The cost of a bad tenant goes far beyond a missed rent payment. It can mean expensive legal fees, stressful eviction proceedings, and significant property repairs that drain your profits and your energy. The good news is that most of these situations are entirely preventable with a solid screening process. By partnering with the right tenant screening company, you can identify potential issues before they become costly problems. This article is your complete guide to effective tenant screening. We will highlight the critical red flags to watch for in a report and show you how to build a consistent, legally compliant process that attracts responsible renters and safeguards your investment.
Key Takeaways
- Establish a consistent screening process: Protect your investment and stay legally compliant by defining your rental criteria—like income and credit minimums—and applying it to every single applicant without exception.
- Choose an all-in-one screening service: Save time and money by using a platform that handles everything from digital applications and comprehensive background checks to lease signing and rent collection, often at no cost to you.
- Learn to read beyond the credit score: A screening report tells a story, so look for patterns and red flags like past evictions, unverifiable income, or incomplete applications, and always check references to get the full picture.
What is a Tenant Screening Service?
Think of a tenant screening service as your go-to tool for making confident rental decisions. It’s a professional service that helps you get a clear picture of a potential renter by looking into their background. Instead of relying on gut feelings, you get a detailed report that combines their financial history, criminal record, and past rental behavior. This information is crucial for finding a reliable tenant who will pay rent on time and take good care of your property.
These services gather information from various sources to create a comprehensive profile of an applicant. This allows you to verify the details they provided on their rental application and spot any potential red flags before you hand over the keys. Using a dedicated service streamlines the entire process, making it faster, more accurate, and compliant with privacy laws. It’s an essential step in protecting your investment and ensuring a positive and professional relationship with your future tenant.
What Services Do They Offer?
A quality tenant screening service bundles several key checks into one easy-to-read report. The foundation of any good screening includes a credit check to assess financial responsibility, a criminal background check for safety, and an eviction history to see if they’ve had issues with previous landlords. Many services also offer employment and income verification to confirm that the applicant can afford the rent. Some platforms, like SingleKey, provide a comprehensive Tenant Report that includes all of these essentials, plus advanced features like social media scans and AI-powered identity verification for an extra layer of security.
How Does the Screening Process Work?
Getting a tenant screening report is surprisingly straightforward. The process usually starts with you creating an account with a screening service and inviting your potential tenant to apply through the platform. The applicant then fills out a rental application and consents to the background check, often paying the fee directly. This is a secure method that keeps their sensitive information private. Once they’ve submitted everything, the service gets to work compiling the data. In a short time, you’ll receive a detailed report with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Why Use a Professional Screening Service?
Using a professional screening service is one of the smartest moves you can make as a landlord. It helps you avoid costly mistakes, like renting to someone with a history of property damage or missed payments. These services provide thorough, unbiased reports that help you identify responsible tenants with a stable income and a positive rental history. Beyond that, they help you stay compliant with fair housing laws by applying the same screening criteria to every applicant. This consistency not only protects you legally but also gives you the peace of mind that comes with a guaranteed rental income.
How Do Tenant Screening Companies Work?
Think of a tenant screening company as your trusted partner in due diligence. Their main job is to help you verify the information a potential tenant provides on their rental application so you can make an informed decision. Instead of relying on a gut feeling, you get a clear, data-backed picture of who you’re renting to. This process helps you spot reliable tenants who have a steady income and a solid rental history, which is exactly what every landlord wants.
These services dig into the details for you. They typically run a comprehensive Tenant Report that includes a full credit check, a criminal background check, and a search for any past evictions. They also help with income and employment verification, confirming that your applicant can comfortably afford the rent. By using a professional service, you streamline your rental process and ensure you’re gathering information in a way that is fair, consistent, and compliant with privacy laws. It takes the guesswork out of tenant selection and gives you the confidence to move forward with a qualified renter who will treat your property with respect.
What Paperwork Do You Need?
The process almost always starts with a rental application, but you can forget about messy paper forms. Modern screening services handle this digitally. You’ll simply invite your prospective tenant to fill out an online application through the screening platform. This application gathers all the essential details, including their contact information, residence history, and income. The applicant also provides their consent for the background and credit checks at this stage. This keeps the process clean, organized, and completely hands-off for you. It also makes it easy to manage multiple applicants for a single property and ensures you ask everyone the same questions, which is key to a fair process.
How Long Does It Take?
One of the biggest advantages of using a tenant screening service is speed. The days of waiting around for days or even weeks for a report to come back are long gone. Most online screening reports are delivered almost instantly. In many cases, you can have a complete report in your hands in less than five minutes after the applicant submits their information. This incredible efficiency means you can make decisions quickly and confidently. In a competitive rental market, the best tenants have options. Being able to quickly approve a great applicant allows you to send them a lease offer before they find another place.
How Do You Get the Report?
Getting the final report is a straightforward and secure process. After you create an account with a screening service, you’ll invite the applicant to complete the screening via email or a shareable link. The applicant then fills out their information and typically pays the screening fee directly to the service. Once they’ve finished, the complete report is sent directly to your dashboard. You get all the insights you need without ever having to handle sensitive information like a social insurance number. This protects both you and the applicant and ensures a professional, secure transaction for everyone involved, building trust from the very beginning of the landlord-tenant relationship.
A Look at the Top Tenant Screening Companies
When it comes to protecting your investment, choosing the right tenant screening service is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. These platforms do the heavy lifting, pulling together credit reports, criminal records, and eviction histories to give you a complete picture of your applicants. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? The truth is, not all services are created equal. Some are straightforward, focusing solely on delivering core reports, while others offer a full suite of property management tools that can handle everything from collecting rent to signing digital leases.
The best choice depends on your specific needs. Are you a hands-on landlord with one or two properties, or a growing property manager looking to streamline operations? Do you need advanced fraud detection, or is a basic credit and background check sufficient? Understanding what you need is the first step. To help you sort through the options, we’re taking a closer look at some of the top players in the industry. We’ll break down their key features, what makes them unique, and who they’re best suited for. This will help you move past the marketing jargon and find a service that truly fits your business and gives you confidence in every lease you sign.
SingleKey
SingleKey offers a complete ecosystem for landlords, going beyond standard screening to provide a full suite of risk management tools. The platform integrates everything you need into one place, including detailed Tenant Screening, automated Rent Collection, and digital lease agreements. What really sets it apart are its advanced security features, like AI-powered document and identity verification to catch fraudulent applications. For ultimate peace of mind, SingleKey also offers a Rent Guarantee program that protects your income if a tenant fails to pay. It’s an ideal solution for landlords who want to streamline their entire rental process, from application to rent payment, while minimizing risk.
TransUnion SmartMove
Backed by one of the three major credit bureaus, TransUnion SmartMove is a trusted name in the industry. It provides landlords with detailed reports covering a tenant’s credit, criminal history, and past evictions. The entire process is handled online, making it a quick and straightforward way to get the information you need. Because the service is powered directly by TransUnion, you can feel confident in the accuracy of the credit data. It’s a solid choice for landlords who prioritize reliable, credit-focused reports from a reputable source and want a simple, no-fuss screening experience.
RentPrep
RentPrep is known for adding a human touch to the screening process. While they offer the standard credit checks, criminal background reports, and eviction histories, their key differentiator is that they employ FCRA-certified screeners to review reports. This helps ensure accuracy and compliance, giving you an extra layer of confidence in the data you receive. They offer a variety of packages, allowing you to choose the level of detail you need for your screening. This service is a great option for landlords who appreciate the oversight of a live professional when vetting potential tenants.
MyRental
If you’re looking for a user-friendly platform that simplifies application management, MyRental is a strong contender. The service provides landlords with easy-to-read tenant screening reports that include credit history, criminal background checks, and rental history. The platform is designed to be intuitive, helping you keep all your applicant information organized and accessible in one place. MyRental is a great fit for landlords who value simplicity and want a straightforward tool to manage applications and get essential screening reports without a steep learning curve.
RentSpree
RentSpree focuses on creating a seamless and simplified application process for both landlords and tenants. The platform allows you to request and receive a completed application package that includes a credit report, background check, and eviction history. One of its standout features is its common integration with MLS platforms, making it a popular choice among real estate agents who manage rentals. By making the process easy for applicants to complete, RentSpree helps you gather comprehensive information quickly, reducing vacancies and streamlining your leasing workflow.
What to Look For in a Tenant Screening Service
Choosing a tenant screening service can feel like a big decision, and it is. This is your first line of defense in protecting your property and ensuring a steady rental income. With so many options out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The key is to look past the flashy marketing and focus on the core features that actually make a difference. A great service doesn’t just pull a credit score; it gives you a complete picture of your applicant so you can make a confident and informed decision.
Think of it as assembling a toolkit. You need more than just one tool to do the job right. A comprehensive service will provide a full suite of checks, from credit and background history to income verification and fraud detection. It should also be fast, accurate, and easy to use, with real people available to help if you have questions. By prioritizing these key areas, you can find a partner that helps you place reliable tenants while saving you time and stress. Let’s walk through exactly what you should be looking for.
Comprehensive Background Checks
A thorough background check is the foundation of any good tenant screening process. This goes far beyond a simple Google search. You need a service that provides a complete, multi-faceted report on your applicant. This should always include a detailed credit check, a search of their rental history for past evictions, and a criminal background check. These pieces work together to help you assess an applicant’s reliability and financial responsibility. A quality tenant screening service will compile all this information into a single, easy-to-read report, giving you the full story so you can feel secure in your choice.
Income and Employment Verification
“Can they afford the rent?” It’s the most fundamental question you have as a landlord. Verifying an applicant’s income and employment is essential to answering it with confidence. A solid screening service will help you confirm that the applicant has a stable source of income sufficient to cover rent and other living expenses. By reviewing their credit history and verifying their work history, you can accurately gauge their financial stability and their likelihood of paying rent on time. This step is crucial for protecting your investment and ensuring you have a tenant who can consistently meet their obligations.
Advanced Fraud Protection
In a competitive rental market, fraudulent applications are an unfortunate reality. Applicants may submit fake pay stubs, altered bank statements, or even stolen identities. That’s why advanced fraud protection is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it’s a necessity. The best screening services use modern technology, including AI-powered tools, to verify documents and identities, flagging suspicious information for you. They help you spot red flags like unverifiable income, incomplete applications, or an unusual sense of urgency. This layer of security is invaluable for catching potential issues before they become costly problems.
Accurate and Fast Reports
When you have a great applicant, you don’t want to lose them to another landlord because your screening process took too long. The rental market moves quickly, and you need a service that can keep up. Top-tier screening companies can deliver comprehensive reports in minutes, not days. This speed allows you to make timely decisions and secure a lease with a qualified tenant. Of course, speed should never compromise accuracy. Look for a service that has a reputation for providing reliable, up-to-date information, ensuring you have the right data to make the best choice.
Reliable Customer Support
Even the most user-friendly platform can leave you with questions. What if you don’t understand a part of the credit report? What if you need help getting an applicant to complete their side of the process? This is where reliable customer support becomes essential. A good screening service should have a knowledgeable and accessible support team ready to help you. Clear and consistent communication is key to a smooth screening process for both you and your applicants. Having a real person to turn to for guidance provides peace of mind and makes the entire experience much less stressful.
How Much Does Tenant Screening Cost?
When you’re looking for the right tenant, getting a comprehensive screening report is non-negotiable. But what’s it going to cost you? The good news is that securing a detailed report is often more affordable than you might think, and in many cases, it can be completely free for you as the landlord. The price of a tenant screening report typically depends on the depth of the information you need, from a basic credit check to a full background analysis. Understanding the common pricing structures will help you find a service that fits your budget without sacrificing quality.
Common Pricing Models
Tenant screening services usually price their reports on a per-applicant basis. You can expect to see prices ranging from about $20 to $40 for a comprehensive report. For example, some services offer packages that start around $25 and include credit history, eviction records, and a criminal background check. The final cost often reflects the level of detail included. A simple credit check will be on the lower end, while a more in-depth Tenant Report that includes AI-powered document verification and income analysis will be on the higher end. Many modern platforms operate without sign-up fees or monthly subscriptions, allowing you to pay only for the reports you need, when you need them.
Who Pays the Screening Fee?
One of the best parts about using a professional screening service is that you often don’t have to pay for it yourself. Most platforms are set up so the prospective tenant pays the application and screening fee directly. This has become the industry standard, making it a cost-neutral process for landlords. When an applicant is interested in your property, you simply send them a link to apply through your chosen service. They fill out their information and pay the fee, which typically covers the cost of their credit and background checks. This system not only saves you money but also acts as a filter for serious applicants who are genuinely interested in your rental.
Watch Out for Hidden Fees
While most modern screening services are transparent, it’s always smart to be aware of potential hidden costs. Some older or less reputable companies might charge landlords setup fees, monthly subscriptions, or require a minimum number of reports per month. You should also be wary of any service that requires an on-site inspection, as this is an outdated practice. A trustworthy platform will have clear, upfront pricing. Remember, in many regions, you can only pass the exact cost of the screening onto the applicant; you can’t profit from the fee. Choosing a service with a straightforward payment model ensures you stay compliant and protects you from unexpected charges, giving you the same peace of mind you get from a Rent Guarantee.
Staying Compliant: Laws and Privacy
Screening tenants is about more than just finding the right fit; it’s also about following the law. The legal landscape can feel intimidating, but understanding a few key principles will protect you, your investment, and your applicants. A consistent, fair process is your best defense against potential legal issues and ensures you’re treating everyone equitably.
Fair Housing Act Compliance
The cornerstone of legal tenant screening is fairness, which is protected by the Fair Housing Act. The most important rule to remember is that you must use the same screening rules for everyone. This means creating a standard set of criteria—like income requirements, credit score minimums, and rental history standards—and applying them consistently to every single applicant. You can’t change your requirements from one person to the next. This practice not only keeps you compliant but also simplifies your decision-making process, ensuring you’re evaluating every applicant on the same playing field and avoiding any claims of discrimination.
Understanding FCRA Rules
When you run a credit check or background report, you’re operating under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This law has two critical rules for landlords. First, you must get written permission from an applicant before running any screening reports. Second, if you deny an applicant because of something in their report, you have to provide them with an adverse action notice. This notice must explain why they were denied and identify the company that provided the report. Using a professional tenant screening service helps automate this, ensuring you properly obtain consent and have the tools to send the correct notices.
Protecting Applicant Privacy
A tenant screening report contains a wealth of sensitive personal information, and it’s your responsibility to handle it with care. When you review a report, you should be thoughtful about how you use this information, considering the context of any negative items. Think about how long ago an offense occurred, its severity, and whether it’s relevant to their ability to be a good tenant. Securely storing and disposing of applicant data is also crucial for protecting their privacy and maintaining trust. A reputable screening service will have secure systems in place to help you manage this data responsibly.
Why Consistent Screening Matters
Creating a standardized screening process from the start is one of the smartest things you can do as a landlord. Tenant screening is a critical step, but it’s also a place where it’s “extremely easy to make mistakes that could set you up for ultra-expensive headaches thereafter.” An inconsistent process opens the door to fair housing complaints and poor tenant placements. By defining your criteria upfront and applying it to every applicant without exception, you create a fair, efficient, and legally sound system that protects your business and helps you find reliable tenants.
Red Flags to Spot in a Screening Report
A tenant screening report is more than just a pass/fail document; it’s a detailed story about a potential renter. Learning to read between the lines and identify potential red flags is one of the most important skills a landlord can develop. While a single issue might not be a dealbreaker, a pattern of them can signal future problems. A thorough tenant screening provides the data you need to make an informed decision, but it’s up to you to interpret it. Here are some of the most common red flags to watch for when you review an applicant’s report.
Previous Evictions
This one is pretty straightforward. A past eviction is one of the biggest indicators of a high-risk tenant. Evictions don’t happen for minor reasons; they’re typically the result of serious issues like consistent non-payment of rent, significant property damage, or major lease violations. While every situation has context, a history of being formally removed from a property suggests a potential for future conflicts and financial instability. It’s a clear sign that a previous landlord-tenant relationship broke down completely, and it’s a risk you need to weigh very carefully before handing over the keys to your property.
Unverifiable Income
“I can afford it” isn’t enough—you need proof. If an applicant can’t provide verifiable proof of income, like pay stubs or an offer letter, you have no way of knowing if they can consistently cover the rent. Be wary of applicants who are vague about their employment or provide documents that seem altered or unprofessional. A reliable income and employment verification process is crucial. If someone is hesitant to provide this information or their story doesn’t add up, it raises serious questions about their financial stability and honesty. Consistent income is the foundation of a successful tenancy, so don’t be afraid to insist on clear, verifiable proof.
Criminal History
Reviewing a criminal record requires a careful and fair approach. Not all criminal history is relevant to a tenancy, but certain offenses are significant red flags. A record that includes property damage, theft, or violent crimes can pose a direct risk to your property, other tenants, and the community. It’s essential to have a clear, written policy about what you consider a disqualifying offense and to apply it consistently to every applicant to comply with fair housing laws. The goal isn’t to judge a person’s past but to responsibly assess the potential risk to your investment and the safety of your rental community.
Poor Credit History
A credit report offers a snapshot of an applicant’s financial responsibility. You don’t need to look for a perfect score, but you should watch for patterns of financial distress. Major red flags include a history of late payments, accounts in collections, high levels of debt, or a previous bankruptcy. These issues suggest that an applicant may struggle to manage their financial obligations, and rent is often one of the first payments to be missed when money is tight. A comprehensive credit check helps you gauge whether a potential tenant is likely to pay their rent on time and in full each month.
Incomplete Applications
An application with blank spaces or missing information should immediately catch your attention. Sometimes it’s an honest mistake, but it can also be a deliberate attempt to hide something. An applicant might leave their previous landlord’s contact information blank because they know the reference would be negative, or they might omit employment details because their income is unstable. A complete application shows that a tenant is transparent and has nothing to hide. If you receive an incomplete form, always follow up. How the applicant responds—whether they quickly provide the information or become evasive—will tell you a lot.
Common Screening Mistakes to Avoid
Finding the right tenant can feel like a race against the clock, especially when a property is sitting empty. But moving too quickly can lead you straight into a bad situation. A thorough screening process is your best defense against future problems, and avoiding a few common missteps can make all the difference. Let’s walk through the mistakes that are easy to make but also easy to avoid, ensuring you find a reliable tenant who will treat your property with respect.
Don’t Rush the Process
When you have a vacant unit, the pressure is on to fill it fast. It’s tempting to skim through applications and pick the first one that looks decent. But rushing is where mistakes happen. Overlooking a small detail on an application, like a gap in employment or a missing reference, could be a sign of a bigger issue. Taking the time to carefully review every piece of information ensures you have a complete picture of your applicant. A streamlined pre-screening process can help you stay organized and thorough without losing momentum, preventing future headaches before they start.
Always Check References
Collecting references is standard practice, but how often do you actually call them? This step is too important to skip. A conversation with a previous landlord can tell you things a credit report can’t, like whether the applicant paid rent on time, took care of the property, or had any issues with neighbors. Make sure you’re speaking to actual former landlords, not just friends or family members posing as one. Verifying these references gives you invaluable insight into what you can expect from a potential tenant, helping you make a more confident and informed decision about who you trust with your property.
Apply Your Criteria Consistently
It’s crucial to establish your rental criteria before you start accepting applications and then apply those standards to every single person. This isn’t just good practice—it’s the law. Making exceptions or changing your requirements from one applicant to the next can open you up to accusations of discrimination. Consistent screening ensures you are being fair and compliant with regulations like the Fair Housing Act. Decide on your minimum credit score, income requirements, and other qualifications, and stick to them for everyone. This protects you legally and helps you objectively choose the best candidate for your property.
Communicate Clearly with Applicants
From the moment an applicant shows interest, clear communication is key. Let them know what to expect from your screening process, how long it will take, and what documents they need to provide. A lack of communication can make good tenants feel uncertain and may cause them to look elsewhere. Being transparent and responsive builds trust and sets the foundation for a positive landlord-tenant relationship. It shows you’re a professional and respectful landlord, which is exactly the kind of person great tenants want to rent from. A simple, clear process makes everyone’s life easier.
Never Ignore Red Flags
Your tenant screening report is designed to give you a clear view of an applicant’s history, so pay close attention to what it tells you. Red flags like previous evictions, a history of late payments, or unverifiable income shouldn’t be ignored. While a single issue might have a reasonable explanation, a pattern of financial instability or a problematic rental history is a serious warning. Using a comprehensive tenant screening service helps you spot these warning signs early, so you can avoid tenants who might cause problems down the line and protect your investment.
How to Choose the Right Screening Service
With so many tenant screening services on the market, picking the right one can feel like a challenge. But finding the perfect fit doesn’t have to be complicated. The best service for you is simply the one that aligns with your specific needs as a landlord, offers the right features, and fits your budget. Think of it as finding a business partner—you want someone reliable, thorough, and easy to work with. The right platform won’t just send you a report; it will become an integral part of your rental management toolkit, helping you make informed decisions quickly and with confidence. It’s about moving beyond a simple pass/fail system and gaining a holistic view of each applicant.
This decision is one of the most important you’ll make, as it sets the foundation for a successful and stress-free landlord-tenant relationship from day one. A great screening service gives you peace of mind, knowing you’ve done your due diligence to protect your property and your rental income. It helps you stay compliant with housing laws and apply your criteria fairly to every applicant, which is crucial for avoiding legal trouble. By taking a moment to consider a few key factors, you can confidently choose a service that helps you protect your investment and find great, long-term tenants for your property.
Assess Your Needs
Before you start comparing different companies, take a minute to think about what you actually need. Are you managing a single-family home or a multi-unit apartment building? Your volume will influence what kind of service makes sense. The goal of any tenant screening is to find a reliable person with a steady income and a solid rental history. Consider what level of risk you’re comfortable with. Do you need a basic credit check, or are you looking for a deep dive that includes past evictions and employment verification? If you rent in an area with a diverse population, you might also need a service that can perform an international credit check to properly vet all your applicants.
Compare Essential Features
Not all background checks are created equal. A quality screening service should give you a complete picture of your applicant, not just a single credit score. Look for a provider that offers a comprehensive report covering all the essential bases. This should include a detailed credit check, a national criminal background check, a search for any prior evictions, and verification of both income and employment. Each piece of this puzzle gives you valuable insight. A strong credit history shows financial responsibility, while a clean eviction record suggests they respect their rental obligations. Getting all this information in one place is the key to making an informed decision.
Review the Pricing
Cost is always a factor, but it’s important to look at the bigger picture. Tenant screening fees typically range from $25 to $75, and in most cases, you can have the applicant pay this fee directly. This makes it a powerful, no-cost tool for you. Be sure to look for a service with transparent pricing. You want to avoid platforms with hidden charges or mandatory monthly subscriptions if you only rent properties occasionally. While it might be tempting to go with the cheapest option, remember that a thorough screening report can save you thousands of dollars down the line by helping you avoid costly evictions and months of unpaid rent.
Check for Integrations
Your tenant screening service shouldn’t create more work for you. The best platforms streamline your entire rental process, from the initial application to collecting rent. Look for a service that offers more than just a background check. Can applicants fill out a digital rental application? Does the platform allow you to create and sign a digital lease agreement? Some services even integrate with tools for online rent collection, creating a seamless experience for both you and your tenant. Choosing an all-in-one platform saves you time, keeps you organized, and makes managing your property significantly easier.
Related Articles
- How to Screen for Great Tenants – SingleKey
- How to Screen Tenants Like A Pro (Checklist Included) – SingleKey
- How Tenant Screening Services Help Landlords in the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just ask the tenant to pay for the screening report? Yes, absolutely. It has become standard practice for the prospective tenant to cover the cost of their application and screening report. Most modern screening platforms are designed for this, allowing you to simply send an application link to the interested party. They then fill out their information and pay the fee directly to the service. This approach is beneficial because it saves you money and also serves as a good filter for serious applicants who are genuinely interested in your property.
What should I do if a great applicant has little or no credit history? This is a common situation, especially with younger renters or newcomers to the country. A lack of credit history is not the same as a bad credit history. In these cases, you should place more weight on other parts of their application. Look for strong income verification, stable employment, and positive references from previous landlords or employers. A comprehensive report will give you these other data points so you can look at the applicant’s complete profile to make a confident decision.
How do I handle denying an applicant based on their report? If you decide not to move forward with an applicant because of information found in their screening report, you are legally required to let them know. This is done by sending what’s called an adverse action notice. This notice informs them of the decision and provides the name and contact information of the screening company that supplied the report. Reputable screening services understand this requirement and often provide tools or templates to help you send these notices correctly, ensuring you stay compliant with the law.
Why can’t I just run these checks myself to save money? While it might seem cheaper to do it yourself, running background checks on your own is full of legal risks and practical challenges. Accessing official credit reports and comprehensive criminal records requires special permissions that are difficult for an individual landlord to obtain. More importantly, you must comply with privacy and fair credit reporting laws. Using a professional service ensures you get accurate, compliant reports and protects both you and the applicant by handling sensitive data securely.
What’s more important: the credit score or the rental history? Both tell an important part of the story, but for a landlord, a history of evictions is often the most significant red flag. An eviction shows a direct failure to meet rental obligations in the past. A credit report, on the other hand, provides a broader look at an applicant’s financial habits. While a low credit score can indicate financial stress, it’s important to look at the context. The best approach is to consider all the information together to get a complete picture of the applicant’s reliability.