How to Screen Tenants in Wilmington, DE…
Screening applicants in Wilmington is seamless with RealSerious.com. Simply provide the applicant’s name and email. We’ll verify their identity, secure their consent, and release a detailed credit report along with a multi-state criminal record search.
No monthly fees – pay as you go.
Wilmington Tenant Screening Services You Can Trust
RealSerious.com is well-acquainted with Wilmington’s dynamic rental market. Whether you’re managing apartments in the vibrant downtown area, townhomes in Trolley Square, or suburban properties in Pike Creek, our services provide Wilmington landlords with the data needed to make important decisions.
Wilmington’s Different Communities
Wilmington offers a variety of rental options, from urban lofts to family-friendly homes in quiet suburbs. RealSerious.com delivers tenant screening services designed to meet the needs of landlords throughout Wilmington and nearby communities.
Popular Neighborhood Areas:
Downtown: Ideal for tenants who enjoy living near business centers, restaurants, and entertainment.
Trolley Square: A popular area known for its walkability, boutique shops, and vibrant nightlife, appealing to young professionals.
Pike Creek: Offers a more suburban feel, attracting families and long-term renters.
Brandywine Village: Known for its historical charm, making it appealing to tenants who value character-filled homes.
Southbridge: A growing area with affordable rental options, drawing diverse tenant demographics.
Elkton Road Corridor: A hub for renters who prefer proximity to nearby Newark and the University of Delaware.
What’s Included in a Standard Screening?
Our service provides comprehensive insights to help protect your property and improve the chances of selecting responsible tenants. Reports include the following details, where available:
• Credit Score & Factors (ResidentScore®)
• Reported Addresses & Employment
• Credit Card & Loan Payments
• Ch 7 & 13 Bankruptcy Remarks
• Returned Check Collection Accts
• Unpaid Utility & Landlord Collections
• Foreclosures & Repossessions
• Multi-State Criminal Records*
• National Sex Offender Registry
• Global Sanctions
See a sample report.
Turnaround Times: Nearly all reports are delivered within seconds after the applicant’s identity is verified. Some results may take up to 1–2 days due to factors like common names, potential record matches, or local jurisdiction reporting delays.
*DISCLAIMER: No tenant criminal background check is 100% complete. Coverage for our standard tenant screening report may vary due to (1) jurisdictions limiting what records are eligible to return and (2) TransUnion and/or its partners limiting records that do not meet their data quality standards. Learn more about tenant criminal records.
Wilmington Tenant Screening FAQs
If you have questions to ask, contact us. However, please note: We cannot offer legal advice. The following information is provided without any warranty or guarantee of accuracy.
Are landlords in Wilmington allowed to charge an application fee?
Yes, Wilmington landlords can charge a rental application fee. Delaware law requires landlords to refund any unused portion of the fee if it exceeds the cost of screening. Learn more in the Delaware Landlord-Tenant Code: https://delcode.delaware.gov/title25/c055/.
Are criminal records allowed to be used for vetting renters?
Yes, Wilmington landlords can perform criminal background checks, but they must comply with fair housing regulations and avoid discriminatory practices. For additional guidance, consult the Delaware Division of Human Relations: https://statehumanrelations.delaware.gov.
Wilmington Landlord Resources
Below are helpful resources for landlords to navigate legal issues, tenant relations, and property management. For statewide resources, visit our Delaware tenant screening.
Delaware State Bar Association
https://www.dsba.org/resources/public-resources/
Locate licensed attorneys practicing landlord-tenant law.
Justice of the Peace Court – Landlord-Tenant Matters
https://courts.delaware.gov/help/landlordtenant/
Official source for summary possession actions.
New Castle County Board of REALTORS®
Resources, education, and support for real estate professionals and property managers.
City of Wilmington Department of Licenses and Inspections
https://www.wilmingtonde.gov/business/residential-rental-property-program
Oversees the registration, licensing, and inspection of all rental properties within the city. Landlords are required to obtain and maintain a Residential Property Rental License annually.
Wilmington Housing Authority
https://whadelaware.org/landlords
Provides resources for landlords participating in programs like the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
Greater Wilmington Housing Providers
Offers support, education, and fosters productive relationships between landlords and municipal, county, and state officials.