Insights

Pre-employment background checks are critical, but they’re also highly regulated. Compliance mistakes not only expose employers to lawsuits but also damage candidate trust. Common pitfalls employers face Skipping written consent  – The FCRA requires employers to obtain authorization before conducting checks. Bundling disclosures  – Consent must be clear and separate, not buried in application paperwork. Improper adverse action  – If a decision is based on the report, candidat

Background screening has been in the spotlight, with regulators taking action against some of the largest credit bureaus for inaccuracies and compliance failures. The cost of non-compliance In late 2024, regulators fined a major bureau more than $20 million  for providing inaccurate rental background reports and failing to remove sealed or expunged records. This was not an isolated incident, similar fines have been levied in recent years. Why it matters for housing providers

The rental housing industry continues to face regulatory shifts that affect how tenant background checks are conducted. In early 2025, several updates have caught the attention of property managers and landlords. New I-9 verification rules While primarily impacting employers, updates to verification forms also influence housing providers who cross-reference work authorization. The newest Form I-9 became mandatory in January 2025, and landlords using employment verification as