The City of Seattle added a new chapter to its municipal code, prohibiting the use of criminal history for tenant screening purposes except under very specific circumstances. The law applies to most rental housing located within the city limits – [...]
2018 is here and the New Year means a chance to make a fresh start. While you are making resolutions to improve your personal health, why not also resolve to check on your credit health as well? You’d be surprised [...]
There was a time not so long ago that many people either served in the military or had a close friend or family member who did - when there was greater awareness of the unique challenges faced by military personnel [...]
With last month’s announcement of a significant security breach at Equifax, consumers are being advised to take steps to protect their credit information. One suggestion from the Federal Trade Commission is to place a freeze on your credit files. Placing [...]
There is little doubt that tenant screening is an important part of success in property management. There is little doubt that tenant screening (a form of consumer reporting) is threatened by federal regulation, state and local legislation and an increasingly [...]
There is an ongoing and spirited debate regarding the accuracy of consumer credit reports, the impact of errors on consumers and the responsiveness of the three national credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax & Transunion - collectively “the bureaus”) to consumer [...]
So, you’re getting ready to go out into the rental market and find a great new place to rent! Are you aware that there are things you should consider before you begin submitting your application for tenancy? Here’s what you [...]
Public information access is changing Public data access is constantly changing, and much of that change is driven by consumer rights groups. As privacy and discrimination laws have evolved, the amount of information available to the public has become more [...]
Two recent developments have “encouraged” us to take a fresh look at the use of criminal records for tenant screening purposes – the process and criteria. Washington State’s Office of the Attorney General is actively shopping rental properties and taking [...]
AB 2819 prohibits access to the majority of eviction records – removing an important tool in the landlord’s risk management arsenal. What to do?? Background Previously, eviction lawsuits (termed unlawful detainers or UD’s in legal circles) became public 60 days [...]