Potential Ban of Criminal Records in Tenant Screening Should Alert Landlords Everywhere; opines TenantScreeningUSA.com
New York City Council has introduced a bill banning landlords from conducting criminal history checks as part of the vetting process for new tenants. Adam Almeida, President and CEO of TenantScreeningUSA.com opines: "Whenever a significant legal action takes placing regarding housing in a major city such as New York City landlords everywhere should take immediate note and a best practice remains to work with a well-qualified third-party tenant screening agency, such as TenantScreeningUSA.com, in order to remain in compliance with all pending and existing law.
WALTHAM, Mass., Nov. 11, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Recently, the New York City Council introduced a bill banning landlords utilizing criminal history reports as part of tenant applicant vetting. Adam Almeida, President and CEO of TenantScreeningUSA.com, states: "Any time significant legislation is introduced in a city such as New York landlords and property managers across the country should take immediate note as other cities could follow New York's lead; and a best practice remains to work with a third-party tenant screening agency, such as TenantScreeningUSA.com, in order to remain compliant with laws governing tenant screening.
New York City Council has introduced a new bill making it easier for individuals with criminal background records to gain housing by banning the use of criminal history records as part of the tenant screening process.
From CityandStateNY.com on October 13, 2020:
New York City Councilman Stephen Levin, with 18 cosponsors, has introduced a bill to ban landlords from running criminal background checks on potential tenants because it prevents formerly incarcerated individuals from securing stable housing. The proposed legislation applies to most rentals, leases, sublets, or any occupancy agreements. The main exception to the proposed regulation is if someone is renting out a space in the residence where their family also lives. (1)
When a city such as New York implements new legislation governing the use of public records as part of the tenant screening process other cities may take note and implement similar actions.
Almeida adds: "Banning the use of criminal history records is not a new thought in pre-employment background screening, but may be gaining traction as part of tenant screening. New York City may be the largest municipality to enact such an ordinance, but smaller cities have already acted."
Oakland, California became one of the first cities to ban criminal history records in tenant screening earlier in 2020.
From the Los Angeles Times on January 21, 2020:
Council members voted unanimously to pass the Fair Chance Access to Housing Ordinance, which supporters say will help ensure ex-cons can find secure housing instead of ending up on the streets. The Berkeley City Council is expected to vote on a similar measure in February and supporters plan to start work shortly on similar measures in Emeryville and Alameda County. (2)
Almeida concludes: "Laws governing the use of public records will continue to evolve and change. Whenever a significant law changes, such as the one in New York City governing the use of Criminal History Reports, property managers and landlords should take immediate note. Working with a well-qualified third-party tenant screening agency remains a best practice in order to stay current with all laws governing tenant screening.
TenantScreeningUSA.com provides full-service tenant screening for landlords and property managers of any size and can greatly assist in remaining fully compliant with all existing law governing tenant screening. With a highly trained and experienced staff, TenantScreeningUSA.com can provide help to landlords and property managers with all their tenant screening needs.
Notes:
(1) cityandstateny.com/articles/policy/housing/nyc-could-ban-criminal-background-checks-potential-tenants.html
(2) latimes.com/california/story/2020-01-21/oakland-bans-criminal-background-checks-on-potential-tenants
Media Contact
Dan Adams, Tenant Screening USA, 877-811-6557, [email protected]
SOURCE Tenant Screening USA
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