Detroit Tenant Screening

for Landlords & Real Estate Agents

Tenant Screening in Detroit, MI…

Finding reliable tenants requires thorough vetting. Whether you manage properties in Downtown, Midtown, or Grandmont-Rosedale, RealSerious.com provides comprehensive reports to help landlords make informed leasing decisions.

No monthly fees – pay as you go.

Why Choose RealSerious.com

Whether you manage multi-family apartments or suburban homes, we deliver essential data to help landlords make well-informed rental decisions while adhering to local regulations.

Screening Renters in Detroit’s Neighborhoods

Detroit offers a variety of rental opportunities, from high-rise apartments to single-family homes. Our screening services help landlords throughout the city secure tenants who are more likely to meet lease obligations.


Popular Areas

Downtown: Ideal for professionals seeking proximity to business districts and entertainment hubs.

Midtown: A vibrant community with rental demand driven by students and professionals.

Corktown: Known for its historic charm and strong appeal to long-term renters.

Grandmont-Rosedale: Popular with families seeking single-family home rentals.

New Center: A developing area attracting tenants looking for modern apartments.

Jefferson Chalmers: A waterfront neighborhood appealing to renters seeking scenic views.

What Data is Included?

Our reports offer insights that help landlords evaluate rental applicants effectively. Where available, reports 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.

24 Hours a Day: Most reports are generated within minutes. However, delays may occur based on common names, jurisdiction processing times, or additional verification needs.

tenant credit report

*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.

Detroit Landlord FAQs

Contact us anytime for assistance. Note: We are unable to offer legal advice. For specific landlord-tenant matters, please consult an attorney.

Are landlords in Detroit allowed to charge rental application fees?

Michigan law allows landlords to charge application fees, but some local regulations may apply. Landlords should clearly disclose fees and ensure they align with reasonable screening costs.

Can Detroit landlords consider criminal background checks?

In Detroit, the Fair Chance Access to Rental Housing Ordinance regulates how landlords can use criminal background information during tenant screening. Key provisions include:

  1. Conditional Lease Offers: Landlords must first assess an applicant’s credit history, income, and rental history. If the applicant meets these criteria, the landlord should extend a conditional lease offer before considering any criminal background information.
  2. Prohibited Considerations: Certain aspects of an applicant’s criminal history cannot be used as grounds for denial, including:
    1. Arrests not leading to convictions.
    2. Participation in diversion or deferral programs.
    3. Juvenile records.
    4. Misdemeanor convictions older than five years.
    5. Convictions that have been expunged or pardoned.
  3. Permissible Grounds for Denial: Landlords may consider certain criminal convictions when evaluating an applicant, such as:
    1. Convictions that make the applicant ineligible for public housing.
    2. Lifetime sex offender registrations.
    3. Violent or drug-related felonies.
    4. Felonies committed in the last 10 years or imprisonments within the last 5 years.
    5. Crimes against landlords, property management, or other tenants.
    6. Arson, metal theft, vandalism, or property damage.
  4. Notification and Dispute Process: If a landlord intends to deny an application based on permissible criminal history, they must provide the applicant with a copy of the background check. The applicant then has 14 days to dispute inaccuracies or provide evidence of rehabilitation. The landlord must delay any adverse action for at least five days to reconsider the application in light of new information.

It’s essential for landlords to ensure their tenant screening policies comply with both local ordinances and federal fair housing laws to avoid discriminatory practices.

Detroit Landlord Resources

For statewide information, visit the Michigan tenant screening page.

36th District Court

421 Madison St, Detroit, MI 48226

https://www.36thdistrictcourt.org

Handles eviction filings, security deposit disputes, and more related to rental properties.

Detroit Association of Realtors

https://www.detroitrealtors.org

Provides resources, landlord education, and real estate market updates.

Detroit Housing & Revitalization Department

https://detroitmi.gov/departments/housing-and-revitalization-department

Oversees rental housing standards, landlord compliance, and housing assistance programs.