Without due diligence and attention to detail the potential for inaccurate data becomes a possibility. Greater accuracy provides a greater protection to the applicant.”
Waltham, MA (PRWEB) February 20, 2014
Tenant checks are a key component in the vetting process of perspective tenants. Landlords and property managers rely on the accuracy and reliability of the information provided by third-party background screening providers to make well informed decisions. The reports used by third-party background screening providers originate from private records like credit information and public records like criminal history information. This data can come from databases, court records, or individuals via interview.
Ultimately the key remains in the accuracy of the information gathered.
When incorrect and unverified information is used the end result could be disastrous.
From Courthouse News Service (Jan. 24, 2014):
Harold Charles Meyer claims that National Tenant Network sent an inaccurate consumer report to Meyer's prospective employer and landlord, Shorewood RV Park, claiming he had "three criminal sex offense record…” http://www.courthousenews.com/2014/01/24/64819.htm
Inaccurate information affects all aspects of background screening, including tenant checks and pre-employment screening.
Adam Almeida, President and CEO of TenantScreeningUSA.com states: “Background screening reports require full name, social security number, and/or date of birthday in order to draw information. Obviously these information points must be correct in order to draw accurate public records on an individual.”
The lawsuit (case number: 3:2013cv03187, Meyer et al v. National Tenant Network, Inc.; http://dockets.justia.com/docket/california/candce/3:2013cv03187/268146) that National Tenant Network is embroiled in revolves around claims of inaccurate data points used to draw information, specifically from credit reports.
From Courthouse News Service (Jan. 24, 2014):
…blamed the inaccurate sex-offender designation on National Tenant Network having mistakenly relied on a consumer report for Charles Otis Meyer and several other individuals with similar names.
http://www.courthousenews.com/2014/01/24/64819.htm
Ultimately it is for the courts to decide whether or not malfeasance occurred but the article does highlight the need for care and attention to detail in the transfer of information.
Almeida states: “If there is an error on a background check it is up to the screening company to re-verify information reported. As a Credit Reporting Agency (CRA) a screening company generally has thirty-days to re-verify information.”
In 2012, HireRight, Inc., a third-party background screener and Credit Reporting Agency, faced penalty from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
From a press release provided by the FTC regarding their civil action (United States of America, Plaintiff, v. HireRight Solutions, Inc., Defendant, 112-cv-01313, http://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/cases-and-proceedings/cases/2012/08/hireright-solutions-inc):
An employment background screening company that provides consumer reports to companies nationwide will pay $2.6 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act by failing to use reasonable procedures to assure the maximum possible accuracy of information it provided, failing to give consumers copies of their reports, and failing to reinvestigate consumer disputes, as required by law. http://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2012/08/employment-background-screening-company-pay-26-million-penalty
Almeida states: “It is imperative that all third-party screening companies ensure the information used for pulling public records is as accurate as possible. Without due diligence and attention to detail the potential for inaccurate data becomes a possibility. Greater accuracy provides a greater protection to the applicant.”
TenantScreeningUSA.com is a third-party tenant screening company and Credit Reporting Agency that provides accurate and reliable information to landlords and property managers for properties large and small. By utilizing current county court criminal records, credit reports and the most up-to-date databases TenantScreeningUSA.com can provide the information one requires to make fast, accurate and well-informed decisions.
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