When renting a house, is it normal for potential landlords to ask to do a credit check on you?
Jonny Neutron asked:
I’m looking for a house to rent, and I want to make sure that it’s normal that potential landlords want to do a credit check on me. I understand that the landlord wants to make sure that I can afford the place, but at the same time, I want to make sure that I’m not being scammed. Thanks in advance!
ALEX
I’m looking for a house to rent, and I want to make sure that it’s normal that potential landlords want to do a credit check on me. I understand that the landlord wants to make sure that I can afford the place, but at the same time, I want to make sure that I’m not being scammed. Thanks in advance!
ALEX
August 17th, 2009 at 1:58 am
MARION
yes they do credit check as well as criminal background check. its normal
August 20th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
ANGELO
yes
they need to know you are going to be able to afford it
August 23rd, 2009 at 5:56 am
MONTE
They want to make sure that you will pay the rent.
August 24th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
BRIAN
90% of landlords will require that a credit credit and back-round check be done.
August 27th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
GRAHAM
Its normal to run a credit check.
August 28th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
MACK
credit checks and background checks are almost a must when it comes to renting. i doubt he is scamming you.
August 29th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
CAREY
This is typical, and it shows that your landlord knows what he’s doing. He just wants to make sure you’re reliable about paying your bills. A lot of landlords will also ask for income verification like a paystub or income tax return.
You’ll want to check your credit report (you should do this anyways, not just because of your landlord) a couple times a year to make sure that there’s not any fraudulent activity going on.
You have three different credit reports — from Equifax, Transunion and Experian. You can check each report for free one time a year. annualcreditreport.com is the government-approved site to get these free credit checks. When you check your reports you’ll be able to see your landlord’s inquiry.
Remember, you can only check each report once a year. Some people like to check all three at once, but some people prefer to check one report every four months to space it out. Either way is okay.
September 1st, 2009 at 7:33 pm
BENNETT
Credit checks are done by any prudent landlord. Only stupid ones don’t perform credit checks.
September 2nd, 2009 at 3:44 am
RUSSEL
Absolutely normal.
September 4th, 2009 at 2:53 am
JACKIE
Credit checks are a normal process before you rent to someone.
September 7th, 2009 at 12:56 am
WILSON
Your not being scammed, anyone who rents has to have their credit checked