What does a background check show for rental applicants?

For both landlords and rental applicants background checks can sometimes feel confusing or even intimidating. Unfortunately, that confusion often comes from common myths or misunderstandings about how tenant screening works.

At Landlord Tenant Services, we believe in transparency and trust. That’s why we’ve taken the time to bust the five most common myths we hear about background check services for tenants. Whether you’re a landlord looking to set expectations or a renter applying for a lease, here’s what you need to know.

Myth #1: Background Checks Hurt Your Credit Score

Fact: A properly conducted background check — like the ones we offer at Landlord Tenant Services — has no effect on an applicant’s credit score. That’s because we use a soft credit inquiry, which simply allows the landlord to review the applicant’s financial responsibility without triggering the scoring system used by credit bureaus.

Many applicants mistakenly believe that applying to multiple rental properties could damage their score, the way applying for multiple credit cards might. But soft inquiries are considered non-invasive and are not reported as part of a scoring algorithm. This means renters can confidently apply for multiple listings without fear of lowering their score.

We specifically designed our background check services for tenants to be applicant-friendly and to minimize barriers in the screening process. This tenant-first approach reduces anxiety while maintaining the integrity of the screening data.

Myth #2: Background Checks Only Benefit the Landlord

Fact: It’s easy to assume that the background check process is only in place to protect landlords from problematic tenants. While that is one part of their purpose, a high-quality screening report can also benefit qualified, responsible tenants in meaningful ways.

In competitive rental markets, many landlords receive multiple applications for the same property. A clean background check — showing good credit, stable income, and no evictions — can make an applicant stand out and move to the top of the list. It helps level the playing field, especially when the applicant doesn’t have a long rental history or is new to the area.

Additionally, background checks help prevent fraud by discouraging impersonation, identity theft, or forged documentation. This ultimately benefits the entire rental community by creating a safer, more trustworthy environment.

Myth #3: All Background Checks Are the Same

Fact: This is one of the most damaging myths — and one that puts landlords and applicants at risk. The truth is that not all background checks are created equal. Many services rely on automated databases that are often outdated, incomplete, or inaccurate. Others send sensitive applicant information overseas to cut costs, sacrificing quality, security, and reliability.

At Landlord Tenant Services, every background check is handled in-house by our U.S.-based team of professionals. That means real humans are reviewing real data — not just algorithms scanning public records. Our reports include credit history, criminal background, eviction records, employment verification, rental history, and more — all compiled securely and accurately.

When landlords rely on low-quality or outsourced screening tools, they may receive false positives, miss important red flags, or even violate Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulations. That’s why our commitment to in-house research is a key part of our service and a major advantage for both landlords and applicants.

Myth #4: The Process Takes Too Long

Fact: In today’s rental market, time is money — and no one wants to wait a week to find out if they’ve been approved for a home or apartment. The good news is that modern screening doesn’t have to be slow.

With our online rental application and background check system, most reports are returned within 24 hours, and often sooner. Applicants submit their information securely through our website, and we begin working immediately — without delays caused by manual data entry, third-party outsourcing, or outdated technology.

For landlords and property managers, this means faster leasing cycles, fewer vacancies, and a more professional experience for tenants. For applicants, it reduces the uncertainty that often comes with the application process.

Myth #5: If There’s One Red Flag, the Application Will Be Denied

Fact: One of the most common fears renters have is that a single blemish — a blemish on a payment history from three years ago, a short credit history, or a minor legal issue — will automatically disqualify them. But in reality, landlords look at the whole story to make an informed decision, not just one piece.

Our reports provide a full, contextual background, which landlords can review alongside references, current employment, rental history, criminal records, personal information and other relevant factors. Many landlords understand that life happens — what matters more is the pattern of behavior and whether the applicant is currently stable and reliable.

In fact, our goal at Landlord Tenant Services is not to make judgments, but to equip landlords with accurate, timely information so they can make the best decision for their property — and to do so fairly and consistently.

Build Confidence in the Rental Process

At Landlord Tenant Services, we’re committed to providing landlords, property managers, and renters with rental background checks that build trust and streamline the leasing process. By debunking these myths, we hope to make the background check for real estate more approachable and transparent for everyone involved.

Get Started with Commercial Tenant Screening Today

At Landlord Tenant Services, we make it simple to start screening commercial tenants with confidence. Our secure platform allows you to submit applicant details online, and we’ll handle the rest — delivering clear, actionable reports directly to you. Ready to protect your property with professional screening? Create your free account here.