How to pass an apartment background check?

By Tenant

Background checks are necessary nowadays before moving in to a new apartment unit or even nailing the new job. It is done through credit checking, criminal history checks or lawsuits, and prior residences. The problem with background check is that is sometimes provides inaccurate information.

Here are some tips on how you can pass a background check:

  • Run your fingerprints. You can contact your local police department and ask them if they can run your fingerprints and if they can provide you with a rap sheet of your criminal background to disprove any erroneous information if the problem of your background check is the criminal background check. Having a record of your fingerprints can also prove without any doubt that you are really who you say you are and not someone else.
  • Ask someone to vouch for you. If you have a criminal record you try to ask someone that is well known and respected in your society to vouch for you. You can ask a priest or a pastor to write a personal letter to the landlord stating that you are now a reformed man and that you are now an outstanding model citizen in your society.
  • Be a part of a volunteer community service. Being a part of a volunteer community service can be extremely helpful and can sometimes sway the landlord or the apartment manager into granting you the approval that you are seeking.
  • Make sure everything is correct on your background check. By the time you get a copy of your background check always check for the dates like on your birthday and your middle name to see if the information is correct. You may be mistaken for someone else who have the same name as yours but differs when it comes to the middle name and birthdate.

Being honest with your landlord or property manager is always the best advice for getting approved for an apartment.  With the ease of checking your rental history and criminal history it is best to be upfront before the landlord finds the problem.

 

Edited on: Thursday, September 5th, 2013 4:28 am

15 Responses to “How to pass an apartment background check?”

My response: (We welcome stories, examples, explanations, answers and a touch of your personality)
 

Camille

March 13th, 2013 1:20 am

What tactics are effective to pass a background check?


Augustus

March 13th, 2013 9:40 am

Is there a way where I can be sure that the information the credit agency have on me are true?


Blaine

March 13th, 2013 6:00 pm

Why do landlords do background checks?


Justin

March 14th, 2013 2:20 am

Having a bad credit sucks when asked for a credit check.


Gustavo

March 14th, 2013 10:40 am

Is there a law that requires landlords to do a background check?


Doris

March 14th, 2013 7:00 pm

If you are not hiding anything then you must not be afraid of any background checks.


Perla

March 15th, 2013 3:20 am

Can I still get the apartment if I fail the background check?


Rafael

March 15th, 2013 11:40 am

What if I have an outstanding complaint with my previous landlord?


Leeann

March 15th, 2013 8:00 pm

Can I use my previous landlord to vouch for me?


Jesusa

March 16th, 2013 4:20 am

Is there any basis to file a complaint based on a background check?


Francesco

March 16th, 2013 12:40 pm

Can I refuse for a background check?


Darin

March 16th, 2013 9:00 pm

Do I have to pay for the background check?


Denita

March 17th, 2013 5:20 am

This is really necessary for us landlords to know who are renting our units.


Amado

March 17th, 2013 1:40 pm

If it is not illegal then do backgrounds check?


Erika

March 17th, 2013 10:00 pm

I’d go for it if this is free! LOL


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