Certification Process

The landlord certification process is a federally mandated process to ensure each member who wants to receive credit information is in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and has a legitimate need for the reports. Please follow the below steps. When you are ready to submit your documents, please email to screening@RHAwa.org.

Step One

• Create a Letter of Intent - sample only
• Download and sign Tenant Screening Service Agreement
• Download and sign list of rentals owned / managed

Step Two: Verification of Identity 

We will be checking to ensure that you are not involved in any side business that may not be approved for the handling of credit reports (i.e. internet locator, service bail bond companies, credit repair agencies or credit clinics) by reviewing company’s website, checking listing or business in yellowpages and receiving a copy of your business license or printed verification from City / State, federal tax ID / employer identification number and / or article of incorporation.

If you do not have a business license pertaining to rental housing, or are a sole proprietor or in a partnership, we will need to obtain written consent to secure a copy of personal credit report (credit check authorization) for sole proprietor or partners, owner’s government issued photo ID such as driver’s license will need to be photocopied.

Step Three: Banking Verification

This form includes the address on financial institution’s records matches membership application, banking institution’s name, the length of relationship between financial institution + member, and the types of accounts held.

• Download and fill out Banking Verification

Step Four: Verification of Location

Copy of telephone or utility bill which reflects same individual or company name and address of rental office.

Step Five: Verification of Rental Ownership

Choose any two to submit:

• County Tax Assessor’s Bill (King, Snohomish, Pierce)
• Deed
• Escrow Closing Statement
• Flood Certification
• Property Insurance
• Title Insurance
• Utility Bill

Step Six: Verification of Workspace

As part of the certification we must ensure you have a dedicated work space containing a locking file cabinet, a paper shredder and a password protected computer. This is only done once as long as you maintain your RHAWA membership, and your rental office remains at the same location. Contact the screening department to schedule this verification.

SUBMIT DOCUMENTS to screening@RHAwa.org

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