What must a private landlord do if they want to get a background check/tenant report on me?
Under state and federal law, you have the right to the following protections if a private landlord runs a background check on you:
- The Landlord Must Give You “Notice” & Get Written Permission to Run a Background Check: This means that you must receive a written document (“notice”) from the landlord saying that s/he wishes to conduct a background check on you. The landlord must get your written permission before getting the background check.[1286]
- Give the Applicant a Copy of the Background Check: Within 3 days of receiving the background check report, the landlord must provide you with a copy.[1287] In California, you also have the right to request a copy of your report for at least 2 years after the background check company provides your report to the landlord (or anyone else who requests the report).[1288]