My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: Washington, D.C.
I recently renewed my rental lease and added a new roommate to the lease. After filing the application/fee, we were verbally informed of a "new policy" that requires the applicant to pass a "criminal & terrorism background check" before he or she can be accepted.
My question involves the legitimacy of such a background check. Nothing the roommate, or I for that matter, have ever signed or submitted to the leasing company gives them any authorization other than to "obtain and verify my credit information".
I have filled out many rental applications in the past and every one of them has specifically asked for my consent to do a criminal background check. Was this criminal check legal/allowed and if not, what rights do I have?
Thanks!![]()

