Landlords have new tool to check our prospective tenants

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Landlords have a new service to refer to when trying to choose the best tenant for their space.

Property managers can now tap into a national data base that will highlight a prospective tenant’s previous pay habits.

“So the tenant from hell better watch out,” says Marvin Steier, of the TVS Nationwide Tenant Screening Services, which is launching the landlord credit bureau.

The website allows landlords to report whenever a tenant is late with rent. Steier says it will help on-time rent-payers distinguish themselves from the crowd when they’re seeking new accommodation.

He points out that tenants can even request a certificate from the website when they need to prove their track record to another landlord.

“It’s one more tool for a landlord. But it’s a good tool for good tenants.”

And he says it’s going to help good renters even if they’ve had financial problems.

“A tenant with even a bad credit history can develop a good tenant history and get access to better rental accommodation.”

NDP MLA David Eby who speaks out on housing issues isn’t opposed to the data base.

“But I have a lot of empathy for tenants who are trying to rent right now with a less than one per cent vacancy rate, especially with landlord tools like this.”

The company says tenants will be able to access their own accounts and explain why rents were late.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today