Credit Check Consent Form Tenant: Get 'R Done

The credit check consent form - tenant is the most important document in your tenant application package. It is also the very first document your applicant should sign and return to you. Without that document signed and returned I don't even waste my time handing out the application package or spend any more time on that prospect. I simply say, "Thanks for stopping by, but we don't give out applications without a signed and completed credit check consent form - tenant."

It's really that simple. As a landlord you can not do a credit check on your rental applicants without a consent form. That being the case, why on earth would you ever waste your time with someone not willing to turn in a consent form?

What do you need to include on your form? Name of applicant (written and signature), witness name and signature, social security number. Some simple lingo: Indicate that the consent form authorizes you (the landlord, property owner, or apartment manager) to conduct a credit and criminal background check and to review the accuracy of the information provided on the rental application and assess the credit worthiness of the prospective renter. Have copies of the fair credit reporting act handy to pass out to your applicant, and indicate on the form that you offered the FCRA to your prospect.

In summation:
Title of Form: Credit Check Consent Form - Tenant - Including Criminal Background
Name of applicant
Signature of applicant
Social Security Number of Applicant
Name of Witness
Signature of Witness
Your Name
Your Signature
Simple Lingo (above)

This will provide you a solid foundation on which to legally conduct a background credit check.