is a renter background check?
A renter background check is screening that may be used during a rental application. Depending on the process, it may involve identity, credit, rental history or other information. Because requirements vary, renters should confirm exactly what type of screening is being requested before providing information.
Do landlords check credit in Canada?
Some landlords and property managers may request credit information as part of a rental application. The process and requirements can vary depending on the landlord and jurisdiction. Ask what information will be reviewed and provide consent only after you understand the request.
What does a landlord see in a credit check?
The information available depends on the type of credit check or report being used. Credit information can include details about credit accounts, balances and payment history. Ask the landlord or property manager what type of credit information they require for the application.
Is a credit check the same as a criminal record check?
No. A credit check provides information about your credit history, while a criminal record check searches for criminal record information based on the type of check completed. They serve different purposes and should not be treated as interchangeable.
Can I check my credit before applying for a rental?
Yes. Reviewing your own credit information before applying can help you understand your credit profile and identify information you may want to review before submitting a rental application.
What should I have ready for a rental application?
Requirements vary, but renters may be asked for identification, employment or income information, references, rental history and information required for credit or other screening. Ask what the landlord requires before submitting sensitive personal information.
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To gain access to our platform you must first create an account. You indicated that you perform more than 10 background checks per month which may qualify you for reduced pricing. Please complete the form below to initiate your online account registration, once your information is received sales will contact you within the business day to complete your account set-up. In the meantime, if you need to reach us urgently, you can also call us at 1 844-874-8667.
Please complete the form below and a member of our sales team will reach out to you within 1 business day. In the meantime, if you need to reach us urgently, you can also call us at 1 844-874-8667.
Complete the form below to start the online account set-up sequence. Note you will need to have complete information for your company, billing department and intended users.
Please confirm that the background check you are requesting is a SOCIAL MEDIA BACKGROUND CHECK:
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