Handing over the keys for an investment property is a significant moment. You’ve worked hard to own that asset, and you’re trusting a stranger to take care of it and pay rent reliably every month. Most landlords spend time reviewing rental applications, checking references, and assessing income. Fewer take the step of running a formal criminal history check, and that’s often a gap worth closing.
Why landlords run criminal history checksde?
A criminal history check doesn’t tell you whether someone will be a good tenant. It tells you something more specific: whether the person has a recorded history of convictions or court outcomes that you might consider relevant to your decision.
For a landlord, the most pertinent information might relate to offences involving property damage, fraud, or prior tenancy disputes that escalated to a legal outcome. This isn’t about making sweeping judgements. It’s about having access to factual information before you make a significant financial and legal commitment.
Is it legal to ask for one?
In Australia, private landlords can request that prospective tenants consent to a criminal history check as part of the application process. The tenant must provide their consent, and the process needs to be handled appropriately. It’s good practice to apply the same screening process consistently across all applicants to avoid any suggestion of discrimination.
If you’re managing a property through a real estate agent, they may already have a process in place. If you’re a self-managing landlord, running your own check through a platform like InfoTrackGO gives you direct access to the same information.
What the check covers
A criminal history check returns disclosable court outcomes from Australian police records. This includes convictions and findings of guilt that have not been spent under relevant legislation. The scope and detail of what’s returned can vary by state and territory.
It won’t reveal every interaction a person has had with the justice system, and it shouldn’t be treated as the sole basis for a decision. Used alongside reference checks, rental history, and income verification, it forms one part of a more complete picture.
How to run one through InfoTrackGO
You don’t need to be a business to access a criminal history check through InfoTrackGO. Private individuals, including landlords, can run checks quickly and without needing to set up an account. The process takes a few minutes, and results are delivered promptly.
If you’re not sure what type of check you need, the GO Agent (link) on the platform can help guide you to the right product for your situation.
Protect your investment. Run a criminal history check before you hand over the keys here.
The content provided in this blog is intended solely for general information and awareness around our product offerings. It does not constitute personalised advice for any specific individual or organisation and should not be solely relied upon. All information within this blog post is generalised and does not consider the unique situations, circumstances, or requirements of any individual or organisation. Always seek professional advice and consider the suitability of the information to your specific goals and needs before taking any action based on the information presented.
