Understanding Criminal Background Checks for Apartments in California

Learn how far criminal background checks go for apartment rentals in California and what landlords can consider.

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California law generally allows criminal background checks to go back seven years. Landlords can review criminal records during this period to make rental decisions, but arrest records that did not result in a conviction typically cannot be considered.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What types of records can landlords check for rental applications? Landlords can check criminal convictions, but they cannot consider arrest records without convictions.
  2. How long does a landlord's background check last? In California, background checks typically go back seven years.
  3. Are there any restrictions on what landlords can look for in a background check? Yes, landlords cannot consider arrest records that did not lead to a conviction.
  4. What should I do if my rental application is denied due to my criminal record? You may have the right to dispute the decision and should check your state's laws for tenant protections.