Criminal record search for rental applicants.
Every CHCKED tenant screening package includes a national criminal search, a sex offender registry search and a watchlist search.
A record only helps if you can tell whose it is.
Names are common and records are inconsistent. A tenant report should show what was found, where it was found and how it connects to the applicant, so you can review it for yourself.
How a criminal record search works
Search the national database
CHCKED searches a national criminal database compiled from court, corrections and other sources. It is a broad first pass that can point to records in specific places.
Look at court records where it matters
Where the national search points to a possible record, or where your package includes county searches, CHCKED looks at court information for that location.
Review the report
Each record is listed with the details the source provided, such as the charge, court, filing date and disposition when available. CHCKED reports what the sources show. It does not recommend a decision.
Criminal search report
Illustrative example with fictional information.
Example: a record is found
Example: no record is found
Using criminal records fairly
Fair housing laws and some state and local laws limit how criminal history can be considered in rental decisions. An arrest and a conviction are different, and reports show the disposition when the source provides it. Apply your criteria consistently to every applicant and follow the rules that apply where you rent. CHCKED does not recommend whether to approve an applicant.
Questions about criminal searches for tenants
What is a national criminal search?
It searches a national database compiled from many sources. Because no single database holds every record, a national search is a starting point. It can point to records in specific courts.
Is a national search the same as a county search?
No. A county search looks at court records for a specific county. A national search looks at a database. They use different sources and can return different results.
What does a record show?
Each record shows the details the source provided, such as the charge, court, filing date and disposition when available. Some sources provide less detail than others.
What if no records are found?
The report states that no records were found for the details provided. That reflects only the sources searched.
How far back does the search go?
CHCKED applies a seven-year lookback.
Does CHCKED recommend a decision?
No. CHCKED reports records. You decide how to use them, following the laws that apply to you.
Can I order a criminal search by itself?
No. The criminal search is included in CHCKED tenant screening packages. It is not sold as a standalone report.
Are arrests and convictions shown the same way?
Reports show the disposition when the source provides it. An arrest and a conviction are different, and some laws treat them differently.
Court eviction filings matched to your applicant
See what each package includes
Ready to screen your rental applicants?
Every CHCKED tenant screening package includes a national criminal search.