Recent attacks by in-home contractors highlight the urgent need for background checks for any working professional conducting in-home repairs or installations. Adam Almeida, President and CEO of TenantScreeningUSA.com states: “Tenants have the right to know who is entering their homes and landlords and/or property managers, as well as tenants, must have the ability to review background screening policies of all contractors.
Whether or not one owns or rents the right to safety and security while in the home or apartment is paramount. Everyday people allow contractors into their homes to provide installations or repairs. Often these contractors are complete strangers and very little is known about their background. A commonplace situation could become a tragic situation very quickly.
Home owners, as well as landlords and/or property managers, should have the right to request and review any background history on an individual(s) entering the home.
Adam Almeida, President and CEO of TenantScreeningUSA.com states: “Regardless if the landlord utilizes their own maintenance people or outside contractors it is critical these individuals have been vetted prior to entry.”
An incident in St. Louis, Missouri highlights the potential threat to a tenant.
From www.StLouisToday.com (Mar. 06, 15):
A woman who was sexually assaulted by a cable repairman is suing her attacker and three companies, claiming the crime could have been prevented if they had done better background checks. (1)
Tenant background checks are commonly conducted on all perspective tenants. These checks review many of the same public documents one might utilize in checking a contractor’s background.
Almeida states: “Utilizing a third-party background screening company would be critical in conducting a tenant check. Often times these same companies conduct contractor background checks but it is important the background check is thorough.”
Just as a landlord would want a tenant check to cover all possible aspects of a perspective tenant, utilizing criminal history, sex offender, evictions, personal references, and other related reports; a tenant would expect the same thoroughness conducted on contractors.
Almeida states: “In the St. Louis case the thoroughness of the contractor’s background check is called into question.”
From www.StLouisToday.com (Mar. 06, 15):
“…none of the companies checked … previous employers or personal references before hiring him, and the limited criminal background check that was performed was inadequate …” (2)
In Franklin, NY a woman claims theft by a contractor.
From www.7OnLine.com (Apr. 27, 15):
“One woman had thousands in jewelry stolen from her home while workers were there, and when she learned about the employee’s criminal history, she was shocked.”
“… has a rap sheet that goes back a decade and includes theft, drugs and resisting arrest. Servpro’s owner admitted he did a background check and decided to hire … anyway.” (3)
Ultimately a thorough background check can greatly assist in making a decision as to who one might allow entry to a rental or owned property.
Almeida states: “The issue of contractor malfeasance is one not commonly discussed, but it is critical that landlords and property managers, as well as home owners understand who they let past the front door. Tenant checks protect the landlord/property manager and contractor background checks protect the tenant and property owner.”
TenantScreeningUSA.com is a third-party tenant screening company that provides tenant checks to landlords and property managers for all sizes and types of rental complexes. From the single-unit to the large community, TenantScreeningUSA.com has the ability to customize a tenant screening package specific to a managers unique requirements. For more information on Contractor Background Checks contact CriminalBackgroundRecords.com.
Notes:
- stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/cable-repairman-s-past-should-have-been-caught-in-background/article_045909f3-6488-50a9-9770-165d53390dc7.html
- stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/cable-repairman-s-past-should-have-been-caught-in-background/article_045909f3-6488-50a9-9770-165d53390dc7.html
- 7online.com/society/7-on-your-side-customer-says-contractor-stole-her-jewelry/684110/
