Imagine: you have found the ideal accommodation. The apartment is spacious, bright, in a picturesque area, and the price is simply amazing. You are already mentally arranging the furniture and preparing for the housewarming party, but…
Stop! Take your time. Zillow Background Check can be a treacherous obstacle to your dreams.
This article is your guide to the world of Zillow Background Check. We will not just tell you what it is and how it works, but we will also share secrets on how to avoid pitfalls and prevent this check from ruining your plans.
What is a Zillow Background Check?
Zillow background checkis a service provided by Zillow that allows landlords to screen potential tenants. Zillow uses a third party provider, Checkr, to conduct background checks.
Zillow background checks typically include:
- National Criminal Background Check:search criminal and arrest records in public databases across the country.
- Search for sex offenders:check the list of registered sex offenders in the United States.
- Eviction history:search for records of evictions in courts and other sources.
Additionally:
- Zillow does not include credit reports in its standard background check.
- Landlords can add other elements to the screening, such as education verification, employment verification and reference checks, for an additional fee.
How far back does Zillow background check go?
Zillow does not set a fixed time period, for which a background check is performed.
Verification perioddepends on several factors:
- Fair housing laws:
- Each state and locality has its own laws that govern what information can be used in a background check.
- Zillow is required to comply with these laws.
- Type of check:
- Zillow’s standard background check typically includes a search for criminal records within the last 7 years.
- An extended review may include a search over a longer period.
- Landlord preferences:
- Landlords can specify what time period they want Zillow to check.
INIn general, Zillow checks:
- National criminal record check:
- Zillow typically checks criminal records for the last 7 years.
- In some cases, Zillow may check criminal records going back longer than that.
- Search for sex offenders:
- Zillow checks the list of registered sex offenders in the United States.
- History of evictions:
- Zillow typically reviews eviction records for the last 7 years.
- In some cases, Zillow may be able to review eviction records going back longer than that.
Important:
- Landlords should check their local fair housing laws to know what information can be used in a background check.
- Rental applicants should be prepared to provide the landlord with additional information about their history.
Zillow Background Check Errors:
As with any report,Zillow background checks may have errors. This can be a frustrating experience for both landlords and rental candidates.
Common types of errors:
- Incorrect identification:A person may be mistakenly identified as someone else with a similar name or date of birth.
- Inaccurate criminal record information:The report may list convictions that do not apply to the individual or may contain incorrect information about conviction dates.
- Errors in eviction history:The report may list evictions that do not apply to the individual or may contain incorrect information about eviction dates.
Other possible errors:
- Incomplete information:The report may omit information that is important to the landlord.
- Errors in dates:Records may contain incorrect dates of birth, conviction dates, or eviction dates.
- Spelling errors:There may be errors in names, addresses or other information in the reports.
How to Challenge a Zillow Background Check
If you find an error in your Zillow background check, you can dispute it.
Here’s how to do it:
1. CONTACT CHECKR:
- Use the contact information provided in the background check report.
- Explain the error and provide documents confirming your correctness.
- Documents you can provide:
- Copies of court decisions
- Letters from government agencies
- Police certificates
- Any other documents that confirm your case
2. FOLLOW CHECKR INSTRUCTIONS:
- Checkr may request additional documents or information from you.
- Checkr will investigate and correct the error if confirmed.
3. CONTACT THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC):
- If Checkr is unable or unwilling to correct the error, you can contact the FTC.
- The FTC can help you resolve your dispute with Checkr.
4. GO TO COURT:
- If all other methods have been exhausted, you can go to court.
- This is a last resort and should only be used if you are sure you are in the right.
Errors in Zillow Background Check? Don’t let them ruin your plans!
Prosvetitel Law Firm can help:
- Dispute errors in your Zillow background check.
- Protect your rights under fair housing laws.
Contact our lawyers for help!
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