Everyone in this country has rights. You have the right to remain silent. You have the right to freedom of speech and religion. You have the right to refuse medication. You have the right to food and shelter. However, sometimes other people have the right to know about you and your past criminal history.
Criminal record checks used to be required only for people interested in working or volunteering with children, but more and more companies and individuals now have the right to ask for and obtain these records. This includes employers (as well as prospective employers) and landlords.
Most landlords only ask for references and permission to perform a credit check, but many are now expecting to be granted authorization to check out a prospective tenant