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Answer · Tenant screening

How do I verify a rental applicant's identity?

The short answer

Use a proportionate, secure identity-checking process that confirms the applicant matches the application and screening records. Collect only the information needed and provide appropriate alternatives where required.

On this page

Explain the purpose

Tell the applicant what is being checked, which secure channel to use and who can access the information. Avoid collecting identity documents through public forms, group messages or unsecured shared folders.

Compare relevant identifiers

Check the information used by the authorized application or screening provider. A name mismatch may reflect an error, a name change or an incorrect report. Ask for clarification rather than assuming impersonation from one discrepancy.

Limit access and retention

Keep access restricted to the people who need it and follow applicable retention and disposal requirements. Do not use the process to ask unrelated questions about protected characteristics. Document how discrepancies were resolved without copying sensitive data into general notes.

Your next-step checklist

  • Use a secure channel
  • Explain the purpose
  • Resolve mismatches
  • Limit access and retained data

Sources and further reading

Written and maintained by the Rentari team. Examples explain a decision; they are not customer results. Found an error or an unclear step? Send a correction with this page's address and the detail to review.

Your next step

Request and review a screening report