The main way that property management companies in Charleston screen tenants is through a credit and background check. However, background check only produces what the applicant has done in the United States and social security numbers are needed to establish credit. When people from other countries are moving to the United States, they might not have a social security number or any background in the country that can be checked.
How to Credit Check Without A Social Security Number
When a potential tenant wants to apply for a rental home the property management companies in Charleston usually require the social security numbers for everyone over 18 years old. Foreign born tenants may not have social security numbers or may not have credit established under their temporary numbers. So, how can you determine their credit worthiness?
One of the ways you can establish if a tenant is credit worthy is to ask for current utility bills from their last known address showing that there is no balance due on the account. You can also ask for multiple months of income statements rather than the standard 30 days that is usually required by property management companies in Charleston.
You can also request a copy of their VISA or permit to be in the country. Immigrants must go through a rigorous process to enter the United States legally and those who are issued a VISA or have resident status have been thoroughly vetted by the United States government.
Other Options for Tenants without Social Security Numbers
The standard lease term on a single-family home is one year. When potential tenants lack social security numbers and you are worried about their credit worthiness, consider offering a shorter lease term.
You can also consider if the tenant has a co-signer that is willing to take responsibility in the lease. Some employers that bring workers from overseas to work for their companies will often lease apartments for their workers that do not have social security numbers.
A good rule of thumb for property management companies in Charleston is to ensure they have a policy in writing for how they screen tenants without social security numbers so that they are not discriminating accidentally.
If you would like a professional property manager in Charleston to handle renting your single-family home, call Scott Properties at 843-790-0148.