Credit check service when renter has no credit

[Nicole A.]

I've been using https://www.tenantbackgroundsearch.com/, which I think is connected to the MySmartMove site and I came across an issue. One lady was going through the process of verifying herself and the online system basically said the info she gave could not be verified. I called the company and they said that she didn't have enough background to answer the systems verifying questions. Instead, she'd have to send a copy of a recent utility bill and a copy of her ID or something. This seems like a hassle.

I'm renting in the Baltimore area and many renters have either bad credit or possibly no credit. Have you all run into my situation? I was hoping these credit/background check companies would just require plugging in her SSN, name, and birthday....but apparently that's not always enough.

I have a new applicant who I think may have the same issue of no credit background...and I don't want to run into this issue again.

[George C.]

I don't mind an applicant having no credit after verifying their identity. No credit is much better than bad credit. I do school them in how important credit is & that they will end up with credit renting from us, good or bad that will follow them.