Your landlord is going to complete a background check on you to make sure you are a good candidate to move into the unit. Most of the time, these background checks will take a look at the last seven years of your life. There are a few landlords that will go back a little further, closer to ten, but it will depend on the type of service they decide to use. This allows them to get a good look at what type of tenant you are. Of course, things that happened ten years will not count against you as bad as things from a year or two ago.
The reason that your landlord will be able to go back that far is that under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you are able to access a criminal record for up to seven years. However, you will be able to search for convictions indefinitely since they are part of your permanent criminal history. This is a long time, so it is important to take care of any apartment you live in and make sure that your finances stay organized so you don’t get into trouble.
Landlords will ask for some information to help them complete the background check. Usually they will request your social security number. This number will provide them with your personal data and since it does not change, it will be tied back to you, unlike information like a driver’s license or your address and even a phone number. Your name can even change over time, such as when you get married. Be prepared to show this to the landlord so they can do the background on you.
In addition, you will likely pay the landlord an application fee to move into the apartment. This fee will go in part to helping them pay for the rental background check. This amount is usually pretty affordable, but helps the landlord see you are serious about moving into one of their units.
When you are ready to move to the area and you need your own space, then it is time to look for some of the best apartments for rent in Berkeley. The right apartment will help you to feel right at home, giving you a great location and lots of room to call your very own. We are happy to provide you with amazing apartment units that will be perfect, no matter what you are looking for. With the right price, the right location, and amazing amenities along the way, you will wonder why you didn’t move in before.
