Negligent hiring occurs when an employee harms someone on the job and the employer is found liable for not identifying risks through a background check. Employers are increasingly held accountable, with over 70% of negligent hiring cases resulting in losses for the employer.

Employers can avoid accusations of negligent hiring by having solid pre-employment screening practices, including criminal background searches, work history verification, and credential verification. These steps demonstrate due diligence in the hiring process.

You will need to complete Coastal Data’s account application to access our user-friendly, web-based software system. Employers must also comply with the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and applicable state laws.

Yes, under the FCRA, you must provide a separate document that includes the disclosure and authorization language for conducting a background check.

Yes. Next to the applicant’s legal name, the date of birth is the most important identifier used in pre-employment screening. Most courts use it as a primary identifier, and some actually require it to process a record search.

The FCRA requires employers that procure a background check to disclose this to the candidate, provide a copy of the background check report, and inform the candidate if adverse action may be taken based on the results.

Most criminal record searches go back seven years. However, some jurisdictions and records may allow for searches beyond seven years, depending on applicable laws.

Criminal record searches typically take 24-48 hours to report. Factors such as holidays, missing identifiers, and common applicant names can affect the processing time.

We provide access to a comprehensive, web-based software system that allows you to receive email notifications and access records 24/7 for two years after the search.

No pre-employment screening firm can guarantee 100% accuracy due to reliance on external data sources. However, Coastal Data adheres to the highest standards to ensure accurate and reliable reporting.

Costs vary depending on your customized package, but background checks are generally cost-effective compared to the potential risks of not conducting them.

Yes, definitely. It is important to verify information for all applicants, including friends and relatives, to ensure a reliable tenant history and avoid future disputes.

Yes, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), landlords must obtain a tenant’s signed release to conduct a credit and criminal background check.

Always verify the information through independent sources, such as contacting employers and landlords directly and cross-checking property ownership records.

A Tenant Credit Scorecard is a compliant screening tool designed to help property owners and managers evaluate an applicant’s overall credit worthiness without providing a full consumer credit report. The scorecard uses established criteria to provide a clear pass/fail recommendation and financial risk overview for tenant screening purposes.

Current FCRA guidelines and industry best practices have shifted away from providing full consumer credit reports for tenant screening. A Tenant Credit Scorecard offers a more privacy-conscious and compliant alternative by helping landlords assess financial responsibility while limiting access to sensitive consumer credit details.

Eviction reports provide critical information about a tenant’s history, including reasons for eviction like non-payment of rent, noise violations, or health code breaches.

Provide the applicant with an “Adverse Action” letter and follow applicable local, state, and federal laws regarding the use of consumer reports.

You need to bring the ORI number for the agency requesting the background check and a valid photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport). Out-of-state IDs are accepted if valid.

The ORI number identifies the agency requesting the background check. Results are sent directly to the agency specified by the ORI.

Fees vary depending on the reason for fingerprinting and typically include submission and rolling fees. Exact fees are displayed during the scheduling process.

We accept cash, credit, and debit cards with Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express logos. Checks are not accepted.

We have a photo studio on-site and can include photo capture during fingerprinting for an additional fee. Please avoid wearing hats or heavy makeup to your appointment.

Most results are available within 72 hours of transmission. Coastal Data Background Screening does not have access to the results.

If fingerprints are rejected due to lack of detail, Coastal Data will retake them at no additional cost. Bring your rejection letter with the TCR number for resubmission.

No. Results are sent directly to the agency specified by the ORI. Coastal Data does not have access to the results.

Yes, mobile services are available for groups of 10 or more within Volusia and Flagler counties. A travel fee applies for locations outside these areas.