Landlords are familiar with the need to conduct a tenant background check before signing a lease or allowing someone to move into a rental property, but it is important to understand what should be included. In general, the more information, the better, including a criminal background check, a sex offender registry check, a credit report, a reference from a previous landlord and an eviction history. When in doubt, it’s always best to hire a property manager and use a tenant screening service, while fully understanding all fair housing laws.