DELAYED AND DENIED — What to Know About Background Check Timelines and Your Rights
Waiting on a background check for a job or apartment?
Learn how long it should take, what causes delays, and how R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys can help when errors or FCRA violations hold you back.
When Waiting Isn’t Just Inconvenient — It’s Unfair
Whether you're starting a new job or applying for a rental, background checks are a common hurdle. And while most background screenings are completed within a few days, delays can sometimes stretch into weeks — especially when something goes wrong behind the scenes.
If your background check is taking too long or you were unfairly denied due to incorrect information, you may have legal rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
At R23 Law, our California Consumer Protection Attorneys help clients across the state challenge background check delays, fix errors, and hold negligent reporting agencies accountable.
How Long Should a Background Check Take?
According to industry standards:
Basic background checks — 24 to 72 hours
Criminal background checks — 1 to 3 business days
Employment and education verification — 2 to 5 business days
Fingerprint checks (electronic) — 1 to 3 business days
Government or federal background checks — 4 to 7 business days or longer
Paper fingerprint checks — 1 to 4 weeks
While turnaround time varies depending on the type of check and the depth of search, most standard checks should be completed within one week.
Why Is My Background Check Taking So Long?
Delays aren’t always cause for concern — but they can sometimes signal a deeper problem. According to the article, common causes of background check delays include:
Inaccurate or outdated information
Court or holiday-related delays
Complex or hard-to-access records
Technical issues with screening systems
Security clearance procedures
Human error or data mismatches
If your name is common, you've recently changed addresses, or you have a lengthy employment history, these may also complicate or delay processing.
When a Delay Becomes a Legal Violation
The FCRA sets strict standards for how background checks must be conducted. These include:
Providing notice before taking adverse action (like rejecting a job or rental application)
Giving you a copy of your background report
Allowing you to dispute incorrect or outdated information
Ensuring reasonable timeliness and accuracy
If a background check company or employer fails to follow these steps, they may be in violation of federal law — and you may be entitled to damages.
Types of Background Checks That Commonly Cause Issues
Background check errors and delays often arise in:
Employment screenings — especially those involving multiple employers or education records
Tenant screenings — where credit, eviction history, and even sex offender databases are checked
Federal and international checks — which involve deeper searches and more third-party data
Fingerprint-based checks — especially when paper submissions are used
If your report includes incorrect criminal records, misidentifies you, or reports false job or credit history, you may face serious consequences — through no fault of your own.
R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys Can Help
If a delayed or inaccurate background check has cost you a job, housing, or peace of mind, you don’t have to navigate the system alone. At R23 Law, we’ve helped Californians:
Correct background check inaccuracies
Hold screening companies accountable for FCRA violations
Recover damages for lost job opportunities or emotional distress
Dispute misleading or outdated information fast
We understand how urgent these cases can be — and how life-changing the consequences are.
Contact Us to schedule a free consultation.
📱 (310) 598-1588
📧 Email: info@R23Law.com
Background Check Delay? Know Your Rights
The bottom line: You don’t have to accept delays or errors as inevitable. If your background check is taking too long, you were denied unfairly, or something doesn’t look right on your report, it’s time to take action.
Reach out to R23 Law’s experienced Consumer Protection Lawyers. Let us help you clear your name, protect your future, and enforce your rights under the law.
