SmartMove aplication to screen tennants. worth it?

[Shawn Trudeau]

Hi everyone I am pretty new to BiggerPockets and as well as real estate investing and I was playing around the site and came across the SmartMove application to screen applicants and possible new tenants. Was wondering if any of you have used this and would recommend it?  I was wondering if I were to choose the $40.00 package would I be able to get away with charging a $40 application fee to interested renters or is that a little to steep? Any insight and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

[Lynn McGeein]

I've used it several times over the last few years and have been happy with results.  I have my own application that applicants fill out so I have their important information in case of eviction, also I state my procedure, that I will check past rental history and income verification first, for free, and if they pass that, they must pay Smartmove or other screening service directly for credit, background, etc., on anyone over 18, even if a dependent like an elderly parent or college student living  at  home.  I let them know it's first qualified applicant who signs lease and pays deposit and first month's rent, so if they pay for the report but someone else beats them to the lease and payments, it's on them, not me.  It also helps in getting them to contact past landlords and employers to speed things up as I let them know a delay in response from my inquiries will delay their chances.