How is Tenant Screening Burdensome for Tenants?

The entire tenant screening process can turn out to be unfair for some tenants, especially if they have been victims of domestic violence or have wrongful evictions on their record.

The process is costly as well, because the tenants have to pay for the screening free which may range from $30 to $75 for every application. And as this is non-refundable, the tenant loses this amount if the landlord decides against them and declines them the offer to move in to the unit.

Main Challenges Faced by tenants

There are a number of reasons which can result in the tenant being declined a rental. Those who have a poor credit history or past evictions often end up spending hundreds of dollars on tenant screening without being offered a rental unit. There are certain discriminations as well, which limit the rental choices and pose all the more problems for these tenants.

Race and Disability Discrimination

In Seattle, for example, there are a number of cases that reflect discrimination based on disability or race when selecting tenant for a rental. A report by the Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR) showed that around 38% of properties used discriminating factors to assess tenants and limited people with disabilities in finding a decent home for themselves.

Errors in Credit Report

Discrepancies in credit history are also one of the main reasons of tenants finding it hard to pass the screening. Inaccuracies and mistakes in the credit or screening report can stay for years, for example, illegally or wrongfully forced evictions often stay on the record until addressed. As most tenants don’t see a copy of their record, these mistakes are not accounted for and continue to be a negative point for the tenants.

Victims of Domestic Violence

Though section RCW 59.18.570 clearly states that no tenant can be denied housing on the basis of their history of being a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault, landlords tend to be reluctant in choosing them because of the protection order on their records. Some may even deny them housing without providing any justified reason.

The Fair Tenant Screening Act

Advocates are working to secure the rights of tenants and help them go through the screening process without any extra hassle. Some of the main issues that are intended to be addressed through this act include:

• Discrepancies in the credit and screening repot
• Unjustified evictions
• Costly screening fee
• Protection for victims of domestic violence

The state legislators in Washington need to look into this matter and provide support and protection to renters throughout the state to overcome these challenges and address the barriers in finding a home.