[garysanfran]

A short term rental doesn't require much of a background check because the finances are usually settled before occupancy.

A long term rental, several months+, requires a background check for two things...The financial ability to pay rent and any signs of behavioral problems that can be uncovered. A credit report will uncover most financial concerns, but not most behavioral concerns, like prior evictions. Evictions only show up on a credit report if there was a money judgement, and it may take a long time after the judgement for it to show on a credit report. Evictions become public record at the time the complaint is filed and are gathered by some "tenant screening" companies. Last I knew, the best in the area is National Tenant Network in Tewksbury, MA.