Portable Tenant Screening Reports: Should You Accept Them?

Assembly Bill 2347 introduces the concept of portable tenant screening reports to California. Under this new law, prospective tenants can now bring a "reusable" screening report that's valid for 30 days and use it across multiple rental applications.

How It Works

A tenant obtains a screening report from an approved provider and can then present that same report to any landlord they're applying with during the 30-day window. If you choose to accept a portable report, you cannot charge the applicant an additional screening fee for that application.

Are You Required to Accept Them?

No. You are not required to accept portable screening reports. This is entirely optional. You retain the right to run your own screening through your preferred provider and charge the applicant your standard screening fee.

That said, there are situations where accepting a portable report might make sense—particularly if you're trying to fill a vacancy quickly and the report is from a reputable provider with the information you need.

Things to Consider

If you decide to accept portable reports, make sure the report covers the criteria you typically screen for: credit history, eviction history, criminal background (to the extent permitted by law), and income verification. Not all portable reports may include everything you need.

If you decide not to accept them, make sure your application materials clearly state that upfront so applicants know before they apply.

Our Recommendation

Take some time now to decide your policy on portable screening reports and update your application procedures accordingly. Whichever direction you go, having a clear, documented policy protects you.

Need help staying compliant? Contact Landlord Solutions San Diego at (619) 259-0720 or visit www.LandlordsolutionsSD.com