Try offering references, getting a roommate, paying a larger deposit or working with an individual landlord. Credit checks: Landlords in Pennsylvania may conduct credit checks on potential tenants, but they must obtain written consent from the tenant before doing so.They just want your money. As a Pennsylvania landlord, you simply must run a background check on every applicant. Require all interested parties to fill out a detailed rental application. Did you pay your rent on time each month? Were any utilities included in the rent?