Our nationwide criminal search included with the RentPrep Background check is conducted by a FCRA Certified Screener utilizing several databases in order to locate and verify records. If you are conducting your own research and find something on your own, there is likely a valid reason why this was not reported on the background screening report. We highly encourage clients to contact us with the information they found so that we can assist you with the record and why it would not appear on a background screening report.
It is important to note that when compiling a background check, the FCRA requires “maximum possible accuracy” which means we are not providing you with records unless they have been verified and 1. Belong to your applicant and 2. Reportable under applicable laws.
Not all records can be used as adverse action against an applicant so they may have been removed to stay in compliance with the FCRA or applicable state laws. Under the FCRA, criminal records have specific reporting periods we must follow. Misdemeanors are only reportable for 7 years and felonies are reportable for life only if they were actually convicted, if not convicted it would be reportable for 7 years (some states like CA only allow 7 years for all criminal records and they must have a guilty conviction). In addition to FCRA requirements, individual states also have their own reporting periods which further limit the information that can be used against an applicant. Rest assured that if you are not seeing a record on the screening report, it was likely removed because you should not be considering the record when making a rental application decision. If you have any questions about reporting periods in your state please feel free to contact our Screening Department!
Second, you may not see a record because it could be dropped/abandoned, vacated, or expunged. These records are never reportable under the FCRA.
Third, the specific court where the record was found may not release the information to us to provide to you on the final report. Unfortunately courts are not mandated to share their records so you will not find a 100% catch all service that can guarantee every single record. Some courts monetize their information and will require access fees. For example, Massachusetts has their own criminal record keeping platform and does not share their records elsewhere. This system is called the CORI and costs a $25 access fee for each search conducted.