You've got their address and social security number. You've double-checked the spelling of the name, and even gotten them to admit when they were born. But if you haven't obtained their signature  and the address of the rental unit on the bottom of a rental application, you don't have what you need to obtain their credit report.

Their signature and rental address needs to appear on a completed Rental Research application. If you are using your own form, it needs to include a disclosure JUST LIKE the one on our form, and you will need to provide your applicant with a separate disclosure listing our name, address and phone number.

This signature/disclosure/address process is the MOST IMPORTANT step in the screening process. A recent escalation in fraudulent credit practices has caused a "tightening" of security throughout the credit reporting industry. If you do not comply with the Fair Credit Reporting laws and Washington State Tenant Screening Laws (RCW 59,18.257)(PDF) governing the screening process, you are liable for large fines (under title 18, U S Code) and imprisonment (up to 2 years).

Rental Research users agree to obtain this signature when they sign the User Agreement and set up an account. Once your account is established, it is your responsibility to conform to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. This means getting the signature of EACH applicant whose credit you wish to obtain, regardless of marital status.

Granting tenancy to someone should be treated as a major business transaction, and the screening process should be handled professionally. You're about to extend thousands of dollars worth of credit to your new tenants, and entrust them with your property. Asking them to provide you with a complete, signed rental application is certainly reasonable, and should be the first of many steps you take to securing a great tenant.