Written screening criteria will help rental property owners attract qualified applicants and quickly identify applicants who do not qualify. Credit report: Landlords can request a credit report, but they must obtain written consent from the applicant.With that said, I would never consent to a credit check before applying for a property. Why would it be illegal? This post is designed to give you all the tips and free forms you need to properly screen tenants in the State of California. This allow landlord to verify applicant's identity without asking for immigration status, which would be in violation of Fair Housing law. A landlord who never gets a credit report or checks references on an applicant must refund the entire screening fee. How Landlords Can Use the Screening Fee. Landlords will have the option to provide receipts for tenant screening fees via email when both landlord and applicant agree to it first. Do landlords need applicant consent for background checks?