6 Reasons for Background Check Delays
Employment screening is a crucial part of the hiring process. While an employer may want the most rapid response possible, it is wise to mitigate risk by being thorough and accurate.
On average, an employment background check takes up to five business days depending upon the nature and scope of information requested. It can take longer, however, due to a variety of reasons.
Incomplete information. One of the top causes for delay, yet it is the most easily prevented. As an employer, ensure that all the information about a candidate – full name, address, etc., including correct spellings – is accurate before submitting it to a screening agency.
Identity check. Some records are nearly instant, but others take longer depending on the type of check conducted. A social security number trace may take less time than a passport or national identification card. Some identity screenings may also include a search of a global watch list.
Drug testing. Face it – drug screenings take time. The potential candidate must get to a lab, and then you have to wait or results. On-site facilities for collecting specimens helps, but there is still a wait period.
Holidays and backlogs. Courts can be backlogged or closed for a holiday. This increases time it takes for records to be processed. A delay can also occur when a court mandates research must be conducted specified personnel. Of course, the record must be confirmed as up to date and legally reportable.
Difficulty establishing verifications. Sometimes you may have trouble contacting a former employer or educational institution. Furthermore, their response may take a while. Other times, you may need to request additional information to substantiate previous documentation.
Nonresident information. If a candidate’s background contains information that must be requested outside of the United States, expect a slower process. Organizations and institutions located in other countries may operate differently and require additional time to verify a request.
Remember, if a background check signals a glitch, as a potential employer, you are legally obligated to notify the candidate. Once notified, the candidate has the opportunity to dispute the issue.
Consider contracting a screening agency to do your background checks. They still have to deal with the above issues, but they will be dealing with them – while you have more time to do what you do best.
About DataScreeening.com
Data Screening is a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise that has offered business-to-business employment and tenant screenings to human resource professionals and business owners, including staffing companies, for two decades. Among other organizations, they are members of the ASA (American Staffing Association), SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) and the NAPBS (National Association of Professional Background Screeners).
Protect Your Property while Subletting
As a landlord, your priority is protecting your rental property. It is the reason you have leasing agreements and tenant screenings. But what do you do when a tenant who has always paid rent on time and kept his apartment in pristine condition wants to sublet?
Subletting is not a risk-free concept – nor is it easy, but sometimes it’s the best choice. For example, if that premier tenant is leaving for an extended work assignment, but neither wants to put his/her furnishings in storage or have to find another apartment when returning. (Subletting differs from assigning, in which the tenant permanently leaves the apartment and assigns the lease responsibility to another individual.)
Protection Comes in Writing
If you agree to sublet, clarify terms and document everything.
- Ask your current tenant to share, in writing, their reasons and documentation for approving the potential sublessee.
- Even though the sublessee has earned the tenant’s approval, have them fill out your standard application and conduct your usual procedure – including credit and criminal background checks.
- Create a sublease agreement, which establishes who pays the rent and, if not included in the rent, the utilities.
- Establish who is responsible for late fees, damages, etc. In most cases, the buck should stop with the original tenant.
- Get the current tenant’s contact information and establish in writing, that you will be notified of any changes that occur while they are gone.
- Ensure that both you and the current tenant are in compliance with your local and state laws.
- Take photos of the apartment on the day the current tenant is leaving – this will establish proof of the condition of the property, as well as the furnishings, should a question arise.
Whether or not you choose to sublet, managing property includes background checks. Let Data Screening make your job easier. We have been serving businesses since 1996.
About DataScreeening.com
Data Screening is a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise that has offered business-to-business employment and tenant screenings to human resource professionals and business owners, including staffing companies, for two decades. Among other organizations, they are members of the ASA (American Staffing Association), SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) and the NAPBS (National Association of Professional Background Screeners).