According to MecklenburgHousingData.org, Mecklenburg County, which includes Charlotte, NC, saw 46,026 formal evictions in fiscal year 2024.
Given those high eviction rates, choosing the right tenants for your rental property in Charlotte should be a top priority. You must thoroughly screen rental applicants, including performing a tenant criminal background check that complies with all applicable laws.
The good news is that you don't have to do everything yourself. Our full-service property management firm, PMI Cardinal, is ready to help with our rental applicant background check.
Keep reading to learn how our firm's Charlotte rental screening and secure tenant selection process works.
Importance of a Thorough Tenant Criminal Background Check and Screening Process
Tenant criminal background checks and screening processes help protect your property and ensure peace of mind. It involves evaluating potential tenants to:
- Determine whether they have good moral and character
- Assess their financial stability to predict reliable rent payments
- Confirm their stable employment history and ensure their income is sufficient to cover rent
- Look into past landlord experiences and get valuable insights into their behavior as a renter
Also, please remember that about one in three American adults has a criminal record (per NCSL.org). An extensive Charlotte tenant verification process can reduce the risk of renting to individuals with severe criminal histories. It can also help ensure you choose renters who are most likely to pay rent on time and respect and care for your property.
PMI Cardinal's Tenant Screening Process
At PMI Cardinal, we follow a structured approach to the rental application and tenant screening process to ensure fairness and thoroughness. Here's what we do and how we vet your potential renters:
Application Submission
First, all interested renters fill out a comprehensive application form. We also ask them for their consent regarding the background checks.
Document Review
Next, we collect the necessary documents for verification. We ask each applicant for the following:
- Proof of income
- Proof of identification
- Landlord references to look into their rental history
Background Checks
We conduct detailed checks on each applicant who has provided their consent. We perform:
- Credit checks
- Income and employment checks
- Criminal history checks
- Eviction record searches
Final Decision
Finally, we present the findings, which can help you make an informed decision.
PMI Cardinal team understands that property owners want a streamlined process that brings in reliable tenants while reducing vacancy time. We've designed our system with efficiency in mind, empowering property owners to feel confident in their choices.
Our firm offers more than tenant placement. We also specialize in full-service property management solutions. With our comprehensive services, we'll help you find the best tenants and manage them and your rental on your behalf.
Secure Your Property's Future Today
Remember: A thorough rental screening process involves more than just a tenant criminal background check. It must also examine each applicant's credit, income, rental, and eviction history.
Let PMI Cardinal be your trusted partner in finding highly qualified tenants and managing your entire rental operations in Charlotte, NC. With our state-of-the-art technology, local real estate expertise, and the backing of PMI, a fast-growing franchise that has worked hard to perfect the property management industry for over two decades, we have what it takes to help your rentals thrive.
Reach out today to learn more about our services and request your free consultation!
