How Long Does A Background Check Take For An Apartment?

Applying for an apartment can be a little more drawn out than some people expect. Sometimes it can fly by and the process is quick, while occasionally delays can slow it down a bit. It isn’t a wonder that someone might be asking: how long does a background check take for an apartment. Because it varies based on a number of factors.

As property managers, we try to move things along. But there are always potential delays that are out of our control. Our Austin property management solutions involve full services, including overseeing the background check process. So we understand why some might be wondering just why it takes different lengths of time from one application to another. Let’s jump into the process and try to tease out the various factors.

Table of Contents

• How Long Does a Background Check Take for an Apartment?
• Common Causes of Delays
• The Background Check Process
• Look to BMG for Help

How Long Does a Background Check Take for an Apartment?

An apartment background check typically ranges from 24 to 72 hours. That is how long tenants will expect it take to get approved (or not approved) and a general sense for the timeframe landlords should adhere to. This process involves verifying rental history, employment, creditworthiness, and criminal records. While the background check itself may take only a few hours, the overall application process can extend to several days, depending on factors such as the applicant’s responsiveness and the thoroughness of the screening.

In Texas, the timeline for processing rental applications is aligned with national averages, often taking the same one to three days. This goes along with various Texas-specific regulations that landlords should be familiar with. However, certain circumstances, such as the need for more detailed background checks or delays in obtaining necessary information, can extend this period. These potential delays may affect the timing of lease agreements and move-in dates, making it advisable for applicants to maintain prompt communication and provide accurate information to expedite the process.

Common Causes of Delays

While we are giving a ballpark idea of what to expect when asking how long does a background check take for an apartment, there are a number of delays that could affect that timeframe. Here are some of the most ways in which a background check could be longer than that 72 hour estimate.

• Inaccurate or Incomplete Information – Mistakes like typos in social security numbers or misspelled names can delay background checks. Verifications can also be delayed if incorrect companies are listed, requiring additional outreach to clarify information.
• Federal and State Regulations – Background check laws differ across states, areas, and jurisdictions. This can sometimes delay things, especially if the applicant is moving between states or regions. Being as accurate as possible and supplying as much information as you can in an application will cut down on this potential delay.
• References or Other Contacts – Background checks rely on responses from third parties like former employers or past landlords. Even with a screening agency’s robust follow-ups, if others are slow to respond, it can cause further delays.
• Weather-Related Delays – Local offices and agencies play a part in background checks. Unexpected closures due to weather can be another factor that adds a delay. If a former employer or previous landlord is out of of the office due to some kind of weather-related situation, that could become just one more delay that slows things down a day or two.

The Background Check Process

Fundamental to understanding how long does a background check take for an apartment is explaining what exactly happens in the background check process. First, as described, the applicant will fill out forms that provide information (sometimes digitally) as well as supply any consent or additional forms that the landlord or property manager may have. This generally includes supplying personal information, consent for background checks, and any required proof of income or employment.

From that, they will usher that information towards a third-party service of some kind to do the apartment background checks, sometimes a couple of them. When they do that, that information will be used to do several evaluations:

• criminal history
• credit reports
• income verification
• past evictions
• employment verification

Each part of this provides landlords with insights into a tenant’s reliability and financial stability, aiding in informed leasing decisions. But as you can see, with numerous different parts of the process, a delay could result. If there is incomplete information about an employer and they need to follow up, it could slow down the income or employment verification. If there is a weather delay in an office that provides checks regarding criminal history, that verification could be delayed. While many of these are consolidated and done digitally nowadays, there are still some instances of things being slowed for the various reasons described.

Look to BMG for Help

Applying for an apartment and getting approved can be an exciting time for new renters. However, if you want to get approved as soon as possible, it helps to know what information you need and fill out your application accurately and fully. It just improves your odds of having it go through the process as quickly as possible.

And if you’re looking for someone to help you oversee the process, why not call the professionals? If you’re looking for property services company in Austin, Boston, Atlanta, Baltimore, Philadelphia, or a number of other regions, check out Bay Property Management Group! BMG offers full-service rental property management. So, if you’re a landlord wanting someone else to handle the rental application and tenant screening process, we can help! Contact us today.