Screen Connecticut tenants online and check references using an automated process. Verify current & previous landlords, current & previous employers, and more!
To check employer and residence references online for prospective tenants in Connecticut, you can follow these steps:
- Obtain Tenant Authorization: Before conducting any reference checks, make sure you have written consent from the tenant. This consent can be included as part of the rental application or in a separate authorization form.
- Collect Tenant Information: Request detailed information about the tenant’s current and previous employers and residences on the rental application. Ask for contact information, including company names, supervisor names, phone numbers, and email addresses for employers, as well as addresses and landlord contact details for residences.
- Use Online Tenant Screening Services: Utilize online tenant screening services or background check companies that offer reference verification as part of their services. Some services to consider include:
- TransUnion SmartMove: Offers tenant screening services that may include employment and rental history verification.
- Experian Connect: Provides services for verifying residence history and may offer other tenant screening features.
- Checkr: Offers background check services that can include employment verification.
- RentPrep: Offers tenant screening services that may include employment and rental history checks.
- Employment Reference Verification:
a. Contact the tenant’s current employer using the provided contact information. You can call, email, or fax the employer to verify the tenant’s employment status, job title, and income. Clearly identify yourself as a landlord conducting a reference check.
b. Some online tenant screening services may offer automated employment verification options, which can expedite the process.
- Residence Reference Verification:
a. Reach out to the tenant’s current and previous landlords using the provided contact information. Ask about the tenant’s rental history, including rent payment punctuality, adherence to lease terms, and any issues during their tenancy.
b. Verify the authenticity of the references by cross-checking the provided information with public records or online directories.
- Review and Assess Information: Carefully review the information obtained from employer and residence references to determine whether the tenant meets your rental criteria. Consider factors such as rental history and income stability.
- Comply with Fair Housing Laws: Ensure that your reference verification process adheres to Connecticut’s fair housing laws and federal fair housing regulations. Treat all applicants equally and make decisions based on objective criteria to avoid discrimination.
- Notify the Tenant: Inform the tenant of your decision based on the reference checks. If the tenant is approved, provide them with written notice and instructions for the next steps in the rental process. If the tenant is denied, issue an adverse action notice explaining the reason for the denial, as required by federal law.
- Secure Data: Safeguard the personal and sensitive information of applicants and references. Store this data securely and adhere to data protection regulations to maintain confidentiality.
- Application Fees: You can typically charge applicants a reasonable application fee to cover the cost of reference verification and administrative expenses. Ensure that your fees comply with Connecticut’s regulations.
Always stay informed about state and local laws and regulations related to tenant screening, and follow the appropriate procedures to avoid legal issues or discrimination claims. Consulting with legal counsel or a property management professional who is familiar with Connecticut’s specific rental laws can also be helpful.
To check employer and residence references online for prospective tenants in Connecticut, you can follow these steps:
- Obtain Tenant Authorization: Before conducting any reference checks, make sure you have written consent from the tenant. This consent can be included as part of the rental application or in a separate authorization form.
- Collect Tenant Information: Request detailed information about the tenant’s current and previous employers and residences on the rental application. Ask for contact information, including company names, supervisor names, phone numbers, and email addresses for employers, as well as addresses and landlord contact details for residences.
- Use Online Tenant Screening Services: Utilize online tenant screening services or background check companies that offer reference verification as part of their services. Some services to consider include:
- TransUnion SmartMove: Offers tenant screening services that may include employment and rental history verification.
- Experian Connect: Provides services for verifying residence history and may offer other tenant screening features.
- Checkr: Offers background check services that can include employment verification.
- RentPrep: Offers tenant screening services that may include employment and rental history checks.
- Employment Reference Verification:
a. Contact the tenant’s current employer using the provided contact information. You can call, email, or fax the employer to verify the tenant’s employment status, job title, and income. Clearly identify yourself as a landlord conducting a reference check.
b. Some online tenant screening services may offer automated employment verification options, which can expedite the process.
- Residence Reference Verification:
a. Reach out to the tenant’s current and previous landlords using the provided contact information. Ask about the tenant’s rental history, including rent payment punctuality, adherence to lease terms, and any issues during their tenancy.
b. Verify the authenticity of the references by cross-checking the provided information with public records or online directories.
- Review and Assess Information: Carefully review the information obtained from employer and residence references to determine whether the tenant meets your rental criteria. Consider factors such as rental history and income stability.
- Comply with Fair Housing Laws: Ensure that your reference verification process adheres to Connecticut’s fair housing laws and federal fair housing regulations. Treat all applicants equally and make decisions based on objective criteria to avoid discrimination.
- Notify the Tenant: Inform the tenant of your decision based on the reference checks. If the tenant is approved, provide them with written notice and instructions for the next steps in the rental process. If the tenant is denied, issue an adverse action notice explaining the reason for the denial, as required by federal law.
- Secure Data: Safeguard the personal and sensitive information of applicants and references. Store this data securely and adhere to data protection regulations to maintain confidentiality.
- Application Fees: You can typically charge applicants a reasonable application fee to cover the cost of reference verification and administrative expenses. Ensure that your fees comply with Connecticut’s regulations.
Always stay informed about state and local laws and regulations related to tenant screening, and follow the appropriate procedures to avoid legal issues or discrimination claims. Consulting with legal counsel or a property management professional who is familiar with Connecticut’s specific rental laws can also be helpful.