Top Tenant Screening Services

With the need to screen tenants quickly and accurately, those conducting the checks should have an easy and reliable platform. Lots of options are available, each with their pros and cons. You’ll want to perform a tenant screening service comparison to determine which is right for you.

By assessing the features and functionality of each solution, you’ll find the best background checks for landlords or agents. Carefully weighing your options means you can have more confidence that you’re placing great tenants into properties you own or manage.

Tenant screening reveals key information about potential renters, including their criminal, financial, credit, and eviction history. However, not every system works the same. In this guide, you can complete a tenant screening services comparison.

Top 7 tenant screening services to consider

Here’s our recommended list of the best-rated tenant screening services. Explore each solution to see if it meets your requirements and expectations.

1. RentSpree

Services overview

• Detailed TransUnion credit report, including credit scores, payment history, credit inquiries, trade lines, collections, and more
• Comprehensive background check showing information from the National Sex Offender Public Registry, Most Wanted databases, and criminal records from multiple states
• Rental history report, including access to an applicant's eviction-related proceedings pulled from over 25 million records across the United States
• Bank-verified income report powered by Finicity, a Mastercard company

Additional features

• 24/7 access
• Liability protection
• Customizable reports in an easy-to-read format
• The online rental application process is best-in-class security and customer support

Pricing

RentSpree is free for landlords, real estate agents, and property managers to use. For applicants, tenant screening pricing starts at $39.99.

Who pays the cost of the screening?

Applicants

Why choose RentSpree?

RentSpree, a leader in tenant screening services, services all 50 states.. It’s one of the most frequently reviewed and has a stellar rating on Google.

Catering to applicants, agents, landlords, and renters, RentSpree streamlines the screening process with a suite of features, including income verification. Users appreciate its user-friendly setup and accessibility from anywhere, with many praising it as the best onlinerental application.

Process overview

RentSpreetenant screening requires only a few easy steps:

1. Create a free account.
2. Enter the property address.
3. Choose the rental application and screening reports.
4. Share the custom link with potential tenants.
5. View application packages in the platform.

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Start screening with RentSpree today.

2. TurboTenant

Services overview

• Credit score
• Lines of credit
• Credit inquiries
• Debt in collections
• Criminal record
• Past evictions
• Income verification

Additional features

• Integrated rental accounting
• Rental advertising
• Lease agreements
• Document management
• Rent payments
• Maintenance requests
• Expense tracking

Pricing

Landlords pay $0 for the screening, while tenants pay a fee of either $45 or $55. The price depends on whether the landlord has a free or premium plan. While most landlords have the applicant pay the fee, landlords can pay it instead if they wish.

Who pays the cost of the screening?

Applicants

Why choose TurboTenant?

TurboTenant's comprehensive screening services, user-friendly interface, and affordability make it a favorite. If you want to screen applicants quickly, TurboTenant may be right for you.

Process overview

You only need to enter the person's email to screen. The platform then sends them a link to enter their information. TurboTenant then verifies identity and consents to the report. You will receive the completed report to view.

3. RentPrep

Services overview

• Full credit report with ResidentScore®
• SSN verification/address history
• Nationwide criminal and sex offender search
• Nationwide evictions
• Bankruptcies
• Applicant pay option

Additional features

• Judgment and liens
• Income verification

‍Pricing

RentPrep offers two different package options. RentPrep’s Rental Background Check package is $21, while the comprehensive TransUnion Full Credit Report is $40. You can also request additional reports like income verification for $10 or judgment and lien reports for $7.

Who pays the cost of the screening?

Either the landlord or the applicant pays the fee.

Why choose RentPrep?

RentPrep’s flexible options mean landlords can choose either a basic package or a more robust one, depending on their needs. RentPrep offers an advantage when performing a tenant screening service comparison regarding volume. Those with multiple properties earn discounts with bulking pricing and bundle options.

Process overview

You must create a Stessa account to use RentPrep. Then, you select the types of reports to run: credit report only or full background check plus credit. Complete the required information, and the system sends the link to renters to collect information. The screen occurs, and you receive the report in Stessa.

4. AppFolio

Services overview

• Credit score
• Criminal history
• Eviction history
• Rental history

Additional features

• Income verification
• Customizable criteria
• Online application processing

Pricing

AppFolio has two pricing packages, with individual screenings ranging from $15-$20. Add income verification to either package for an additional $12 fee.

Who pays the cost of the screening?

Applicant

Why choose AppFolio?

If you're already using AppFolio's property management software, their tenant screening service, FolioScreen™ Trusted Renter, seamlessly integrates with it. As a result, it streamlines property management operations.

AppFolio is also unique because it allows landlords to customize the screening criteria and parameters according to their property requirements. With this feature, landlords can identify tenants that best fit their expectations.

Process overview

After adding the screening to your account, you would navigate to the “Tenant Screening” option within the property management platform. You then select the screens and can customize criteria, including credit score, rental history, eviction history, criminal background check, and verification of employment.

Then, select the screening cost for the applicant. The prospective renter would receive the application link and complete the required fields. The screens run, and you can view the report.

5. TransUnion SmartMove

Services overview

Basic:

• ResidentScore®
• Criminal background

Plus:

• ResidentScore®
• Criminal background
• Credit report
• Eviction-related report

Pro:

• ResidentScore®
• Criminal background
• Credit report
• Eviction-related report
• Income insights

Additional features

• Identity verification
• Integrated communication tools
• Customized leasing recommendations

Pricing

SmartMove's tenant screening pricing varies based on which plan you select. The Basic plan is $25, while the Plus and Premium packages are $40 or $47 per screening.

Who pays the cost of the screening?

Either the landlord or the applicant pays the fee.

Why choose TransUnion SmartMove?

SmartMove provides valuable tenant screening services for individual property owners and smaller management groups. It’s ideal for someone who doesn't always screen tenants. SmartMove offers a cost-effective online solution. Since one of the three major credit bureaus powers it, you can be confident in its security and compliance.

Process overview

1. Create a free account.
2. Determine what reports bundle and who pays.
3. Invite applicants to screen by entering an email address.
4. Wait for applicants to complete information and the system to run the checks.
5. Receive the reports.

6. First Advantage

Services overview

• Credit checks
• Rental history
• Criminal record reports
• Identity verification

Additional features

• Income verification
• Proprietary records’ database
• Detailed operational, benchmarking, and reporting data
• Utility debt histories
• SkipWatch scan with more automated fraud solutions
• Insight Advantage, a real-time analytics tool

Pricing

Users must contact First Advantage for a detailed breakdown of pricing options.

Who pays the cost of the screening?

For details, contact First Advantage directly.

Why choose First Advantage?

First Advantage offers tenant background checks as a vertical for its overall capabilities. The company primarily operates as an employment screener. They perform screens in over 200 countries, conducting over 100 million annually. With a substantial global reach, First Advantage is an appealing option for landlords dealing with international applicants or properties.

First Advantage offers various screening services beyond the standard credit, criminal, and eviction checks. They maintain an extensive database of initial filings, possessions, judgments, and lease disputes, providing a comprehensive view of an applicant's history. They also have their own database updated with crucial eviction information, which may not always be reported to credit agencies.

Process overview

Once you have an account, you set up the checks for a tenant. After this step, an applicant submits personal details and authorizes the screen. Depending on the screening package, the results can be instant or longer. You’ll receive a notification when it’s complete for viewing.

7. RentRedi

Services overview

• Credit report
• Criminal report
• Eviction report
• Credit-based ResidentScore

‍Additional features

• Customizable screening packages

Pricing

The cost of one screening report is $39.99.

Who pays the cost of the screening?

Either the landlord or the applicant pays the fee.

Why choose RentRedi?

RentRedi is an all-in-one solution for tenant screening and property management. Beyond credit checks, you can use the platform for online rent collection, maintenance tracking, and lease management.

In a tenant screening services comparison, you may appreciate its intuitive interface. Its ease of use makes it a good background check for landlords with little experience.

In addition, RentRedi’s pricing structure is affordable for smaller property management groups, independent landlords, or landlords operating on a budget.

Process overview

Setting up an account is the first step. The tenant would then complete the online application. You would then navigate to the “Applications” tab and choose which applicant to screen. Review that the information is correct, which notifies the person via text. They then verify their identity, consent to the check, and pay the fee. The screen occurs, and you review the results in the secure portal.

Essential criteria for a tenant screening service comparison

Choosing a tenant screening service involves more than selecting the one with the most features or the lowest cost. Some have qualities that make it the best background check for agents versus landlords.

What’s most crucial are your requirements and the accuracy of the report so you make the most informed decisions.

A Zillow survey revealed that tenant screening was a significant struggle for landlords, specifically conducting checks and reading applications. They find it burdensome, and the solution to this is having the right technology.

When reviewing the different tenant screening solutions on the market, we strongly recommend taking the following factors into consideration:

Cost

Make sure the price of screening tenants fits your budget and aligns with the features promised by the screening provider. Sometimes, saving a few dollars upfront might lead to significant expenses in the future. If you accept the wrong tenant because of missing or inaccurate information, you could face lots of costs associated with eviction or property damage.

Value should guide you versus price. A service that’s more expensive but reliable far outweighs the gains of a cheaper one.

Data protection

Tenant screening involves handling an applicant's personally identifiable information (PII). These include birthdates, addresses, and Social Security numbers. The tenant screening provider should prioritize data security with advanced cybersecurity practices. They should also have safeguards in place to ensure compliance with industry standards like data encryption, secure storage protocols, and access restrictions to personal information to prevent data breaches.

Verification of employment

A big concern for landlords is the fear that new tenants will be unable to pay rent in full and on time every month. When comparing tenant screening services, look for providers that offer income and employment verification as part of their screening bundle. It’s the most effective way to vet a person’s ability to keep up with rent payments.

Ease of use

Finding the right tenant for your property is challenging enough; don't complicate it with a cumbersome tenant screening solution. The best background checks for landlords and agents are straightforward, easy to navigate, and have reports that are easy to read.

You may also want to consider service providers that can deliver screening reports in a timely manner. Faster reports allow you to fill vacancies with minimal delays.

Legal compliance

Adhering to fair Housing laws during the screening process is crucial. The best-rated tenant screening service helps you comply by preventing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, or national origin. The screening solutions you use should acknowledge these anti-discriminatory laws and follow industry regulations to avoid potential lawsuits or legal issues.

Customer support

Find an organization with responsive, high-quality support. If you have questions or concerns, you should be able to contact them easily. It may not be a significant determining factor but should be part of your criteria.

Integration and compatibility

Lastly, check if the screening service integrates with your existing property management systems or software. Doing so will allow for smoother data flow, reduce manual data entry, and minimize the number of tools you have to juggle.

Start screening your tenants with RentSpree

Your rental property is too valuable to take risks with, and securing a reliable tenant is vital for your business. RentSpree's tenant screening services make the process easy. Our solution ensures every applicant undergoes a thorough background check, giving you confidence that your next tenant will be a great one.

Not all screening services are equal or provide a complete screening report or credit history. See the difference for yourself by signing up today.

Start screening with RentSpree today.

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