Applicant Identity
Fields for full legal name, date of birth, current and prior addresses, and any other names used; these details support accurate cross-jurisdictional matches and reduce false negatives.
A properly completed CBC Form creates a written record of applicant consent, defines permissible use of criminal history, and reduces legal risk by documenting disclosures and authorization. It supports consistent screening decisions and helps demonstrate compliance with consumer protection requirements and state privacy rules when challenged.
The form is used by property owners, leasing staff, screening vendors, and legal or compliance teams to obtain and record background check authorizations.
Keep the completed CBC Form with tenant records and follow retention rules for applicant files and consumer reporting disclosures.
The individual applying for tenancy signs to consent to a criminal background check and to acknowledge disclosure language. The signature links identity information (name, DOB) to the screening report and must match the applicant's government ID.
A leasing agent, property manager, or contracted screening vendor who receives the completed consent form and initiates the background check, documenting chain-of-custody and compliance steps for audit purposes.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Name Matching | Require full legal name |
| Date Format | Enforce MM/DD/YYYY |
| Identity Proofing | Enable ID upload option |
| Consent Capture | Must check consent box |
Choose a platform that supports secure e-signatures, conditional fields, and integrations with screening vendors.
Ensure any vendor or eSignature provider supports legal evidence capture (audit trail, timestamps) and storage controls consistent with ESIGN and UETA requirements.
Provide disclosure before obtaining consumer report
Send notice promptly after decision based on the report
Use reports no older than 30–90 days for decisioning
Confirm whether consent renewal is needed per policy
Retain consent forms per retention rules
Fields for full legal name, date of birth, current and prior addresses, and any other names used; these details support accurate cross-jurisdictional matches and reduce false negatives.
A clear consumer disclosure that explains the type of report sought, the screening agency name, and the applicant's rights under consumer reporting laws; phrasing should align with FCRA and applicable state rules.
Language that expressly authorizes the landlord or vendor to obtain criminal history and related records, including scope and duration of the authorization to avoid ambiguity in searches.
Dedicated signature block for handwritten or electronic signatures with date and printed name; include method of signing (e.g., e-signature) to preserve evidentiary detail.
A place to record the consumer reporting agency or screening vendor used, the report date, and reference numbers to link the consent to the delivered report for audit trails.
Fields for reviewer name, decision outcome, adverse action checklist, and retention location to support consistent internal processes and regulatory responses.
A landlord collects a signed CBC during application intake to authorize a nationwide search.
A management company embeds the CBC as a required step in an online application.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | Yes, 7-day trial | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Business Premium) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Envelope Cap | No envelope cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |