Everyone strives to work with responsible tenants who pay their rent on time. Landlords and property managers must conduct thorough due diligence on their prospective tenants if they want to find the best possible applicants.
Tenant screening services are helpful tools to make the screening and rental process easier and more thorough. They allow landlords to conduct background checks, view credit reports, and verify the applicant’s track record with previous landlords and employers.
Having access to this information can help you make informed decisions about prospective tenants. There are several tenant screening services available that offer different features and vary in terms of price and expediency.
What You Need to Know About Screening Services
It’s not only legal to screen tenants, it’s also an encouraged practice among landlords and property managers. Accessing an individual’s personal information does come with limitations, however. You’ll want to be sure that any screening service you choose is compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
What kind of information does a tenant screening service provide? Most services offer a credit history, address and employment history, and Social Security number verification. More in-depth reports will include a full credit report and background check. Some services also have access to other features such as online rental applications and e-signature functions for completing the lease and other important documents.
The Top Tenant Screening Services
There are many screening services available, and each one is slightly different. A landlord or property manager should first decide what information they need most from a tenant. Is it worth it to pay more for a tenant’s full credit report, or will a basic overview suffice? Will you require background checks and any eviction history?
Deciding on the information that’s most important to you will prepare you to move forward with selecting the right tenant screening service. Here are some of the top services currently available.
1. RentPrep
RentPrep hires FCRA-certified screeners to conduct manual screenings rather than relying on databases that may produce inaccurate information. It has thus built a strong reputation as a reliable screening service. Here are some highlights of RentPrep’s service:
- Reports are compiled by in-house screeners
- Phone, chat, and email customer support
- Discounts for owners of 50 properties or more
- Results typically available in an hour (during normal business hours)
RentPrep offers different levels of service, including a basic background check or a full credit report.
2. First Advantage
Like RentPrep, First Advantage hires professionals to monitor screenings for a high level of accuracy. It offers an array of comprehensive reports, including history details on rentals, landlords, and utility debt, along with criminal background checks across every state. Highlights of the First Advantage service:
- Free online library of tenant screening documents
- Choose any or all of the three credit bureaus for credit reports
26 locations in 14 countries - Criminal records database updated daily
First Advantage chose not to offer a standard pricing plan and instead will provide a price quote based on your unique needs and desired services.
3. SmartMove
SmartMove provides results directly from parent company TransUnion, one of the three major credit bureaus. It allows property managers and real estate agents the option to charge a tenant directly for their credit report and background check, a useful feature for an agent working with multiple properties. Three plans are available that offer various levels of service: SmartCheck Basic, SmartCheck Plus, and SmartCheck Premium. Highlights of the SmartMove service:
- Results directly from a credit bureau
- No setup fees, no monthly service charge
- Manage multiple properties from a single account
- Option to charge the applicant for the screening costs
Another benefit of this service is that tenants’ personal information is kept safe: Rather than disclose personal info directly to the landlord, the tenant fills everything out online and the results report is sent directly to the landlord or real estate agent for approval.
4. Cozy.co
Like SmartMove, Cozy.co allows tenants to maintain control of their personal information. Tenants fill out their information online, and result reports are sent directly to the landlord or property manager. Tenants pay for their own screening, whether that is a background check, credit report, or both. Highlights of the Cozy.co service:
- No setup or membership fees
- In addition to screening, landlords can collect rent and manage communications through the platform
- Option to charge tenants for screening service
- Tenants handle their own personal information
- Credit results are available instantly and background checks generally take two hours
Landlords can also use Cozy.co to collect rent payments, communicate on maintenance requests, and manage renter’s insurance and rent estimate reports.
5. MyRental
MyRental is owned by CoreLogic Rental Property Solutions, and although the company doesn’t use live screeners to verify information, their database has seven layers of quality control. It offers basic and premium packages, or you can purchase most reports a la carte without committing to a package. Highlights of MyRental:
- Results typically available within an hour
- A la carte pricing
- Database is constantly updated
- Efficient customer service
MyRental also gives each applicant a “Safe Rent Score” and a “Landlord Acceptance Rate.”
6. RentSafe
Designed by property managers, RentSafe offers a straightforward, user-friendly platform for both landlords and prospective tenants. In addition to tenant screening, renters can apply online and add co-applicants, co-signers, and references as well as upload any supporting documentation. Highlights of Rent Safe:
- Easy-to-use software
- Designed by property managers
- Customized dashboard for renters and landlords
- Real-time results
- 5-Star, 24/7 Customer Support
- Accessible on any device
Documents or other information uploaded by the prospective tenant are available for the landlord to review immediately, making the process more streamlined and less stressful.
The benefit of most services is that you’ll be able to manage multiple applicants within one easy-to-use platform. Whichever service you choose, know that you’re handling personal information, so make sure you keep it as secure as possible.
An Online Platform that Gives Property Managers an Edge
Rent Safe simplifies every aspect of tenant applications and screening, making the process more transparent and organized for renters and landlords alike. Contact Rent Safe today if you’re ready to take your entire application process online to make it faster and easier.
