October 2024
When it comes to screening tenants, apartment associations have a lot riding on their decisions. From maintaining a safe, community-centered environment to avoiding property damage and payment issues, choosing the right screening process can make all the difference. Two common options are BCI (Bureau of Criminal Identification) background checks and private background checks. But are these options really comparable, or does one provide a better safety net than the other?
Let’s dig into what each type of check offers, where they differ, and why private background checks—especially through services like Western Verify—may be a smarter choice for today’s apartment associations.
BCI Background Checks: The Basics and Their Limitations
BCI checks are typically state-run background screenings that focus on criminal history within a specific state. For instance, in Utah, a BCI check will primarily pull up criminal records based on fingerprint data and state databases. This approach works fine if you’re only interested in someone’s local record, but it has some gaps. Say an applicant has lived in other states or has offenses from other jurisdictions; those records might not show up in a BCI check, which means a property manager could unknowingly overlook critical information
Another thing to consider is that BCI checks are mainly criminal-focused. They don’t cover financial history, evictions, or employment stability—all major factors when trying to predict whether a tenant will be reliable.
The Broader Reach of Private Background Checks
On the other hand, private background checks offer a much broader view of a tenant’s history. They pull from national databases, meaning if an applicant has criminal records in multiple states, you’re far more likely to catch them. But they don’t stop there. Private checks can be customized to include:
Eviction History: Knowing if a tenant has previously been evicted can be a game-changer, giving you insight into any potential red flags.
Credit Reports and Financial Health: Financial stability is crucial for rental applications. Credit reports, part of many private background checks, help predict whether a tenant can keep up with rent.
Employment Verification: Reliable income is another key factor, and private screenings can confirm whether a tenant has a steady job.
By using a provider like Western Verify, which specializes in tailored background checks, apartment associations can gain peace of mind. Western Verify offers a deeper look into tenant histories, including customized searches that go beyond basic criminal checks, covering everything from financial health to eviction history.
Speed, Compliance, and FCRA Requirements
BCI checks are processed by government agencies, so the timeline isn’t always fast. Private checks, however, are usually quicker, which is handy when apartment associations need fast answers on tenant applications. Most private background checks, including those offered by Western Verify, are FCRA-compliant, meaning they’re set up to handle sensitive data responsibly and legally. This is critical for protecting both the association and its applicants
Real-World Example: Why Private Checks Win
Imagine a scenario: a property manager in Salt Lake City has two prospective tenants who have moved in from different states. With a BCI check, the manager would only see their Utah records. If either tenant had past convictions or evictions in their previous states, that information wouldn’t come up, potentially putting the property at risk. But with a private check from Western Verify, the property manager would get the full picture, catching any cross-state issues and getting a look into the tenants’ financial reliability and eviction history.
The Takeaway: Why Western Verify is the Go-To for Apartment Associations
When it comes to choosing tenants, apartment associations need more than a simple state-level criminal record—they need a holistic view of who they’re renting to. Private background checks like those from Western Verify provide the flexibility to check all relevant data points, from national criminal records to credit histories and evictions. For apartment associations looking to make the best, most informed choices, Western Verify offers the tools to get there.
Sources:
Certifix Live Scan. “BCI vs. FBI Background Checks
CERTIFIX LIVE SCAN BLOG
ps://blog.certifixlivescan.com/bci-vs-fbi-background-checks/).
PeopleTrail. “Di
PEOPLETRAIL
Name-Based Checks and Fingerprint Checks.” PeopleTrail.
JDP Background Screening. “Background Checks vs. Private Investigators.”
PREEMPLOYMENT SCREENING DIRECTORY
om/blog/background-checks-vs-private-investigators/).
PreEmployment Directory. “Differentiating Between Pre-Employment and Investigation Background Checks.” PreEmployment Directory.
- Apartment associations have a lot at stake with every new tenant. With the added assurance from comprehensive checks like those from Western Verify, they can make decisions confidently, knowing they have the complete picture.