Potential tenants click on a link to authorize you to receive their background check and credit report. Who should pay the fee?It's mandatory that credit checks, rental references, bad checks and criminal checks are done when applying for an apartment. A landlord credit check helps determine if you're likely to pay rent. Free ; Credit report. Secure your next rental using our expert tips for how to pass a rental credit check successfully and make a strong impression on landlords. The key would be to advise them ahead of time that you are going to use credit score as part of your determination. In this blog, we'll explore soft credit checks, the factors that influence them, and the impact they have on renting your next dream home.