You can go to the local/county jail and they can actually do a search that will pull up any and all current and past criminal warrants you have had. But remember if you have anything current you maybe invited to hang out for awhile.

If you're new to Seattle this can be a challenge. My first suggestion would be to hit up on Craigslist or seattlerentals.com.

And I would also seriously suggest walking around the neighborhoods you are interested in as well. I have found two places I have rented (the current one included) by a sign posted outside and neither were listed anywhere else.

Most of those services are pretty much a joke, and a great way of someone charging you around $40 a month.

You are entitled to a free credit report (all three reporting agencies) one time a year. And most banks will run one for you at no charge as well if you have a bank branch you have a good relationship with.

And if you are concerned about security you can put a fraud alert on your credit that is good for 6 months.