Resident and Employee Screening in Residential Properties
Screening is a vital part of creating a safe and reliable multifamily community. Both residents and employees play a significant role in creating a safe and healthy residential property. In this blog, we will discuss the key information property managers need to build a safe and reliable community through screening.
The Importance of Resident Screening
A comprehensive resident screening process is the first line of defense in protecting your rental investment. High-quality renters lessen your property’s risk of fraud and reduce the chances of property damage and missed rental payments. A thorough resident screening process improves the longevity and profitability of your property.
A comprehensive resident screening process includes:
Background Checks: A background check can reveal the criminal history of the applicant. Allowing the property to make informed decisions and assess the safety and security risks associated with the applicant.
Credit Checks: Credit checks include a wide variety of information including credit score, payment history, outstanding debt, and bankruptcy. This allows the property management company to verify an applicant’s employment stability along with their likelihood of paying rent on time.
Rental History: Verifying an applicant’s rental history can provide valuable information about their behavior as tenants. A rental history check involves contacting their previous landlords to find information regarding their payment history and past evictions. This allows the property to assess an applicant’s reliability as a renter.
Employment Verification: Through employment verification, property managers can confirm an applicant’s employment details including their job title, employer, and income. Allowing the property to verify the applicant’s employment stability and their ability to afford rent.
Identity Verification: Collecting an applicant’s driver’s license, passport, or social security number helps confirm an applicant’s identity and prevent potential fraud.
The Significance of Employee Screening
Just as resident screening is vital, screening employees who will work within the multifamily community is equally important. Employees have access to resident’s personal information and property, so it’s essential to ensure they are trustworthy and qualified.
Criminal Record Checks: Checking court records for criminal records is essential for creating a safe community and workplace. Criminal record checks include county and state administrative courts, department of corrections, third-party sex offender data bases, and more.
Drug Screening: Drug testing helps promote a happier, safer workplace and is one of the most straightforward and effective ways to prioritize the safety and wellness of your community and staff.
Civil Records: A civil records search identifies non-criminal suits filed by individuals or corporations including product-liability suits, local civil-rights violations, and judgements for nonpayment of goods.
Identity Verification: This type of search often includes social security checks along with an address trace which can reveal whether the social security number provided is part of the numbering sequence used by the government.
Driving Records: Driving record search is common for applicants when the position requires the operation of a vehicle. A driver record search can include motor vehicles records, commercial driver’s license (CDL), DOT employment verification, Pre-employment Screen Program (PSP) crash and inspection history, FMCSA clearinghouse, and more.
Implementing a Screening Process
Screening looks different depending on your community. But it is vital to implement a thorough screening process to avoid financial losses and to create a flourishing community. Implementing a screening process can look like:
Consistent Policies: Establish consistent policies for both residents and employees to create a standard for your property. Ensure your policies align with federal and local regulations to avoid any legal issues.
Use of Technology: Utilizing advanced resident screening and employee screening tools will streamline the screening process and give time back to the property staff. Automated systems can help in efficiently managing background checks, credit checks, and other screening tasks.
Ongoing Monitoring: Implement ongoing monitoring and evaluation of residents and employees. Regular checks and assessments can help in identifying any issues early and maintaining the integrity of the community.
Transparency and Communication: Maintain open communication with both residents and employees about the screening process. Transparency helps in building trust and ensures that everyone understands the importance of these measures.
Effective screening is a cornerstone of building a safe and reliable multifamily community. By thoroughly screening both residents and employees, property managers can create an environment that is secure, harmonious, and financially stable. Implementing comprehensive and consistent screening practices not only protects the community but also enhances its overall quality and appeal.
Interested in learning more about Resident and Employment Screening? Join ResidentIQ’s Joni Scott and Laurice Neely of Western Reporting on August 21st at 2:30 P.M. as they discuss real-life experiences, industry trends, legislative screening activity, approaches and options, and more! Register for our webinar, “The Two Sides of Screening” here.