Landlords Benefit From Tenant Criminal Checks

Landlords are not in the habit of conducting criminal checks on new tenants. The more popular choice by far is to conduct credit checks to verify that a new tenant will be able to fulfill the obligations of their lease. Yet in the interest of safety, it is a prudent measure to pursue a policy in criminal checks as well as a credit history, to give neighbouring tenants peace of mind.

In Nova Scotia, a tenant with of history of violent crime murdered his neighbour prior to killing himself. The man had been admitted as a tenant to the Dartmouth Non-Profit Housing Society without any criminal record check. No one had known about his criminal past.

Conducting criminal background checks on tenants is the best way to know which individuals are seeking to reside in a community. While a check is not exclusionary, it has the potential of reducing the number of thieves and violent ex-criminals who wish to neighbour other tenants.

Landlords have the responsibility of choosing who is accepted into their vacant units. The story from Nova Scotia demonstrates that choosing without prior knowledge of a tenant’s past can turn into a tragic tale.

BackCheck is Canada’s leader in pre-employment background checking. With experience and expertise on our side, we can help you to screen new tenants quickly to help you decide whether they are the right fit for you.

For more information, visit BackCheck.net.