
Tenant Screening in Columbia, MD…
Placing your first order is easy. Provide your applicant’s name and email, and we’ll obtain their consent to deliver an official credit report plus a multi-state criminal background check.
No monthly fees – pay as you go.

Smart Tenant Selection
Whether you own properties in bustling Town Center, quiet Wilde Lake, or family-friendly Hickory Ridge, Columbia’s diverse rental market demands smart tenant selection. RealSerious.com helps landlords make better leasing decisions.
Comprehensive Coverage Across Columbia
Columbia offers a range of living options, from urban apartments to single-family homes. RealSerious.com helps property owners screen applicants in various communities, providing essential insights for better risk management.
Popular Neighborhoods
Town Center: Ideal for tenants who want to live near restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.
Wilde Lake: Known for its family-friendly vibe and close-knit community.
Hickory Ridge: A peaceful neighborhood with parks and recreational spaces.
Owen Brown: Offers a blend of suburban comfort and city convenience.
Kings Contrivance: Popular among professionals seeking quiet residential areas.
Dorsey’s Search: Features upscale homes and easy access to amenities.
Which Critical Insights Help Tenant Selection?
Our detailed tenant reports equip landlords with critical insights for selecting qualified renters. Reports typically 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 here.
Fast Turnaround: Most reports are ready within seconds after identity verification. Some may take 1–2 days due to local jurisdiction 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.
Columbia Tenant Screening FAQs
Need more answers? Contact us. Note: We are unable to provide legal advice. For specific landlord-tenant matters, please consult a local attorney or expert.
Are landlords permitted to charge a fee to apply?
Maryland allows landlords to charge rental application fees, but they must not exceed $25 unless the fee is justified by actual screening costs.
Can Columbia landlords check criminal records?
Landlords may conduct criminal background checks but must follow Maryland’s fair housing laws and avoid discrimination.
Columbia Landlord Resources
For statewide information, visit the Maryland tenant screening page.
Howard County District Court
3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043
https://www.courts.state.md.us/district/directories/courtmap
Handles eviction filings and other landlord-tenant legal matters.
Howard County Association of REALTORS® (HCAR)
Details landlord obligations under fair housing laws and anti-discrimination policies.
Greater Baltimore Board of REALTORS®
Professional resources for landlords and property managers.
Howard County Code Enforcement
Phone: 410-313-1830
https://www.howardcountymd.gov/planning-zoning