An insight into renter databases
Ever heard the phrase renter database? It’s a term that can evoke unnecessary fear for current and would-be renters concerned their name might appear on one of those lists for reasons unknown.
But the reality is, there’s a process that occurs long before you might be listed on a renter database, there’s stringent conditions for how and when you might be named, and renters have rights regarding that listing.
It begs the question, what information is contained on a renter database, what would prompt you to be named there, and how is this information used?
What are renter databases?
Also known as tenant databases, ‘bad’ renter databases or ‘blacklists’, renter databases contain information about renters who have not met specific obligations of a previous rental agreement.
These databases tend to be run by private companies and are accessed by property managers who provide information about issues resulting from a rental agreement or use the database to check the history of a renter who has applied to rent a property.
Why you might appear on a rental database
People don’t just appear on rental databases with no warning, and there are a limited number of reasons why you might be named.
Although these reasons can differ from state to state, they potentially include:
- causing serious damage to a rental property
- failing to remedy a breach relating to unpaid rent
- not complying with an order from the relevant rental tribunal
- using a rental property for illegal purposes
- repeatedly breaking terms of the rental agreement
Rental database conditions
There are strict rules that must be adhered to when it comes to entering someone’s name on a rental database.
Entries can only be made after the end of the agreement, only the people subject to the rental agreement can be named, and the property manager must disclose their intention to add the person to the rental database.
The renter then has an opportunity to dispute that listing if they feel it is unjustified. Meanwhile, the listing can remain on the database for a maximum of three years.
Rental databases and applying for properties
When you apply for a rental property, the property manager will run a series of checks including searching the relevant rental databases.
They must inform you that this is part of the application, and they are then obliged to tell you if your name appears on a database.
They should also tell you:
- what the information in the database is
- the name of the database and the person who listed the information
- how you can check, change or remove the listing
The bottom line
It’s rarely a surprise to people when their name appears on a rental database, as it’s not something that tends to happen out of the blue.
Often there has been an issue during the rental agreement which hasn’t been resolved.
As a result, it’s important to remember a rental agreement is a legally binding document with each party required to uphold the terms of that agreement.
For the renter, that includes:
- Paying rent on time
- Looking after the property and not deliberately or negligently damaging it
- Not undertaking illegal activities at the residence
How we can help
Our experienced property managers pride themselves on establishing great relationships with both rental occupiers and owners.
We manage every property as if it were our own and you can learn more about our property management services here.
Alternatively, if you are looking to rent a property, you can view the properties we currently have available here.
