Using tenant screening services in Oregon will help you navigate the state’s distinct laws and regulations so that you can find the best tenant matches for your properties. Many states have unique regulations for how you can approach screening and rental applications, which we’ll go over below.
In Oregon, here’s what you should keep in mind for tenant screening:
- Unlike other states, there’s no security deposit limit
- You are not required to refund application fees
- There’s no set maximum limit for application fees
These are important distinctions to make if you’ve been operating in other states with different regulations. In California, for example, you are not allowed to charge applicants more than $47.72 for tenant screening fees as of 2017. This stipulation is placed to protect prospective tenants from exploitative practices. However, in Oregon, there’s no such limit in place.
What You Should Consider
Before you hike up your rates accordingly, it’s prudent to consider how it will affect your applicant pool. If an application fee is too steep, people will shy away from applying at all. The fee shouldn’t be prohibitively expensive for the area you’re renting in, so be sure to do some research into other local properties to see what their practices are and which you might like to replicate. The most successful landlords and property managers have found the right balance between covering their fees and attracting the sort of applicants they want for their property.
Ideally, you shouldn’t overcharge for application fees. When you use tenant screening services, you should be able to find a range of packages to suit your needs, from a simple pass/fail credit check to a full background check and credit screening. When you use services through TSCI, Inc., you can have applicants apply through an online portal and pay the screening fee automatically. It’s simple and effective, giving you the information you need without the hassle of filing paperwork. You received the results through the same portal.
One last important note to make when you use tenant screening services is that you must have the signed consent of every applicant before you can run a background check in Oregon. Be sure to check with your own legal counsel to ensure you’re following the letter of the law, and be sure to work with someone who has experience with Oregon tenant law.
For your convenience, we recommend our RentalConnect program, which offers property owners and landlords a great alternative to the expense of full tenant screening. This service requires no on-site visit, sign-up, or membership fees, making it extra convenient. The service fee is paid by the applicant. Available 24/7, RentalConnect is fast, easy, secure, and delivers reports needed to make an informed decision, including a credit report, a national criminal search, and a national eviction search. Reach out to us for more details!
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