Our firm runs the credit reports from the 3 agencies. The fee is $25.

as a landlord, whay kind of "credit check" do you run? Do you pull credit files from the 3 credit reporting agencies and then report your findings to the person seeking credit?? Of do you simply call the applicants work number and previous address?

I own rental properties and I never rent to anyone without doing a credit check and background/criminal check. I have, however, rented to people with credit problems. In those cases, they put down a larger deposit and signed a lease stating that eviction will start sooner than our usual lease states. Different states have different laws, of course. Sometimes, it's county-by-county.

I am constantly surprised at the fact that so few tenants actually want to know what the contract says before they sign it. If you find a landlord who rents a house without doing a credit check, be sure you understand that contract!

i do not think paying rent has any effect on your credit

It is up to the specific landlord's practices. Not all rentals are made the same.

If your worried about credit problems - I agree with the previous post. A written explination could be helpful.

If you do not have credit problems and are worried about the landlord lowering your credit score -- one credit pull will not reduce your score. It's when you have multiple credit inquries in a short amount of time that makes a difference.

If you want to consider buying instead of renting, please visit my website listed below.

A responsible landlord will want to check your credit rating before entering into a long term lease. If you have credit problems, be prepared to have a written explanation to go along with that credit report. If you need assistance, feel free to contact me at kracine@kw.com or check my website http://www.katherineracine.com