Are there any laws governing the use of tenant screening services?

Yes, in California, there are laws governing the use of tenant screening services. California Civil Code section 1785.14 states that a landlord has the right to screen potential tenants, including the use of tenant screening services. However, the use of these services must be conducted in accordance with certain restrictions. Landlords must provide a written disclosure to prospective tenants informing them of the use of a tenant screening service, the name of the service, and that the tenant has the right to obtain a copy of the report. Additionally, the tenant must provide consent for the landlord to use the service. The tenant also has the right to dispute any information on the tenant screening report. The landlord is obligated to provide the tenant with contact information for the tenant screening service, and they must respond to the tenant’s inquiry within 30 days. Furthermore, the landlord must provide the tenant with the results of the tenant screening service within 21 days of the landlord’s receipt of the report. These laws in California serve to protect tenants by ensuring their right to consent to the use of tenant screening services, dispute any inaccurate information, and obtain a copy of the report. Landlords must also comply with these laws in order to stay compliant with state regulations.

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