{"id":67741,"date":"2025-08-21T15:18:46","date_gmt":"2025-08-21T22:18:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/?p=67741"},"modified":"2026-07-27T09:59:38","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T16:59:38","slug":"fcra-background-check","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/rental-screening\/fcra-background-check\/","title":{"rendered":"FCRA Background Checks: How to Comply When Screening Tenants"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"flex-content-main\">\n<div class=\"ttsf-rich-text \">\n<p>Conducting an FCRA background check is a vital piece of the landlording puzzle you can\u2019t afford to overlook. Failing to follow these strict federal screening regulations can result in disgruntled applicants, legal action, or even the loss of your rental license.<\/p>\n<p>Thankfully, tightening the screws on your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/tenant-screening\/\">tenant screening<\/a> process doesn\u2019t have to be difficult. With the right tools and know-how, you can stay compliant, protect sensitive applicant information, and make sound rental decisions, all while reducing harmful screening errors.<\/p>\n<p>Keep reading to understand how the FCRA influences background checks, the legal requirements you must meet, and common mistakes to avoid. By the end, you\u2019ll know exactly how to streamline your screening process with a company used by over 850,000 landlords.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"cta_6a678e7aad8e6\" class=\"cta-container\">\n<div class=\"cta-content default-content\">\n<div class=\"cta-heading\">Find Your Best Tenant Ever<\/div>\n<div class=\"cta-text\"><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<a class=\"cta-link btnhov\" href=\"https:\/\/rental.turbotenant.com\/auth\/signup\">Collect Rental Applications for Free<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"cta-content landlord-content\" style=\"display:none;\">\n<div class=\"cta-heading\">Find Your Best Tenant Ever<\/div>\n<div class=\"cta-text\"><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t<a class=\"cta-link btnhov\" href=\"https:\/\/rental.turbotenant.com\/auth\/signup\">Collect Rental Applications for Free<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><script>\n\tdocument.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {\n\t\tvar ctaContainer = document.getElementById('cta_6a678e7aad8e6');\n\t\tvar defaultContent = ctaContainer.querySelector('.default-content');\n\t\tvar landlordContent = ctaContainer.querySelector('.landlord-content');<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\/\/ Check the 'alreadyMember' cookie\n\t\tvar isLandlord = document.cookie.split('; ').find(row => row.startsWith('alreadyMember='))?.split('=')[1] === 'true';<\/p>\n<p>\t\tif (isLandlord) {\n\t\t\tdefaultContent.style.display = 'none';\n\t\t\tlandlordContent.style.display = 'flex';\n\t\t} else {\n\t\t\tdefaultContent.style.display = 'flex';\n\t\t\tlandlordContent.style.display = 'none';\n\t\t}\n\t});\n<\/script><\/p>\n<div class=\"ttsf-rich-text \">\n<h2><strong>What is the FCRA?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ftc.gov\/legal-library\/browse\/statutes\/fair-credit-reporting-act\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fair Credit Reporting Act<\/a>, enacted in 1970, is a federal law that protects consumer information and promotes accuracy in consumer credit reports. It regulates how reporting agencies collect, share, and use personal data during tenant screening decisions.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What is an FCRA background check?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>An FCRA background check is a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/tenant-screening\/\">tenant screening report<\/a>\u00a0conducted in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. It provides information by reporting services (such as credit history, criminal records, and eviction reports) to help landlords make fair and compliant rental decisions.<\/p>\n<p>Companies performing these checks must follow strict protocols for consent, accuracy, and applicant disclosure. Applicants can dispute and correct inaccurate data, while landlords rely on verified results to lower risk and choose qualified renters.<\/p>\n<p>The FCRA exists to protect the best interests of both parties.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Components of an FCRA Criminal Background Check<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-58219\" src=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Features.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"780\" height=\"314\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Features.png 780w, https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Features-300x121.png 300w, https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Features-768x309.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>An FCRA criminal background check looks into an applicant\u2019s criminal history while adhering to Fair Credit Reporting Act requirements. These reports pull data from federal, state, and local sources.<\/p>\n<p>Key components include:<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Criminal Records<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>An FCRA criminal background check may include an applicant\u2019s convictions, arrest records (where permitted), pending charges, and incarceration history.<\/p>\n<p>These reports often draw from federal, state, and local databases, such as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), state criminal repositories, county court records, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons database.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Differences Between Felonies and Misdemeanors<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Background reports typically differentiate between felonies and misdemeanors, as the severity of a crime often impacts rental decisions. For instance, a violent felony generally raises a larger red flag than a petty misdemeanor. When analyzing past crimes, landlords should assess each case in context before making a rental decision.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Pending Charges and Active Warrants<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Some background checks uncover pending charges or active warrants; however, landlords should proceed with extreme caution when reviewing this information. The FCRA requires that landlords only consider accurate, verifiable information.<\/p>\n<p>Making rental decisions on pending criminal cases can lead to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=012624009653992735869:cyxxdwappru&amp;q=https:\/\/www.justia.com\/real-estate\/landlord-tenant\/housing-discrimination\/&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiruOHsl72QAxXIVqQEHY_OIe0QFnoECAcQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2UkoaUb2PkJMIJd_4xCPw8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fair housing violations<\/a>\u00a0from landlords and discrimination claims from applicants. HUD states that a landlord cannot ask about arrest records, only convictions, as innocent people are commonly arrested, which may not have resulted in a conviction.. It\u2019s safer to wait for a final verdict before taking action.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Sex Offender Registry Information<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>FCRA background checks may include\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nsopw.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sex offender registry<\/a>\u00a0data from state and national databases. Landlords should do everything in their power to confirm the accuracy of these reports and follow all applicable laws before letting the information influence a rental decision.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Limitations on Reporting Older Convictions<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Under the FCRA, consumer reporting agencies cannot include certain \u201cnegative\u201d information after 7 years, though state laws may impose differing timeframes. These time restrictions generally apply to arrests that did not lead to conviction, paid tax liens, and civil suits older than 7 years.<\/p>\n<p>However, agencies\u00a0<em>can<\/em>\u00a0report criminal convictions indefinitely under federal law. Though some states may enforce their own reporting rules.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Jurisdictional Differences in Reporting<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Not all jurisdictions handle criminal record reporting at the same speed; some local databases are incomplete or slow to update. Partnering with a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentbutter.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reputable consumer reporting agency<\/a>\u00a0will help mitigate the risk of tardy or inconsistent records that could impact an applicant\u2019s ability to secure a rental.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Accuracy and Verification Requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The FCRA requires all reporting agencies to provide consumers with accurate and current records. As such, landlords should work only with screening providers that verify all records through reputable and independent sources.<\/p>\n<p>While some agencies cut corners in this department, pursuing accurate reports is vital for landlords who aim to make fair, legally sound rental decisions.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Relevance to Tenancy Decisions<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Criminal history often correlates with property and resident safety, so landlords should weigh it carefully. With that in mind, landlords should\u00a0<em>not<\/em>\u00a0issue blanket rejections to applicants with criminal convictions, as they can trigger fair housing violations.<\/p>\n<p>Evaluate each criminal case individually\u00a0<em>before<\/em>\u00a0ever selecting a tenant. Some states and local jurisdictions mandate that if you ask about criminal history, you must give the applicant a chance to explain their criminal history.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Expunged or Sealed Records<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Expunged or sealed criminal records\u00a0<strong>should never appear in an FCRA-compliant report<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>If they do, applicants can dispute them and demand that agencies remove them immediately. Records of these types are legally off-limits for landlords making rental decisions, and considering them can put the property owner in legal hot water.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Legal Requirements to Conduct an FCRA Background Check<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-54096\" src=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/blog_comparison.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"780\" height=\"314\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/blog_comparison.png 780w, https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/blog_comparison-300x121.png 300w, https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/blog_comparison-768x309.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Conducting an FCRA background check means following federal laws and protocols to the T by:<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Obtaining Written Consent From the Applicant<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The FCRA requires landlords to secure unambiguous written consent\u00a0<em>before<\/em>\u00a0ordering a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/tenant-screening\/\">tenant background check<\/a>. Doing so prevents accidental screenings, protects applicant rights, and helps ensure legal compliance if the landlord faces legal recourse from an applicant.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Providing a Clear and Separate Disclosure<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>The FCRA requires landlords to give applicants a clear, standalone disclosure stating that an agency will conduct a background check, which may or may not influence the rental decision. Keeping this disclosure\u00a0<em>separate<\/em>\u00a0from other\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/rental-application\/\">rental application<\/a>\u00a0materials reinforces transparency and compliance with federal screening requirements.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Establishing a Permissible Purpose<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Under the FCRA, landlords must have a valid, legally recognized reason (known as a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.law.cornell.edu\/uscode\/text\/15\/1681b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">permissible purpose<\/a>) for requesting a background check. Screening prospective tenants qualifies as a valid reason, but the landlord\u00a0<em>must<\/em>\u00a0use the report exclusively for evaluating a candidate\u2019s rental eligibility (and nothing else).<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Using an FCRA-Compliant Consumer Reporting Agency<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Landlords should work only with a consumer reporting agency that fully complies with FCRA standards. Landlords who\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.businesswire.com\/news\/home\/20250618547150\/en\/TurboTenant-and-Rent-Butter-Partner-to-Set-a-New-Standard-in-Tenant-Screening\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">partner with a reputable provider<\/a>\u00a0will not only reduce the risk of legal mishaps but also ensure that reports are reliable, up to date, and defensible (if challenged).<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Following Adverse Action Procedures When Necessary<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>If a background check results in a rental denial or less favorable terms, the FCRA requires landlords to issue an adverse action notice to the applicant promptly. The notice should explain their right to dispute the report, identify the reporting agency, and state the exact reasons behind the decision.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Honoring the Applicant\u2019s Right to Dispute Inaccurate Information<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Sending an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.consumercomplianceoutlook.org\/2013\/second-quarter\/adverse-action-notice-requirements-under-ecoa-fcra\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">adverse action notice<\/a>\u00a0to a denied applicant serves two purposes:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>It gives applicants a fair chance to dispute the information.<\/li>\n<li>It helps landlords document compliance with federal law.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Failing to send one (or sending an incomplete notice) limits the applicant\u2019s ability to correct inaccuracies. Send the notice promptly after making your decision to avoid confusion, particularly if you have tentatively decided on another applicant.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>How to Keep Sensitive Records and Data Secure<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-58222\" src=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Understanding.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"780\" height=\"314\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Understanding.png 780w, https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Understanding-300x121.png 300w, https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Understanding-768x309.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Keeping confidential applicant data secure is\u00a0<strong>non-negotiable<\/strong>\u00a0for landlords. Follow these guidelines to protect applicant screening reports and other sensitive information:<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Protect Screening Reports from Unauthorized Access<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Use\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/property-management-software\/\">property management software<\/a>\u00a0that limits access to approved users only, and store applicant screening reports on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/security\/\">encrypted, secure servers<\/a>. Keep login credentials private, enable two-factor authentication, and update passwords regularly to thwart unauthorized entry of all your important rental documents.<\/p>\n<p>If handling physical screening reports, keep them under lock and key and limit access to authorized personnel. Never leave screening documents unattended, and shred them immediately once you no longer need them.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Follow Data Retention Timelines<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Federal law doesn\u2019t set a universal retention period for tenant screening reports, but many experts recommend keeping them for 5 years to cover Fair Housing Act claim limits. Some states require as little as 3 years, while others mandate up to 7.<\/p>\n<p>Check your state\u2019s rules, follow the longest applicable timeline, then securely destroy records once enough time has passed.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Dispose of Sensitive Information Properly<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Once you feel comfortable destroying old reports, shred paper files until they are unreadable, and permanently delete digital records. This step is crucial to complying with the FCRA, protecting applicant privacy, and drastically reducing the likelihood of future data breaches.<\/p>\n<p>For good measure, use a certified document destruction service for physical screening reports. Doing so will guarantee that sensitive information is permanently removed from your records and inaccessible to anyone and everyone.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Common Screening Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-54098\" src=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/blog_Pros-and-Cons.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"780\" height=\"314\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/blog_Pros-and-Cons.png 780w, https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/blog_Pros-and-Cons-300x121.png 300w, https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/blog_Pros-and-Cons-768x309.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 780px) 100vw, 780px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Here are some of the most frequent mistakes landlords make when conducting background checks, and how to steer clear of making them:<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Skipping or Mishandling Written Consent<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Always obtain written consent from an applicant before running a screening report. Failing to do so violates the FCRA and can lead to disputes, fines, or legal action. Use a clear, standalone consent form every single time. Never skip this ever-important first step.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Relying on Incomplete or Inaccurate Reports<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>If a report lacks vital information, don\u2019t assume that it means the applicant is trying to hide something. When a tenant disputes inaccurate or incomplete details, pause your rental decision immediately. Next, ask your screening provider to verify and update the disputed information before taking any further action to select a tenant for your rental property.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Failing to Send Adverse Action Notices<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>When denying an applicant, you must send them an adverse action notice detailing the decision, discuss their rights, and provide the reporting agency\u2019s information. Skipping this step (regardless of how busy you are) is illegal and could expose you to violations, fines, or lawsuits.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Keeping Reports Longer Than Necessary<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Holding onto tenant screening reports longer than necessary increases your liability. The FCRA doesn\u2019t set a single federal retention period, but experts recommend keeping records for 5 years to cover Fair Housing Act claim limits.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=012624009653992735869:cyxxdwappru&amp;q=https:\/\/gao.justia.com\/department-of-housing-and-urban-development\/1998\/3\/hud-management-rced-98-86\/RCED-98-86-full-report.pdf&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjE_7aWmL2QAxXgU6QEHcq7I2sQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3_pYdZPNJuimulbm6Dq9KB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HUD<\/a>\u00a0advises at least 2 years, while some states require 3 and others up to 7.<\/p>\n<p>To be safe, destroy all tenant screening records after 7 years.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Overlooking State or Local Screening Regulations<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Knowing the FCRA is only half the battle. Landlords must also understand and follow state and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/library.municode.com\/co\/denver\/codes\/code_of_ordinances\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">local screening laws<\/a>. Before denying an applicant, review the rules in your area, as certain cities limit when or how you can check criminal history. Other jurisdictions restrict the use of credit reports in rental decisions. Additionally, some jurisdictions, such as Cook County, IL, restrict the checking of criminal backgrounds until after a conditional offer to rent has been made.<\/p>\n<p>Making sure you understand these rules helps you avoid costly violations and keeps your screening process fair, consistent, and within the law.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Don\u2019t Forget State and Local Tenant Screening Laws<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s worth reinforcing: The FCRA isn\u2019t the only law that governs tenant screening. State and local rules determine what you can ask, when you can ask it, and how you can use the information. Overlook these regulations at your own peril.<\/p>\n<p>For example, California bans most eviction records from reports after 7 years. New York limits credit checks for certain tenants. In Washington, D.C., landlords cannot deny applicants for certain misdemeanor convictions. Seattle restricts most inquiries into arrest history. Cook County, IL, restricts checking an applicant\u2019s criminal history until after a conditional offer to rent has been made.<\/p>\n<p>Failing to account for differences between local and federal screening laws can quickly turn a routine tenant screening into a legal nightmare.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>TurboTenant: Your FCRA-Compliant Background Check Provider<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Staying FCRA compliant while screening tenants is\u00a0too important to leave to chance.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/\">TurboTenant<\/a>\u00a0partners with Rent Butter to deliver\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/tenant-screening\/\">FCRA-compliant background checks<\/a>\u00a0that go beyond standard screening. Their process blends eviction, criminal, bankruptcy, and credit behavior data into a single score, which helps landlords spot renter risk early and accurately.<\/p>\n<p>With tenant consent, Rent Butter can also connect directly to applicant bank accounts for real-time insight into income stability and rent payment history. This real-time screening software\u2019s near-instant results keep the process moving forward without costly delays.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/rental.turbotenant.com\/auth\/signup\">Sign up for a free TurboTenant account today<\/a>\u00a0to start screening potential tenants (at no cost to you).<\/p>\n<h2><strong>FCRA Background Checks FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ttsf-faq\">\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<h3 class=\"faq-question\" data-target=\"answer-1\">What does an FCRA background check show?<span class=\"caret\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\" id=\"answer-1\">\n<div>\n<p>An FCRA background check can include credit history, criminal records, eviction history, and employment verification. The specific details vary by provider, but all information must be accurate, current, and collected in full compliance with federal law.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<h3 class=\"faq-question\" data-target=\"answer-2\">How long does an FCRA background check take?<span class=\"caret\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\" id=\"answer-2\">\n<div>\n<p>Most FCRA background checks come back within 24 to 72 hours. The exact timing depends on how quickly reporting agencies can retrieve and verify data, as well as whether the screening covers multiple jurisdictions or includes specialized reports.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<h3 class=\"faq-question\" data-target=\"answer-3\">Can a tenant dispute an FCRA background check?<span class=\"caret\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\" id=\"answer-3\">\n<div>\n<p>Yes. Tenants have the right to dispute any inaccurate or incomplete information within a report. The consumer reporting agency must investigate and correct errors before the landlord can legally make a final decision on their next tenant.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<h3 class=\"faq-question\" data-target=\"answer-4\">How far back does an FCRA background check go?<span class=\"caret\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"faq-answer\" id=\"answer-4\">\n<div>\n<p>In most cases, FCRA background checks can include up to 7 years of certain records, such as civil judgments or some criminal convictions. Federal and state laws may permit longer reporting periods for specific offenses, so review both federal guidelines and state and local reporting limits before making a decision.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n\t\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n\t\"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n\t\"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What does an FCRA background check show?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"<\/p>\n<p>An FCRA background check can include credit history, criminal records, eviction history, and employment verification. The specific details vary by provider, but all information must be accurate, current, and collected in full compliance with federal law.<\/p>\n<p>n\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long does an FCRA background check take?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"<\/p>\n<p>Most FCRA background checks come back within 24 to 72 hours. The exact timing depends on how quickly reporting agencies can retrieve and verify data, as well as whether the screening covers multiple jurisdictions or includes specialized reports.<\/p>\n<p>n\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Can a tenant dispute an FCRA background check?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"<\/p>\n<p>Yes. Tenants have the right to dispute any inaccurate or incomplete information within a report. The consumer reporting agency must investigate and correct errors before the landlord can legally make a final decision on their next tenant.<\/p>\n<p>n\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How far back does an FCRA background check go?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"<\/p>\n<p>In most cases, FCRA background checks can include up to 7 years of certain records, such as civil judgments or some criminal convictions. Federal and state laws may permit longer reporting periods for specific offenses, so review both federal guidelines and state and local reporting limits before making a decision.<\/p>\n<p>n\"}}]}\n<\/script><\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Conducting an FCRA background check is a vital piece of the landlording puzzle you can\u2019t afford to overlook. Failing to follow these strict federal screening regulations can result in disgruntled applicants, legal action, or even the loss of your rental license. Thankfully, tightening the screws on your tenant screening process doesn\u2019t have to be difficult. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":834,"featured_media":67739,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1854],"tags":[],"level":[1837],"class_list":["post-67741","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rental-screening","level-beginner","topic-tenant-screening"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.0 (Yoast SEO v26.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>FCRA Background Check: How Landlords Stay Compliant<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Landlords who screen tenants must run compliant FCRA background checks. Find out everything you need to know here.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/rental-screening\/fcra-background-check\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"FCRA Background Checks: How to Comply When Screening Tenants\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Landlords who screen tenants must run compliant FCRA background checks. Find out everything you need to know here.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/rental-screening\/fcra-background-check\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"TurboTenant\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/turbotenant\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-08-21T22:18:46+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-07-27T16:59:38+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/fcra-background-check.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"700\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"394\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Noel Krasomil\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@turbotenant\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@turbotenant\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Noel Krasomil\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"FCRA Background Check: How Landlords Stay Compliant","description":"Landlords who screen tenants must run compliant FCRA background checks. Find out everything you need to know here.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/rental-screening\/fcra-background-check\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"FCRA Background Checks: How to Comply When Screening Tenants","og_description":"Landlords who screen tenants must run compliant FCRA background checks. Find out everything you need to know here.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/rental-screening\/fcra-background-check\/","og_site_name":"TurboTenant","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/turbotenant","article_published_time":"2025-08-21T22:18:46+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-07-27T16:59:38+00:00","og_image":[{"width":700,"height":394,"url":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/fcra-background-check.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Noel Krasomil","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@turbotenant","twitter_site":"@turbotenant","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Noel Krasomil","Est. reading time":"11 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":["Article","BlogPosting"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/rental-screening\/fcra-background-check\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/rental-screening\/fcra-background-check\/"},"author":{"name":"Noel Krasomil","@id":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/#\/schema\/person\/49d2122761961bb4d4784133c749f154"},"headline":"FCRA Background Checks: How to Comply When Screening Tenants","datePublished":"2025-08-21T22:18:46+00:00","dateModified":"2026-07-27T16:59:38+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/rental-screening\/fcra-background-check\/"},"wordCount":2276,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/rental-screening\/fcra-background-check\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/fcra-background-check.jpg","articleSection":["Rental Screening"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/rental-screening\/fcra-background-check\/","url":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/rental-screening\/fcra-background-check\/","name":"FCRA Background Check: How Landlords Stay Compliant","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/rental-screening\/fcra-background-check\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/rental-screening\/fcra-background-check\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/fcra-background-check.jpg","datePublished":"2025-08-21T22:18:46+00:00","dateModified":"2026-07-27T16:59:38+00:00","description":"Landlords who screen tenants must run compliant FCRA background checks. Find out everything you need to know here.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/rental-screening\/fcra-background-check\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/rental-screening\/fcra-background-check\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/rental-screening\/fcra-background-check\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/fcra-background-check.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/fcra-background-check.jpg","width":700,"height":394,"caption":"red check on white paper against a blue background"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/rental-screening\/fcra-background-check\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Rental Screening","item":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/education\/rental-screening\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"FCRA Background Checks: How to Comply When Screening Tenants"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/","name":"TurboTenant","description":"Free, powerful landlord software","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/#organization","name":"TurboTenant","url":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/TT-logo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/TT-logo.png","width":1158,"height":822,"caption":"TurboTenant"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/turbotenant","https:\/\/x.com\/turbotenant","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/turbotenant","https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@turbotenant","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/turbotenant\/?hl=en","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/turbotenant"],"description":"TurboTenant is the free, all-in-one property management platform that allows real estate investors to streamline their rental business and make it more successful. Landlords can market properties on dozens of the top rental listing websites, collect leads and applications in one place, screen tenants, and create a state-specific lease agreement tailored to their specific needs as a landlord. Once a tenant moves in, TurboTenant makes managing the property easy with automatic rent payments, messaging, and simple document storage.","email":"support@turbotenant.com","telephone":"719-966-7368","legalName":"Turbotenant, Inc.","foundingDate":"2015-01-01","taxID":"47-4734039","numberOfEmployees":{"@type":"QuantitativeValue","minValue":"51","maxValue":"200"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/#\/schema\/person\/49d2122761961bb4d4784133c749f154","name":"Noel Krasomil","description":"Noel Krasomil is a freelance SEO writer at TurboTenant, simplifying property management with engaging, expert articles.","url":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/author\/noelkrasomil\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67741","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/834"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=67741"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67741\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":75943,"href":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67741\/revisions\/75943"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/67739"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=67741"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=67741"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=67741"},{"taxonomy":"level","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.turbotenant.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/level?post=67741"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}