It is the responsibility of the owner, not Way Finders, to interview tenants, to check the tenants’ references, and to ensure in the same manner as with any other tenant, that tenants meet normal suitability standards. Upon written request only, Way Finders will provide the owner the following information:
- A tenant’s current and prior address, as shown in Way Finders’ records
- The name and address, if known, of the property owner of a tenant’s current and prior address.
Way Finders will not provide the owner with other information about a tenant’s family, nor does Way Finders’ provision of the above information in any way constitute a reference. The selection of a family for participation in the rental assistance program is not a representation by Way Finders about the family’s expected behavior or suitability for tenancy. Determination of tenant suitability is the responsibility of the owner. Owners are permitted and encouraged to screen families on the basis of their tenant histories. An owner may consider a family’s background with respect to such factors as:
- Payment of rent and utility bills
- How the tenant maintains their apartment and the premises
- How well the tenant respects the rights of others to the peaceful enjoyment of the premises
- Drug-related or other criminal activity, past arrests and/or convictions
- Compliance with other essential conditions of tenancy, as specified in the lease