A landlord may not: (1) charge an applicant a screening fee when the landlord knows or should have known that no rental unit is available at that time. You don't need to send a credit report prior to looking at a place you aren't even sure you want to live at.This fact sheet talks about tenant screenings, how to see your report, and how to fix mistakes. The laws allow landlords like you to run a background check on any applicant, but only if you have a signed consent form from them. You are also required to share your rental screening criteria with renters in writing before they apply for a unit. Tenants who move out of a rental unit, or sublet their unit without giving the owner 30 days' written notice, lose the protection of the disclosure law. Landlords are generally required to obtain written consent from tenants or prospective tenants before obtaining a consumer report, including a background check. A unit advertised for a residential tenancy must disclose the nonoptional fees included with the total amount for rent in any advertisement or posting. Background checks typically consist of a credit report, criminal history, income verification, eviction history, and a rental application. The terms of any rental agreement are stated in the lease.