Conditional acceptance is here: Unlock criminal reports in previously restricted markets

If you list or own rental properties in Cook County, IL; Washington, DC; Maryland; New York City; Detroit, MI; or New Jersey, we’ve got big news for you.

For the first time ever, you can access criminal background checks through RentSpree—all while staying compliant with local laws.

Why this matters

Tenant screening laws in these markets require agents and landlords to conditionally accept an applicant before reviewing their criminal background. This means you must first evaluate their credit and eviction history before unlocking their background check.

RentSpree simplifies compliance, giving you seamless access to more applicant data than ever.

‍How it works

Conditional acceptance keeps you compliant without complicating your screening process:

1. Review available reports

When you open a screening package for a property in one of these markets, you’ll see the applicant’s credit report, eviction history, and income details right away.

When you click the Background tab, you’ll see that the criminal report remains hidden. 

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‍2. Confirm conditional acceptance 

If you decide the applicant meets the rental criteria, click View Report. A popup will appear asking you to confirm that you’re conditionally accepting the applicant. 

3. Unlock the criminal report

Click Confirm to view the background check and make your final decision.

That’s it! Everything happens within RentSpree, making compliance effortless.

What does conditional acceptance mean?

Conditionally accepting an applicant does not mean you’re accepting them as a tenant. It simply means that based on the available information—income, credit, and rental history—the applicant meets your basic criteria to move forward in the screening process.

This step ensures fairness while giving you the insights you need to make confident leasing decisions.

No extra work, just more data

No other major screening provider makes compliance this easy. RentSpree now gives you access to criminal background checks for properties in restricted markets—without disrupting your workflow.

Start screening with RentSpree today and experience a smarter way to stay compliant.