That's where thorough tenant screening comes in. It's your trusty map to navigate the rental jungle and unearth the responsible residents you deserve. In this comprehensive guide, we'll equip you with the knowledge and resources to:

Master the Background Check:

• Criminal history: According to the FBI, there were over 6.8 million arrests in the U.S. in 2021. While not all arrests automatically disqualify a tenant, understanding their criminal background can provide valuable insights. The Connecticut Judicial Department offers criminal history searches based on name and date of birth. Remember to comply with Fair Housing Laws and focus on convictions relevant to tenancy, such as property damage or violent crimes.
• Eviction history: While a centralized database for evictions does exist in Connecticut, it provides just 3 years of records and includes just one State. You should uncover valuable and more reliable information for your search and can:
• Contact previous landlords: Request written or verbal confirmation of the applicant's rental history,including payment records and any eviction proceedings.
• Utilize tenant screening services: Companies like TenantTracks access public records from many States and go above and beyond to match records to individuals that use alias name or have previous records under a marriage or maiden name. 

What's typically included in a background check?

The exact information can vary depending on the provider and the purpose of the check.

1. Identifying Information:

• Full name, including aliases
• Date of birth
• Current and previous addresses

2. Criminal History:

• Convictions for felonies and misdemeanors 
• In some cases, traffic violations 
• Sex offender registry information
• Terrorist Watch-list searches 

3. Public Records:

• Civil judgments, bankruptcies and liens are important but only bankruptcy records are now shown on a credit report. The other court records are provided by just some screening companies like TenantTracks which uses an enhanced civil case report. Other companies use a less expensive search and won’t show Small Claims judgments, tax liens and civil judgments that could be related to a past rental situation. 

4. Employment Verification:

• Past and present employers
• Dates of employment
• Job titles and responsibilities

5. Credit History:

• Credit score
• Payment history
• Outstanding credit card and loan information
• Credit inquiries
• Active Collections

    6.  Eviction History:

• Prior evictions from rental properties
• Plaintiff and other defendant names
• Dates of evictions

How does a Credit Check work?

Landlords often use credit checks as part of the tenant screening process to assess an applicant's financial stability and ability to pay rent on time. They typically look for:

• A consistent track record of on-time payments on credit accounts.
• A low credit utilization ratio (the percentage of available credit being used).
• No recent late payments or significant derogatory marks.

A bad credit score doesn't necessarily signify a bad tenant, but understanding their financial responsibility is crucial. Consider these options:

• Obtain the tenant's credit report from the applicant: Tenants can access their own credit history through annualcreditreport.com and may provide you a copy of their report. However this is dangerous as these reports can be photo-shopped. 
• Remember, credit scores and reports are just one factor, and you should consider the applicant’s overall financial stability and you need to verify their income and determine how stable it is and what are their other debts and obligations that need to be serviced when making your leasing decision.
• Choose a Hybrid Option: Don’t do double the work. Choose a screening company like TenantTracks that gives you a Complete Background Check, including Credit Check, Alias Name Search Logic (Married/Divorced names that other providers will miss), criminal and eviction records and so much more. While you verify employment, previous landlord references and personal references.

Remember, a credit check is just one factor landlords consider when choosing tenants. While a good credit score can be beneficial, it's not the only indicator of responsibility and financial stability.

How do you look up evictions?

Looking up eviction history in Connecticut can be tricky, as the information provided on the CT Judicial website is not matched to the applicant meaning there are many people with the same name so it’s unreliable and only provides 3 years of records and not 7 years like screening companies provide. There are other ways to uncover an applicant's rental history and potential evictions:

1. Direct Communication:

• Contact previous landlords: This is the most direct and reliable method. Reach out to the applicant's listed previous landlords for written or verbal confirmation of their rental history, including payment records and any eviction proceedings. Be prepared to provide proof of your authority to seek this information.

2. Tenant Screening Services:

• Utilize professional services: Reputable tenant screening companies often access court records and public databases to compile eviction reports from a national database. While not infallible, these reports can offer valuable insights, especially if combined with other verification methods. Note not every state provides eviction records to the national database.

3. Public Records:

• Court records: Search court websites or visit courthouses directly to check for eviction filings and judgments against the applicant. Access can vary depending on the court, so expect some legwork. (TenantTracks will do this work for you and bundle them for free into their comprehensive reports!)
• Newspaper archives: In older cases, local newspapers might have reported on evictions. This method is time-consuming and less reliable, but could be helpful for historical searches.

4. Online Resources:

• Eviction search websites: Certain websites claim to offer eviction searches, though their accuracy and completeness can be questionable. Proceed with caution and verify any information obtained from these sources. It’s better to go through trusted companies like TenantTracks who rely on data from legitimate Fair Credit Report Act compliant services that compile eviction records each month from courthouses. 

Industry Statistics:

• According to the National Multifamily Housing Council, rent delinquency rates in the U.S. averaged 7.9% in 2023. Understanding your applicant's financial history can help mitigate this risk.
• A 2022 Zillow study found that evictions accounted for nearly 2% of all rental units nationwide. Thorough background checks can help you avoid evictions and the associated costs.

Go Beyond the Basics:

While background and credit checks are essential, consider these additional measures for a holistic picture:

• Employment verification: Contact current or previous employers to confirm employment history and income.This helps ensure the tenant can afford your rent.
• Reference checks: Contact personal or professional references provided by the tenant. This can offer insights into their character and responsibility.
• Pet screening: For pet-friendly rentals, inquire about breed, temperament, and liability insurance. This protects your property from potential damage. This company can also verify if a “Support Animal” claim is legitimate

Navigating the Legal Landscape:

Always remember:

• Fair Housing Laws: Connecticut prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, familial status, disability, sexual orientation and several other categories. Base your decisions on objective criteria related to tenancy, not personal characteristics.
• Maintain consistency: Apply the same screening criteria to all applicants.
• Document everything: Keep detailed records of the screening process, including applicant information,consent forms, and screening results.

Resources to Empower Your Search:

• TenantTracks: Utilize a reliable tenant screening service like TenantTracks for comprehensive background checks, credit reports, and peace of mind.
• Connecticut Fair Housing Act: Familiarize yourself with your legal obligations to avoid any discriminatory practices.
• National Fair Housing Alliance: Seek guidance and resources from organizations dedicated to fair housing practices. CTPOA is also a helpful organization to join for any landlord, REALTOR or property manager in Connecticut.   

By implementing these strategies and utilizing the right resources, you can transform your Connecticut tenant search from a gamble to a strategic treasure hunt. You'll be well-equipped to identify reliable, responsible renters who'll make your property thrive and turn you from a frustrated landlord into a satisfied investor. Don't settle for buried treasure – unearth the perfect tenants and unlock the true potential of your Connecticut rentals.