Landlords are generally required to obtain written consent from tenants or prospective tenants before obtaining a consumer report, including a background check. Under federal law, a landlord who denies your tenant application because of information in a tenant screening report is required to inform you of that fact.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. Secure your next rental using our expert tips for how to pass a rental credit check successfully and make a strong impression on landlords. A tenant background check provides a comprehensive look at the applicant, including everything from rental history to criminal records. A lot of jurisdictions aren't going to let me accept a years rent up front. Other jurisdictions will penalize me, if I rent an apartment out to illegal aliens.