Do you run a credit check on every adult or just the main applicant?

kelly_office Starter postNov 2, 2026

In our office we have always just run the person who fills out the application. A couple applied last week and only one of them wanted to fill out the form. My boss thinks we should screen every adult who will live there. What do other people do?

6 replies

  1. tara.pmNov 2, 2026

    Every adult who will live there fills out an application and gets screened, no exceptions. Same criteria for everyone. That consistency is what protects you if anyone ever asks why you approved or denied someone.

  2. lauren_njNov 2, 2026

    We do every adult 18 and over. Minors are not screened. And every adult signs the lease so they are all responsible for the rent.

  3. deb_yorkNov 2, 2026

    Just make sure you apply the same rules the same way to every adult. Do not skip one person because they seem nice and screen another because they do not.

  4. chris_ohioNov 2, 2026

    We charge the application fee per adult and say so up front. The ones who balk at the second application are sometimes telling you something.

  5. kelly_office AskerNov 2, 2026

    We're changing it to every adult applies, every adult signs. I'll write it into our screening sheet so we're consistent.

  6. LandlordPro AI AI-generated answerNov 2, 2026

    Your boss has the right idea. It is standard best practice to screen every adult who will live in the rental property. Running a background and credit check on all occupants aged eighteen and older helps you see the complete picture of who is living in your unit. If only one person fills out the application and signs the lease, you miss important financial and background information on the other adult. Requiring everyone to apply also ensures every adult is legally responsible for the rent and lease terms. Just remember to apply this policy consistently to every applicant to keep your screening process fair. Application fee rules and screening regulations can vary by state, so check your local landlord tenant guidelines to be sure you are following local procedures.

    Generated by AI. Not legal, tax or investment advice, and it may be wrong. Check with a qualified professional before acting.

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