Background Screening

May is here and I have an update on a few of the legal issues we discussed last month. I thought it would be beneficial to discuss how to dispose of credit reports and other sensitive information contained in a background check.  As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, Colorado HB19-1106 has passed and will take effect August 2, 2019. RSI has received several calls from clients looking to add reference calls or run additional criminal reports so they can keep the application fees at a higher level. If you need to discuss any of these options, make sure to give us a call. Colorado HB19-1118 has passed and will go into effect once it is signed by the governor on May 12, 2019. This is the bill that changes the 3 days’ notice to a 10 days’ notice. It is recommended that you contact your attorney to review eviction time frames and make sure you have the correct legal forms. If you need an attorney referral, please visit the RSI website and use the Information Center tab. ...

In this month’s newsletter we will review the Fair Credit Reporting Act and how it applies to you, the client. You’ll also receive an update on a few of the legal issues discussed last month and a great resource for Colorado clients who want to make sure their voice is heard. Recently, while speaking with a private landlord, they told me they conduct their own background checks using Google and asked if that's how RSl does it. Since RSI is monitored by the credit bureaus, we are held to a higher standard when reporting information that is used in making a credit decision. Rental Services, lnc. is a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) and must follow set legal guidelines. As a CRA, Rental Services, lnc. must navigate federal, state and local laws when conducting a background check. The main law that impacts each report we provide, to you the client, is the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Violations of the FCRA are enforced by the Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Fin...

If you are not paying attention to what’s going on with your state legislature, it’s time to wake up and get in the game. Rent Control was passed in Oregon and there is already talk about expanding it across the nation. Colorado moves closer to passing rental application reform with HB19-1106 and will impact fees and possibly time frames for criminal record usage. Recently the state of Oregon became the first in the country to implement a statewide rent control law. The new law prevents property owners from raising the annual rent more then 7%. Many groups are looking at this as a quick solution to provide affordable housing in markets all over the country. Rent control is under serious consideration by law makers all over the United States. If rent control legislation is passed everywhere it is currently being discussed nearly 1/3 of the country’s rental housing would be impacted by rent control. Advocates site California, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, and Washington D...

  This month’s RSI Newsletter features a review for Users of Consumer Reports, advertising and Fair Housing and a discussion about who’s application is it! Notice to Users of Consumer Reports   Did you know the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires users of Consumer Reports to follow specific rules and guidelines?   When you originally setup your account with Rental Services, Inc. you signed the RSI Service Agreement as part of the setup process. Section 8 of this agreement acknowledges that you have read and understand your obligations under the FCRA. Section 8 specifically addresses a document titled Notice to Users of Consumer Reports: Obligations of Users Under the FCRA. If you’re not familiar with this document I recommend giving it a quick read at: Notice To Users Of Consumer Reports   A few highlights of the document include:   Users must have a permissible purpose to access someone’s credit file.   If you decide to take an ad...

There are a growing number of online options available to individuals looking for background information.   The increasing accessibility of online background screening has fostered the misconception that these checks are easier and cheaper than ever before…and that the information available through an automated platform is of the same quality as that obtained through a qualified credit or background investigator. We live in a society accustomed to having a wealth of information at our fingertips. The internet is an endless resource for FREE information! However, the plethora of public data does not necessarily make it any easier to generate quality screening information. This is the first problem with online person search products: shockingly poor quality. Online companies are not able to adequately cross-reference for accuracy. The human element is missing, and in that void lays the essential key to quality screening.   An inaccurate address could lead to a complete...