Best tenant credit/background checks for free?

Question

What is the best way for a new landlord to screen a tenant's credit, financials, and background for free?

We are new landlords searching for a first tenants and want to start off right.

JD Martin · Answer

Looking for free stuff doesn't sound like starting off right, since most free stuff is either incomplete or of dubious value - why would someone compile that kind of information and then give it away for nothing?

I use TransUnion's MySmartmove. It's not free - the tenant pays about $30 or so for the service - but it is pretty good and lets you see the actual credit report rather than just giving you a score.

Linda S. · Answer

@Michael C. Trippi,

The only way it's free is if it's published at the local district court.     You could ask them to send you their creditkarma profile, that'd be free but not 100% reliable IMO.    Why in the world wouldn't you just  charge them the $40 to have it done?   If they can't pay that, they likely can't pay rent.

Eugene Kemp · Answer

Look at Turbotenant. I've liked my experiences so far.

Christopher Phillips · Answer

@Michael C. Trippi

Screening is usually paid by the tenant applicant. Between $25 - $50 depending on the vendor and level of information you need. If you want it "free" to you and the applicant, that's not really possible. It costs money to pull a credit report, more to have someone engage in the screening/background work.

Michael Noto · Answer

@Michael C. Trippi All tenant screening should be free for a landlord. Make the applicant pay what it costs for you to run a full credit, criminal, eviction check. Usually these run from $20-$35 per check from what we see depending on the program you use.

In our area in CT that is the norm and we have never had a serious applicant balk at applying because of the fee.

Lynn McGeein · Answer

I have applicant fill out my application listing rental history, employment, etc., and fill out necessary employment verification form.  I then check landlord history and employment first, then if they pass that, I send  them the link for Transunion's Smartmove, which is $35 for them to pay directly to the service.  I do not collect application fees at all as I don't want the hassle involved in returning them or accounting for them.

Johan Praats · Answer

While I really like SmartMove, the service has become too expensive for the affordable housing market.  $40 x 2 adults is $80 for a credit check that may cause them to be ultimately turned down.  That hurts the prospective tenant for whom $80 is significant money.  Does anyone know of a good alternative to SmartMove?

Jenifer Kynor · Answer

Hi Michael,

It's very important to do a comprehensive screening on all of your applicants above the age of 18. I always recommend running a full background check, credit check, and eviction report. Normally, it's free to you as the landlord, but not to the applicant. I think it's better to charge a tenant to test their seriousness about renting your property. If it's free to them, you'll see the same tenant applying to properties all around your area.

In addition to a full tenant screening, you can request pay stubs, w2, etc. in the application they submit. Finally, in their application, ask for landlord references and their employer's phone number to verify that they work there.

If you need a tenant screening service recommendation, please feel free to reach out directly!

Best tenant credit/background checks for free?

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