How far does background check go applying to rent

How far back does a typical background check go when applying to rent from a property management company?
The rental application was nine pages long; I'm surprised they didn't want a copy of my fishing license and a note from my mother. I guess what I need is a psychic, LOL...

I was just wondering if perhaps there's a standard five-year check?

Tenant background checks go back as far as you have public records, unless you have juvenile records that were sealed. (Juvenile records are not sealed automatically. You must make a formal request to initiate the procedure.)
Tenant background checks often include a credit check. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that the landlord get your written permission to run a credit check on you. He usually has you sign a form with your application. If you paid an application fee or deposit, that may be used to pay for your background check.

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