According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Utah had more than 300,000 renter households in 2021. With lots of renters comes lots of background checks.
A tenant background check can hold up an otherwise speedy rental process. You don't want the time it takes to catch you off-guard.
How long do tenant background checks take in Utah? What makes them take longer? Keep reading for a quick run-down on background checks.
The Short Answer
Tenant background checks vary, but most range from a few hours to a few days. Some tenants have complex histories that can increase this time, but a basic tenant check timeline doesn't extend past the work week.
Tenant screening Utah law outlines which factors you can ask for in a tenant background check. You must disclose in writing which factors you intend to consider during the rental process before starting the background check. You need to secure permission from the prospective tenant before you can run the check as well.
When you think you have an ideal tenant, make sure to secure permission for the check as soon as you can. You don't want to put yourself in legal hot water before you even start the process.
Tenant Background Check Time Factors
Tenants can control some factors that slow down the Salt Lake City rental process. Other things that add to background check duration happen because of immutable circumstances though.
Factors that depend on tenant cooperation include:
- Complete and accurate paperwork
- Any accommodations requested during the process
- Comprehensive documentation
- Pet or service animal screenings
Some issues that have nothing to do with the tenant's cooperation include:
- A large number of previous residences
- Previous name changes
- Cooperation from any employers or references contacted
- State, city, and county criminal records
Choosing a Service
Choosing a tenant screening service falls to you. You should have a service picked out before you start the rental application process. Tenants don't like to wait for you to take basic screening steps.
When you choose a tenant screening partner, make sure to look at how that organization handles data security. Data breaches have skyrocketed over the last decade, and organizations dealing with real estate have no immunity to such attacks.
Security consciousness also reassures your tenant that you will commit to quality service. When a tenant gives you permission for a background check, you cultivate a bond of trust that you should treat with respect.
A Smooth Process
A tenant background check forms a necessary part of the rental process, and in many cases, such a check ends within hours of receiving permission. Complex checks still clock in at less than a week. As long as both parties commit to a thorough and transparent process, no one has anything to worry about.
Have you started looking for a partner to help manage tenant screenings and other services for your Utah property? Look to us at Utah Property Solutions. Our team stays in good standing with the Utah Division of Real Estate and Salt Lake Board of Realtors, so if you want a top-notch team for any property issue, drop us a line.
