Are you a landlord looking to find reliable tenants for your rental properties?
Tenant screening services are the key to protecting your investment, reducing financial risks, and ensuring dependable tenants.
Discover the top 11 services to simplify your screening process.
11 Best Tenant Screening Services for Landlords
1. Avail
Avail is a tenant screening service that also offers other features for landlords, such as online rent collection, lease agreements, maintenance tracking, and more.
Avail lets you create a custom online rental application that you can send to your applicants.
The applicants can fill out the application and pay for the screening reports themselves. You can then view the reports on your dashboard.
Avail offers three types of reports: credit report, criminal background check, and eviction history report.
The credit report shows the tenant’s credit score, payment history, debt-to-income ratio, and any collections or bankruptcies.
The criminal background check shows any felony or misdemeanor convictions, sex offender registry status, and terrorist watch list status.
he eviction history report shows any previous evictions or judgments from landlords.
Avail charges $30 per applicant for all three reports. You can choose to pay for the reports yourself or pass the cost to the applicants.
Avail is FCRA-compliant and uses TransUnion as its data provider.
2. RentPrep
RentPrep is a tenant screening service that provides human-verified reports for landlords.
RentPrep has a team of FCRA-certified screeners who manually review the data from various sources and compile it into easy-to-read reports.
RentPrep claims that this method reduces errors and false positives that may occur with automated reports.
RentPrep offers two types of reports: Basic and Pro. The Basic report includes identity verification, address history, nationwide criminal and sex offender search, bankruptcies, judgments, liens, and evictions.
The Pro report includes everything in the Basic report plus a full credit report with score.
RentPrep charges $21 per applicant for the Basic report and $35 per applicant for the Pro report.
You can also add additional services such as income verification or previous landlord verification for an extra fee. RentPrep is FCRA-compliant and uses TransUnion as its data provider.
3. National Tenant Network
National Tenant Network (NTN) is one of the oldest and largest tenant screening services in the country.
NTN has been in business since 1980 and has over 35 regional offices across the U.S. NTN provides comprehensive reports for landlords that include credit history, criminal records, eviction records, rental performance history, employment verification, income verification, and more.
NTN offers three levels of reports: NTN DecisionPoint Plus (DPP), NTN SecureView Plus (SVP), and NTN Full Disclosure Plus (FDP).
The DPP report provides a pass/fail recommendation based on your criteria and includes credit history, criminal records, eviction records, rental performance history, employment verification, income verification, and NTN score (a proprietary scoring system that predicts tenant behavior).
The SVP report provides everything in the DPP report plus a full credit report with score. The FDP report provides everything in the SVP report plus detailed explanations of any negative items.
NTN charges $25 per applicant for the DPP report, $35 per applicant for the SVP report, and $45 per applicant for the FDP report.
You can also add additional services such as previous landlord verification or reference verification for an extra fee. NTN is FCRA-compliant and uses Equifax as its data provider.
4. Apartments.com (Previously Cozy)
Apartments.com is a popular online platform that connects renters and landlords. Apartments.com acquired Cozy, a tenant screening service, in 2018 and integrated its features into its platform.
Apartments.com lets you create a free account and list your properties for rent. You can also create a custom online rental application that you can send to your applicants.
The applicants can fill out the application and pay for the screening reports themselves. You can then view the reports on your dashboard.
Apartments.com offers two types of reports: credit report and background check. The credit report shows the tenant’s credit score, payment history, debt-to-income ratio, and any collections or bankruptcies.
The background check shows any criminal records, sex offender registry status, and eviction records.
Apartments.com charges $24.99 per applicant for both reports. You can choose to pay for the reports yourself or pass the cost to the applicants.
Apartments.com is FCRA-compliant and uses Experian as its data provider.
5. MyRental
MyRental is a tenant screening service that is powered by CoreLogic, a leading provider of property data and analytics.
MyRental lets you create a free account and choose from three different packages of reports that you can order for your applicants.
The applicants can fill out an online application and consent form and pay for the reports themselves. You can then view the reports on your dashboard.
MyRental offers three types of packages: Basic, Premium, and Premium Plus.
The Basic package includes identity verification, address history, nationwide criminal and sex offender search, eviction records, and MyRental score (a proprietary scoring system that predicts tenant behavior).
The Premium package includes everything in the Basic package plus a full credit report with score.
The Premium Plus package includes everything in the Premium package plus income verification.
MyRental charges $19.99 per applicant for the Basic package, $24.99 per applicant for the Premium package, and $34.99 per applicant for the Premium Plus package.
You can also order individual reports such as criminal records or eviction records for an extra fee. MyRental is FCRA-compliant and uses CoreLogic as its data provider.
6. SmartMove (via TransUnion)
SmartMove is a tenant screening service that is offered by TransUnion, one of the major credit bureaus in the U.S.
SmartMove lets you create a free account and invite your applicants to apply online.
The applicants can fill out an online application and consent form and pay for the screening reports themselves. You can then view the reports on your dashboard.
SmartMove offers three types of packages: QuickCheck, QuickCheck Plus, and FullCheck.
The QuickCheck package includes identity verification, address history, nationwide criminal and sex offender search, eviction records, and ResidentScore (a proprietary scoring system that predicts eviction risk).
The QuickCheck Plus package includes everything in the QuickCheck package plus a full credit report with score.
The FullCheck package includes everything in the QuickCheck Plus package plus income verification.
SmartMove charges $25 per applicant for the QuickCheck package, $35 per applicant for the QuickCheck Plus package, and $40 per applicant for the FullCheck package.
You can choose to pay for the reports yourself or pass the cost to the applicants. SmartMove is FCRA-compliant and uses TransUnion as its data provider.
7. DoorLoop
DoorLoop is a property management software that also offers tenant screening services for landlords.
DoorLoop lets you create a free account and list your properties for rent on various websites.
You can also create a custom online rental application that you can send to your applicants.
The applicants can fill out the application and pay for the screening reports themselves. You can then view the reports on your dashboard.
DoorLoop offers two types of reports: credit report and background check. The credit report shows the tenant’s credit score, payment history, debt-to-income ratio, and any collections or bankruptcies.
The background check shows any criminal records, sex offender registry status, eviction records, rental history, employment verification, income verification, and references.
DoorLoop charges $29 per applicant for both reports. You can choose to pay for the reports yourself or pass the cost to the applicants. DoorLoop is FCRA-compliant and uses RentPrep as its data provider.
8. RentRedi
RentRedi is a property management software that also offers tenant screening services for landlords.
RentRedi lets you create a free account and list your properties for rent on various websites.
You can also create a custom online rental application that you can send to your applicants.
The applicants can fill out the application and pay for the screening reports themselves. You can then view the reports on your dashboard.
RentRedi offers two types of reports: credit report and background check. The credit report shows the tenant’s credit score, payment history, debt-to-income ratio, and any collections or bankruptcies.
The background check shows any criminal records, sex offender registry status, eviction records, rental history, employment verification, income verification, references, driver’s license verification, and social media profiles.
RentRedi charges $35 per applicant for both reports. You can choose to pay for the reports yourself or pass the cost to the applicants. RentRedi is FCRA-compliant and uses TransUnion as its data provider.
9. RentSpree
RentSpree is a tenant screening service that partners with various real estate associations and platforms.
RentSpree lets you create a free account and request screening reports from your applicants.
The applicants can fill out an online application and consent form and pay for the screening reports themselves. You can then view the reports on your dashboard.
RentSpree offers three types of reports: credit report, background check, and eviction report.
The credit report shows the tenant’s credit score, payment history, debt-to-income ratio, and any collections or bankruptcies.
The background check shows any criminal records, sex offender registry status, and terrorist watch list status. The eviction report shows any previous evictions or judgments from landlords.
RentSpree charges $30 per applicant for all three reports. You can choose to pay for the reports yourself or pass the cost to the applicants. RentSpree is FCRA-compliant and uses TransUnion as its data provider.
10. TurboTenant
TurboTenant is a property management software that also offers tenant screening services for landlords.
TurboTenant lets you create a free account and list your properties for rent on various websites.
You can also create a custom online rental application that you can send to your applicants. The applicants can fill out the application and pay for the screening reports themselves. You can then view the reports on your dashboard.
TurboTenant offers two types of reports: credit report and background check. The credit report shows the tenant’s credit score, payment history, debt-to-income ratio, and any collections or bankruptcies.
The background check shows any criminal records, sex offender registry status, eviction records, rental history, employment verification, income verification, references, driver’s license verification, and social media profiles.
TurboTenant charges $35 per applicant for both reports. You can choose to pay for the reports yourself or pass the cost to the applicants. TurboTenant is FCRA-compliant and uses TransUnion as its data provider.
11. Zillow Rental Manager
Zillow Rental Manager is a property management software that also offers tenant screening services for landlords.
Zillow Rental Manager lets you create a free account and list your properties for rent on Zillow, Trulia, and HotPads.
You can also create a custom online rental application that you can send to your applicants.
The applicants can fill out the application and pay for the screening reports themselves. You can then view the reports on your dashboard.
Zillow Rental Manager offers two types of reports: credit report and background check.
The credit report shows the tenant’s credit score, payment history, debt-to-income ratio, and any collections or bankruptcies.
The background check shows any criminal records, sex offender registry status, eviction records, rental history, employment verification, income verification, references, driver’s license verification,
Why Tenant Screening Services Are a Must for Landlords
Here are some of the benefits of using tenant screening services:
Protecting Your Property
Your property is your investment, and you want to keep it in good condition. Tenant screening services can help you find tenants who respect your property and follow the lease terms.
They can also help you avoid tenants who have a history of damaging property or causing trouble with neighbors.
By using tenant screening services, you can reduce the chances of having to deal with costly repairs, maintenance issues, or complaints from other tenants or the community.
Reducing Financial Risks
Renting out your property is a way of generating income, but it also comes with some financial risks.
Tenant screening services can help you minimize these risks by checking a tenant’s credit report, income verification, and eviction history.
These checks can help you determine if a tenant can afford to pay rent and if they have a history of paying rent on time.
They can also help you avoid tenants who have been evicted before or have outstanding debts or judgments against them.
By using tenant screening services, you can reduce the chances of having to deal with late or missed payments, collection fees, or eviction costs.
Guaranteeing Reliable Tenants
Finding reliable tenants is not easy, especially in a competitive rental market.
Tenant screening services can help you find tenants who are honest, responsible, and stable.
They can also help you avoid tenants who lie on their applications, have criminal records, or have bad references from previous landlords.
By using tenant screening services, you can increase the chances of finding tenants who will stay longer, renew their leases, and give you positive reviews.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tenant Screening Service
There are many tenant screening services available in the market, but not all of them are equal.
Some offer more comprehensive and accurate reports than others. Some are more affordable and user-friendly than others.
Some are more compliant with the laws and regulations than others. To choose the best tenant screening service for your needs, you should consider the following factors:
Quality of Credit Reports
Credit reports are one of the most important parts of tenant screening because they show a tenant’s financial history and behavior.
A good credit report should include information such as credit score, payment history, credit utilization, account balances, inquiries, collections, bankruptcies, liens, and judgments.
A good credit report should also use a reliable scoring model that predicts the likelihood of a tenant defaulting on rent or being evicted.
Some of the most popular scoring models are FICO Score 8, VantageScore 3.0, and ResidentScore. A good credit report should also be easy to read and understand.
Depth of Background Checks
Background checks are another important part of tenant screening because they show a tenant’s criminal and eviction history.
A good background check should include information such as criminal records (convictions and arrests), sex offender registry status, terrorist watch list status, eviction records (filings and judgments), civil records (lawsuits and restraining orders), and identity verification (Social Security number and date of birth).
A good background check should also cover all 50 states plus Washington D.C., use multiple sources of data (such as court records, databases, and human researchers), and update frequently (daily or weekly).
Accessibility of Rental History
Rental history is another important part of tenant screening because it shows a tenant’s past performance as a renter.
A good rental history should include information such as previous addresses (up to 10 years), previous landlords’ names and contact information, rent amount and payment history, lease terms and violations, maintenance requests and complaints, and references from previous landlords.
A good rental history should also be easy to obtain and verify, either through online platforms (such as RentSpree, Cozy, or Zillow Rental Manager) or through phone calls and emails.
Cost Efficiency
Cost efficiency is another important factor to consider when choosing a tenant screening service because it affects your budget and profitability.
A good tenant screening service should offer reasonable and transparent pricing, either per report or per subscription.
A good tenant screening service should also allow you to choose which checks you want to run and how much you want to pay for them.
A good tenant screening service should also let you decide who pays for the screening, either you or the tenant.
Some tenant screening services offer free or discounted reports for landlords, while others charge the tenants directly or reimburse the landlords later.
User-Friendliness
User-friendliness is another important factor to consider when choosing a tenant screening service because it affects your convenience and satisfaction.
A good tenant screening service should offer a simple and fast process, either online or offline.
A good tenant screening service should also provide clear and easy-to-follow instructions, either through text, video, or phone.
A good tenant screening service should also have a user-friendly interface, either on a website or an app.
A good tenant screening service should also integrate with other platforms, such as property management software, listing sites, or social media.
Customer Support
Customer support is another important factor to consider when choosing a tenant screening service because it affects your confidence and trust.
A good tenant screening service should offer responsive and helpful customer support, either through phone, email, chat, or social media.
A good tenant screening service should also have a knowledgeable and friendly staff, either human or artificial.
A good tenant screening service should also have a comprehensive and accessible FAQ section, blog, or resource center.
Regulatory Compliance
Regulatory compliance is another important factor to consider when choosing a tenant screening service because it affects your legal liability and reputation.
A good tenant screening service should comply with the laws and regulations that govern tenant screening, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Fair Housing Act (FHA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
A good tenant screening service should also follow the best practices and guidelines that promote fair and ethical tenant screening, such as those from the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM), the National Apartment Association (NAA), and the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC).
How to Conduct a Tenant Screening Step-by-Step
Here are the steps you need to follow:
Obtain Consent from the Tenant
The first step is to obtain consent from the tenant to run a background check on them. This is required by law under the FCRA.
You can obtain consent by asking the tenant to sign a written authorization form or by sending them an online invitation link from your chosen tenant screening service.
You should also inform the tenant of their rights under the FCRA, such as their right to access, dispute, and correct their consumer reports.
Choose a Tenant Screening Service
The second step is to choose a tenant screening service that meets your needs and preferences.
You can use the factors we discussed above to compare different options and select the best one for you.
You can also read reviews from other landlords or property managers who have used the same service before.
You should also create an account with your chosen service and provide some basic information about yourself and your property.
Gather Required Information
The third step is to gather the required information from the tenant to run the checks.
This may include their full name, date of birth, Social Security number, email address, phone number, current address, previous addresses, current employer, previous employers, income sources, bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns, references, etc.
You can ask the tenant to fill out an online application form or upload their documents through your chosen service’s platform.
Run the Checks and Pay
The fourth step is to run the checks you want and pay for them. Depending on your chosen service, you may be able to choose from different types of checks, such as credit report, criminal background check, eviction history check, income verification check, rental history check, etc.
You may also be able to customize your own package of checks according to your criteria and budget.
Depending on your chosen service, you may be able to pay for each report individually or subscribe to a monthly or annual plan.
Depending on your chosen service, you may be able to pay for the reports yourself or pass the cost onto the tenant.
You should also check the terms and conditions of your chosen service and make sure you agree with them.
Review and Analyze the Report
The fifth and final step is to review and analyze the report you receive from your chosen service.
Depending on your chosen service, you may receive the report instantly or within a few hours or days.
You should also check the accuracy and completeness of the report and make sure it matches the information you gathered from the tenant.
You should also look for any red flags or warning signs that may indicate a risky or problematic tenant, such as low credit score, high debt-to-income ratio, frequent late payments, multiple evictions, serious criminal offenses, etc.
You should also compare the report with your own screening criteria and see if the tenant meets your standards and expectations.
Free Tenant Screening Services: Pros and Cons
Some landlords may wonder if they can use free tenant screening services instead of paying for them.
While there are some free tenant screening services available in the market, they may not be as reliable or comprehensive as paid ones.
Here are some of the pros and cons of using free tenant screening services:
Pros
- They can save you money. If you have a tight budget or a low vacancy rate, you may not want to spend money on tenant screening services. Free tenant screening services can help you save some costs and increase your profit margin.
- They can be convenient. If you have a busy schedule or a large number of applicants, you may not have time to go through a lengthy or complicated screening process. Free tenant screening services can help you speed up the process and simplify the steps.
- They can be flexible. If you have a diverse or niche market, you may not find a paid service that suits your needs or preferences. Free tenant screening services can help you customize your own screening criteria and methods.
Cons
- They may not be accurate or complete. Free tenant screening services may not have access to all the sources of data or use the latest technology to verify the information. They may also have outdated or incomplete records that may miss some important details or errors.
- They may not be compliant or secure. Free tenant screening services may not follow the laws and regulations that govern tenant screening or protect the privacy and security of the data. They may also expose you to legal risks or frauds if they misuse or mishandle the information.
- They may not be professional or reputable. Free tenant screening services may not have a good reputation or customer service in the industry or among other landlords or tenants. They may also have poor reviews or ratings that may affect your credibility or trustworthiness.
FAQs
Can I use free tenant screening services instead of paid ones?
While free tenant screening services exist, they may not provide the accuracy and comprehensiveness of paid services, potentially leading to incomplete or unreliable results.
Is it mandatory to obtain consent from tenants before conducting a background check?
Yes, it’s essential to obtain written consent from tenants before running a background check to comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Are tenant screening services compliant with relevant laws and regulations?
Reputable tenant screening services should comply with laws like the FCRA, Fair Housing Act (FHA), and other relevant regulations to ensure legal and ethical practices.
Is it possible to get instant screening reports from tenant screening services?
The speed at which you receive screening reports may vary depending on the service, with some offering instant results while others may take a few hours or days.
Conclusion
Tenant screening services offer landlords vital information to make informed leasing decisions, reducing risks like late payments and legal issues.
These services generally provide background checks, credit reports, and rental history, thus helping landlords identify reliable tenants.
An investment in a quality tenant screening service can lead to long-term stability and profitability for property owners.