Background check & credit report

[Kim A.]

I am looking to list & self manage a rental property. What are the best sites to use for pulling background checks and credit reports?

[Kyle Mccaw]

@Kim A., great to see you taking the reins on self-managing. When it comes to pulling credit and background checks, TransUnion SmartMove is a solid option for independent landlords—it's easy to use, FCRA-compliant, and the applicant pays the fee directly. MyRental by CoreLogic is another reputable platform.

That said, the real gold is in pairing the credit/background check with income verification from the source—not just a paystub or PDF. We use services like Verifast and Plaid to verify directly with payroll or the applicant’s bank. It’s how you catch the 70%+ of applications that contain some form of income misrepresentation.

Screening is where you make or lose money in this business. Trust, but always verify.