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Articles from Michael Rauch

General Counsel

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Agent

Tenant Background Checks: How to Screen Tenants Faster and More Confidently

A tenant background check brings together credit, criminal, and eviction reports to help evaluate rental risk and make informed decisions. This guide explains what each report includes and how to apply consistent screening criteria. It also covers Fair Housing and FCRA requirements, including adverse action notices. Instead of piecing together reports manually, top-rated screening platforms like RentSpree connect everything into one workflow—giving agents and landlords a complete view of each applicant so they can move faster, stay compliant, and choose tenants with confidence.

Close-up of a man with short dark hair and beard smiling in front of a green and white abstract background.
Michael Rauch
General Counsel
Insights

Tax season is your time to shine!

Tax season is your chance to boost returns. Learn the deductions, depreciation strategies, and smart systems every landlord should use to save money and stay audit-ready.

Close-up of a man with short dark hair and beard smiling in front of a green and white abstract background.
Michael Rauch
General Counsel
Insights

California new appliance law and why your next rental must come with a fridge & stove

California is redefining what counts as a livable rental. Beginning in 2026, landlords will be required to include a refrigerator and stove in most rental units, closing a decades-old loophole and bringing kitchen basics in line with other habitability standards like heat and hot water.

Close-up of a man with short dark hair and beard smiling in front of a green and white abstract background.
Michael Rauch
General Counsel
Insights

Landlords and renters: Here’s what Philadelphia’s new security deposit law means for you

Philadelphia has introduced a new security-deposit law that gives renters more flexibility while preserving protections for housing providers. Beginning Dec. 2, 2025, certain landlords must allow tenants to pay larger deposits in installments, lowering move-in costs and expanding access to housing. Here’s what renters, landlords, and property managers need to know, and how RentSpree supports compliance and smooth workflows.

Close-up of a man with short dark hair and beard smiling in front of a green and white abstract background.
Michael Rauch
General Counsel