How does the tenant pay actually work for applications?

Question

I checked the website of Rentprep and Smartmove, it says you (landlord) can pay or the tenant. How does that work exactly? Do I need to collect a check with the application from the tenant and then pay it as I screen them through the website? Do I use Smartmove/Rentprep and the website sends them an email to pay for the screening so I can view it?

This is probably a dumb question but both websites are unclear on what I should be doing or collecting if I want the tenant to pay?

Mackaylee Beach · Answer

I've found that having the tenant pay for the application makes it a much simpler process. You know if they are truly interested if they complete and pay for the application. I recommend providing them with your screening criteria, it gives them an idea of what you require. This allows them to at least review and determine their probability of approval.

Jake Andronico · Answer

Account Closed

I've tried numerous online Property Management software's and have really loved Turbotenant.

They do all of this for you. The tenant pays through their portal and it provides everything you'd likely want as a landlord.

I'm not an affiliate, just self-manage my rentals and have really been pleased with it. Hope this helps :)

Michael Bailey · Answer

Account Closed thanks for the mention, we definitely do appreciate it. For more clarity on how the TransUnion, formerly known as the SmartMove, report works; you supply us with the applicants email address and select whatever add-ons you'd like. Once you are happy with the package, you can select who pays for the report, either you or the applicant. If you select for the applicant to pay, you'll submit the order and the applicant will get an email from us to complete a screening form and once that form is completed; they will be prompted to pay for the report.

If you have any other questions about this process or in general about our services, please feel free to message me directly, or you can use or LiveChat feature to speak to an FCRA certified screener to address any other concerns that you may have.

Danielle Davenport · Answer

Online tools offer various payment options

Noah Laker · Answer

Can work either way depending on your preference. You can charge for actual costs associated with running an application (not just the online charge, but what about admin time? office rent? internet bill? etc. etc. there is great legal work on this front to justify up to the legal maximum app fee in California which is $52 and change last time I checked).

So, you can either 1) Charge an application fee BEFORE running the background check, or 2) Use an online service to send a link to the tenant.

Alecia Loveless · Answer

@Erika Peketi I use MySmartMove and the tenant pays. By the time I’ve gotten to that point I’ve usually screened applicants and selected the one I’m interested in to place in the unit. I have a second choice just in case but I only run the first choice through the background check.

I’m not like everyone else and I apply the $42.99 cost towards the first months rent once they are approved. It’s a good will gesture that goes a long way. Our average pay where I live is about $15.00 per hour so I figure charging 3 hours work for a background check is a lot.

JD Martin · Answer

No. If you're paying, then you just pay with your credit card and the tenant gets a free link. If the tenant pays, then they have to pay before they can access the forms.

We always have the tenant pay. If you pay, you're going to spend a lot of money on credit & background checks for people who are unqualified. If you go this route, then you should develop a pre-screening application beforehand so you are not spending money on bums.