When a prospective renter visits your leasing office, it's common practice to check their identification. This typically involves visually inspecting their driver's license or government-issued ID to ensure it looks real. But is this enough?

The answer is no. Simply checking an ID might catch obvious forgeries, but it won't confirm the ID's authenticity or whether it belongs to the person presenting it. That's where ID screening comes in—a more reliable and secure process to protect your property and your business. 

What Does ID Checking Involve?

ID checking is a surface-level process. Here's what it typically looks like:

• A leasing agent asks for a prospective renter's ID during the application process.
• The agent visually inspects the ID for signs of tampering, such as mismatched fonts or poor-quality printing.
• If the ID looks valid, it's assumed to be legitimate.

While this process is quick, it leaves room for error. For instance, a high-quality fake ID might pass a visual inspection but still be fraudulent. Unfortunately, fraudulent IDs are becoming increasingly sophisticated and harder to spot.

In fact, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), identity theft affected over 5.7 million Americans in 2023, underscoring the importance of more rigorous methods.

How Is ID Screening Different?

ID screening goes beyond visual checks to confirm the authenticity of an ID and the identity of the person presenting it. This process leverages technology and authoritative databases, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or CLEAR, to ensure the ID:

• Is issued by a legitimate government authority.
• Matches the records associated with the individual's identity.
• Has not been flagged as stolen or fraudulent.

This deeper level of screening provides confidence that the prospective renter is who they claim to be.

Why Is ID Screening Critical in Multifamily Leasing?

Relying on ID checking alone exposes your property to several risks:

1. Fraudulent Applicants: Fake or stolen IDs can allow unqualified or high-risk renters to slip through the application process.
2. Safety Concerns: Accepting fraudulent IDs can increase the chances of leasing to individuals with dangerous intentions, putting residents at risk.
3. Regulatory Compliance: Laws like the Fair Housing Act require fair and consistent application processes. Proper screening helps demonstrate compliance.

By implementing ID screening, you can:

• Protect your property from financial and reputational damage.
• Increase operational efficiency by automating and streamlining the screening process.
• Enhance the renter experience with faster approvals and greater trust in your leasing process.