It is very important that you understand what you legally can and can't do when it comes to conducting a background check on another person. There are some aspects of it you can do online quite easily such as finding a phone number or verifying their age. Some of the different databases are
public record so you can legally find out if a person has a criminal history. You can also access a listing of registered sex offenders in your area as a way to protect your family.
If you are planning on
conducting a background check on another person that involves accessing their credit report you have to have their consent to do so. It is very common for landlords to want to complete a credit check before allowing a new tenant to move in. This allows them to weigh the risk of the person when it comes to paying their rent on time each month. Many employers run credit checks on those they want to offer a job to, especially when it involves financial transactions such a bank employees.
In most cases the landlord or the potential employer will submit a written document to the person asking for their consent to complete the credit check. They can also include that the lease for renting the property or the job offer is contingent upon the results of that credit check. They individual must sign the document before the credit check is conducted. If the person refuses they understand that they will not get the rental or the job that is on the line.
Employers are also legally mandated to get the written consent of the applicant to run a
criminal background check on them before they will extend a job offer. This written consent form becomes part of the employees file. Employers only ask to run a criminal background check if they plan to extend the job offer to the individual. This helps maintain the integrity of the business as well.
Background Checks 
