3 Differences Between Employment Screening and Tenant Screening

Tenant screening is a process used primarily by residential landlords and property managers to evaluate prospective tenants. The purpose is to assess the likelihood the tenant will fulfill the terms of the lease or rental agreement and will also take great care of the rental property in question. The process culminates in a decision as to whether to approve the applicant, approve the applicant conditionally (such as requiring an increased deposit or cosigner) or deny tenancy. (Source: Wikipedia)

The NAPBS recently posted about the differences between employment screening and tenant screening:

3. Disclosure.

Unlike employment screening, tenant screening applications do not need to have a disclosure that is a separate, standalone document. While the authorization/file disclosure is still required, it may be incorporated within the application to rent.

2. Ban The Box.

Laws limiting when/if an employer may permissibly ask about an individual's criminal history, have primarily focused on the employment application. Legislators are beginning to propose legislation that would bring this trend into the tenant screening profession.

3. Adverse Action Notification.

Tenant screening does not require pre-adverse action notices which are a requirement for employment screening.

There is no harm if the landlord follows the disclosure and pre-adverse action, however, it is not required.

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