Chicago Tenant Screening

Effortless Tenant Screening in Chicago, IL…

Simplify your rental process in Chicago with RealSerious.com. Submit your applicant’s name and email, and we’ll take care of identity verification, secure consent, and deliver an official credit report along with a comprehensive multi-state criminal background check.

No monthly fees – pay as you go.

Tailored Background Checks for Chicago Landlords

RealSerious.com understands the distinctive challenges of Chicago’s rental market. From luxury high-rises in the Loop to single-family homes in Jefferson Park and apartments in Wicker Park, our applicant screening solutions equip you with the information needed to make informed decisions.

Diverse Neighborhoods

Chicago boasts a variety of neighborhoods, each with unique rental dynamics. RealSerious.com provides reliable resident screening tailored to the city’s vibrant communities, helping property owners reduce risks and protect their investments.

Key Areas Across the Windy City

The Loop: Ideal for professionals seeking downtown living close to corporate offices, public transit, and cultural attractions.

Lincoln Park: A family-friendly area with parks, schools, and historic architecture, attracting long-term renters.

Wicker Park: Known for its artistic vibe, this trendy area appeals to young professionals and creatives.

Hyde Park: Home to the University of Chicago, it’s popular with students and faculty looking for convenient housing.

Jefferson Park: Suburban-style living with easy city access makes this neighborhood attractive to families.

West Loop: A fast-growing area offering luxury apartments, excellent dining, and proximity to downtown.

What’s Included in a Chicago Tenant Screening?

Our comprehensive reports offer critical details to help landlords choose applicants more likely to fulfill their lease terms. Where available, data may often include:

• 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: Reports are usually available within seconds after identity verification. However, common names or jurisdictional delays may result in processing times of up to 1–2 days.

*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.

Chicago Tenant Screening FAQs

If you have more questions, contact us. Note: We are unable to give legal advice. For specific landlord-tenant legal matters, please consult an attorney or legal authority.

Are criminal records allowed in tenant evaluations?

Yes, Chicago landlords can consider criminal convictions, but they must follow the Cook County Just Housing Amendment (see below), which requires landlords to complete a two-step process for evaluating applicants with criminal backgrounds.

Are rental application fees permissible in Chicago?

In Chicago, application fees are allowed, but landlords must comply with specific rules under the Chicago Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinance (RLTO). Key considerations include:

1. Disclosure Requirements

Landlords should clearly disclose the purpose of the application fee, such as covering the cost of tenant screening services.
It’s recommended to provide an itemized breakdown of what the fee covers (e.g., credit checks, criminal background checks).

2. Fee Reasonability

While there’s no strict cap on application fees under the RLTO, fees should be reasonable and reflect the actual cost of screening. Excessive fees may lead to disputes.

3. Refundability

In some cases, landlords may need to refund application fees if the screening process is not completed or if the application is withdrawn before screening begins.

4. Transparency in Screening Criteria

Landlords must inform applicants about the screening process, including criteria such as credit score thresholds, income verification, and rental history requirements.

Essential Resources for Chicago Landlords

Here are helpful links to ensure compliance and streamline rental property management. For statewide resources, visit Illinois tenant screening.

Cook County Clerk of Courts

https://www.cookcountyclerkofcourt.org