Resources
Background Checks
An Update on Rhode Island’s New Tenant Background Screening Laws
New tenant background screening laws have been implemented in Rhode Island, impacting landlords and real estate professionals throughout the state. These laws, which took effect in January 2024, bring about necessary changes to rental application fees, credit checks, and criminal background checks.
Congress Plans to Restrict Tenant Screening
Should landlords consider a tenant’s criminal background? If so, should there be limitations or mitigating circumstances? New legislation proposed in Congress could forbid background screening. Although the background checks landlords use are ubiquitous in the screening process for rental applications, some legislators want to remove them. This proposal, combined with many changes in states and at the local level, could create a challenging environment for rental operators.
Government Agencies Seek Public Comment on Housing Fairness
A new effort to examine and potentially regulate how housing rentals work in the United States is underway. First, the Biden administration rolled out a proposed framework for a "Renter's Bill of Rights" to establish broad new protections for those seeking housing. Now, as the voice of advocates for tenant rights grows louder, two government agencies want to hear more from the public about using real estate background check procedures.
Resources
Background Checks
