What Do Apartment Background Checks Look For?

Background checks are a standard part of the rental application process. Landlords and property managers use background checks to evaluate a potential tenant’s reliability, financial stability, and identify potential risks that may impact the property or other tenants. 

Background checks for apartments are typically fairly extensive, involving an assessment of a rental applicant’s consumer reporting information such as credit, eviction, and criminal history, along with application materials like employment and income verification. Since multiple services manage background checks for apartment communities, the checks may vary slightly from one rental to the next. 

For landlords, background checks help ensure their property remains safe and well-maintained while reducing risks like missed rent payments or damages. For tenants, these checks provide peace of mind knowing you’re moving into a mindful, secure living environment where expectations are clear on both sides.

Identity verification

Identity verification is the process of confirming that you are who you claim to be, typically by providing a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Landlords use this step to ensure they’re renting to a legitimate and trustworthy individual. To prepare for a background check, make sure your ID is valid and not expired, and consider keeping digital copies on hand in case electronic copies are required. When requested, promptly sharing this information shows you’re organized and reliable — traits that can help you stand out as a strong rental candidate.

Credit report check 

Credit checks provide landlords with a snapshot of your financial reliability, typically based on your credit score and history. Credit checks look for patterns like on-time payments, outstanding debts, and overall credit usage to gauge how likely you are to pay rent consistently. Keeping your credit healthy and checking your report ahead of time can help you avoid surprises. You can report your on-time payments through Zillow for free to help build your credit and standout as a reliable tenant.

Employment verification

Your employment may be verified as part of a rental background check to confirm your job history. The landlord or property manager may ask you to provide your job title, employer, manager's name, contact information, and length of employment. Typically, as part of the verification process, they will call your employer to verify that the information you provided is correct or request an employment verification letter. If you’re unemployed or currently not working, you may need to include a co-signer. If you’re self-employed, you may need to provide a copy of your business licenses, tax returns, profit and loss statements, or contracts with clients — anything to prove you have a legitimate business.

Income verification

To show proof of income, you may be asked to provide copies of pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements with consistent deposits. Income verification is included in a background check to ensure you’re able to cover the cost of rent and make on-time rent payments. To make a strong impression, gather at least three recent documents that show a consistent stream of income. If you're self-employed, prepare a summary of your average earnings along with official tax filings. It’s a proactive step that can help build the landlord’s confidence in your financial reliability.

Rental history 

Landlords may contact your previous landlords to confirm your rental history. When doing so, they are generally verifying that you paid rent on time, maintained the property, and followed lease terms. To strengthen your application, reach out to former landlords in advance and ask if they’re willing to provide a positive reference. Glowing feedback can go a long way in boosting your appeal as a reliable tenant.

Criminal record check 

Criminal background checks review public records to assess safety and security concerns. Not all apartment background checks include a criminal check. When they are included, criminal checks will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Landlords may review criminal records, but must follow fair housing laws. Many cities and states also limit how and when criminal history can be used in rental decisions.  If you have any issues in your history, it’s best to be upfront and provide context or references that show your reliability and responsibility as a tenant. Before agreeing to an apartment background check, review your rights as a renter.

Personal references

Personal references can play an important role in a background check, providing landlords with a more comprehensive picture of your character and reliability. These references, often from employers, colleagues, mentors, or community members, can attest to your responsibility, communication skills, and ability to interact effectively with others. When asking someone to be a personal reference, choose individuals who know you well and can speak positively and specifically about your strengths. A few strong endorsements can help reinforce your credibility and set you apart from other applicants.