Background Checks
Step 1. Get these two reports.
Just click the links below to get your background check reports. It’s best to have both reports to show your complete criminal history, but you only need the Tenant Screening Report to join HousingMatch.org. For more information, watch the video “Background Checks for Roommates” on this page.
Step 2. When you get your Tenant Screening Report, check your email for a link to post your ad and activate your account.
About the Tenant Screening Report:__________________________________________________________
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IMPORTANT- Please make a copy of your Tenant Screening Report within 48 hours of opening the secure link by email.
- You will need to have your driver’s license and social security number ready to obtain the report. Reliable Screening Service does not accept ITIN numbers, you must have a social security number to access this report. The screening service charges $35 for the report. You can make a secure payment online with a major credit card. The report may be completed the same day, or if there is criminal history being reported, it may take up to one week. A link will be sent to you to make a copy of your report. You must copy the report within 48 hours of opening the email with the link and signing in to your account or the link will expire.
- The Tenant Screening Report will include your TransUnion credit report, a thorough OFAC, SDN, nationwide criminal records search, sex offender’s registry, FBI’s Most Wanted, Terrorist Watch, and a national eviction history search. All searches are conducted in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) by Reliable Background Screening a BBB recommended service. HousingMatch.org is notified by Reliable Background Screening when your report is completed and will email you a link to post our ad and create an account.
- HousingMatch.org does not access, view, or handle, your background check reports. We do not act as a screening service. You are responsible for you own information and for screening other members as potential roommates.
About the CORI:
- The Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) report is specific to criminal records for the state of Massachusetts. The state charges $25 for the online CORI report, however, qualifying households can obtain the report free of charge by filling out an Affidavit of Indigency Form and sending the report by post or “snail mail”. This process takes about 2 weeks.
- You can obtain your CORI quickly (within 2-3 business days) by ordering it online; there is a $25 processing. To order your report online, first create an account, then when you will receive an email to login and request your CORI report, you can download the report from your private user dashboard. You will need personal information about your family and birthplace and a copy of your state driver’s license or identification to request the report. You are not required to show your report to anyone but HousingMatch.org recommends that members share their background check information with each other before deciding to become roommates.
Protect Your Identity:
- You are not required to show your background check report information to anyone. However, if you decide to share your reports or information on the report with prospective roommates, redact the following information: 1) Your year of birth, 2) the first five digits of your social security number, 3) your parents information, and 4) if your case is “closed” or “dismissed” keep these words on your report, but redact any details or information about the case.
Disputes:
- If you need to dispute any of the information that you find in the Tenant Screening Report, you can contact Reliable Screening Service directly at (800)787-2439. For disputes about information in your CORI, see links in our Resources section for free legal services available in Massachusetts.
Find out more by viewing our Policies and Agreements