Background check & credit report

Flipper/Rehabber · Huntsville, AL · Member since 2024 · 52 posts · 23 votes

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

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Kyle MccawBusiness Member

Property Manager · Keller, TX · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes

@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.

McCaw Property Management4.4905 Reviews

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Curtis Mears
Property Manager · Raleigh, NC · Member since 2014 · 728 posts · 596 votes
1y
I use the biggerpockets credit check. Cost $47 that the potential tenant pays. Works well for me.
3 Reply
- Kim A.
  OP
  Flipper/Rehabber · Huntsville, AL · Member since 2024 · 52 posts · 23 votes
  1y
  Quote from @Curtis Mears:
  
  I use the biggerpockets credit check. Cost $47 that the potential tenant pays. Works well for me.
  
  Thank you! I'll give it a try.
  0 Reply
John Scribante
Minnetonka, MN · Member since 2021 · 11 posts · 8 votes
1y
We discover fraud in 1 of 12 appliacations that come in. We spend thousands of dollars per month on fraud detection systems and they are virtually impossible to catch without them. There are 15,000 fraud rings in the US and about half are housing related. I can show you a website where $8.99 can get you a perfectly good drivers lisence and another site where you can by a complete identity for between $50-$400. I guess what I am saying, is the gap between the DIY Landlord and the Professional Manager is getting wider and more risky for the DIY. Agreed, there are a lot of bad managers out there, most treat PM as a "parking lot" to hold properties in order to sell them later. Be careful of the managers that also have a sales divsion as they likely just want to run you property at the minimum level until they can convince you to sell. Self managing may save money, but odds are that you will end up with a fraudulant tenant at some point, even if you do not know it is happening.
2 Reply
- Kim A.
  OP
  Flipper/Rehabber · Huntsville, AL · Member since 2024 · 52 posts · 23 votes
  1y
  Quote from @John Scribante:
  
  We discover fraud in 1 of 12 appliacations that come in. We spend thousands of dollars per month on fraud detection systems and they are virtually impossible to catch without them. There are 15,000 fraud rings in the US and about half are housing related. I can show you a website where $8.99 can get you a perfectly good drivers lisence and another site where you can by a complete identity for between $50-$400. I guess what I am saying, is the gap between the DIY Landlord and the Professional Manager is getting wider and more risky for the DIY. Agreed, there are a lot of bad managers out there, most treat PM as a "parking lot" to hold properties in order to sell them later. Be careful of the managers that also have a sales divsion as they likely just want to run you property at the minimum level until they can convince you to sell. Self managing may save money, but odds are that you will end up with a fraudulant tenant at some point, even if you do not know it is happening.
  Everything you said makes perfect sense. Scammers are on the rise. Thanks for taking the time to share.
  0 Reply
- James McGovern
  Flipper/Rehabber · Bloomfield CT · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 408 votes
  1y
  @John Scribante a drivers license for under ten dollars. What is the name of this website so that we know what to look for?
  1 Reply
Kyle MccawBusiness Member
Property Manager · Keller, TX · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
1y
@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.
McCaw Property Management4.4905 Reviews
Website View Page
3 Reply
- Kim A.
  OP
  Flipper/Rehabber · Huntsville, AL · Member since 2024 · 52 posts · 23 votes
  1y
  Quote from @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.
  
  Great info! Thanks so much!
  0 Reply
- Daniel Alvino
  Member since 2020 · 4 posts · 0 votes
  1y
  Quote from @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.
  
  @Kyle Mccaw, would you recommend verifast or plaid to someone that is managing 1 - 2 properties or does this expense only become worthwhile with a larger property count. Also, how do prospective tenants input their information for the verification?
  0 Reply
Chris SeveneyBusiness Member
Moderator
Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes
1y
we are getting setup with
KCB screening and will let you know how they are
7e investments53 Reviews
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1 Reply
- Kim A.
  OP
  Flipper/Rehabber · Huntsville, AL · Member since 2024 · 52 posts · 23 votes
  1y
  Quote from @Chris Seveney:
  
  we are getting setup with
  KCB screening and will let you know how they are
  
  Thank you!
  0 Reply
Kim A.
OP
Flipper/Rehabber · Huntsville, AL · Member since 2024 · 52 posts · 23 votes
1y
Quote from @Matt Thelen:

You're getting great advice from the professional PMs here. You really should focus on income verification and use a tool that has sophisticated fraud detection. Nomad is one to look at and is great because we (yes, I'm biased) stand behind the screened applicant with guaranteed rent.

Thank you!!
0 Reply
Kyle MccawBusiness Member
Property Manager · Keller, TX · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
1y
@Daniel Alvino I don't believe they are open to DIY landlords. You may be a ble to gain access thru use of a larger property management software company.
McCaw Property Management4.4905 Reviews
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J CastroBusiness Member
Lender · Florida · Member since 2025 · 684 posts · 245 votes
1y
Quote from @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?
Hey @Kim A. welcome to BP!

There are several reliable online platforms available for landlords to run comprehensive background checks and credit reports on prospective tenants. With some of this platforms you'll be able to create your lease agreement and collect the rent as well. The best options typically include BiggerPockets, TransUnion SmartMove, Zillow Rental Manager, Avail, and TurboTenant. These are just some of the services that provide comprehensive screening reports that can include credit, criminal, and eviction history, and some integrate directly with rental listing sites such as Zillow Rental Manager and Apartments.com for a streamlined process.
These services are all Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) compliant, which is a legal requirement for accessing consumer credit information. Regardless of the service you choose, remember to always follow these steps to stay compliant with the law:

- Obtain written consent: You must get a prospective tenant's written permission before running a credit or background check.
- Establish clear criteria: Define your tenant selection criteria ahead of time and apply them consistently to every applicant to avoid discrimination.
- Know your local laws: Check your state and local landlord-tenant laws. Some areas have specific rules about what information you can consider and how much you can charge for an application fee.
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- Kim A.
  OP
  Flipper/Rehabber · Huntsville, AL · Member since 2024 · 52 posts · 23 votes
  1y
  Quote from @J Castro:
  
  Quote from @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?
  Hey @Kim A. welcome to BP!
  
  There are several reliable online platforms available for landlords to run comprehensive background checks and credit reports on prospective tenants. With some of this platforms you'll be able to create your lease agreement and collect the rent as well. The best options typically include BiggerPockets, TransUnion SmartMove, Zillow Rental Manager, Avail, and TurboTenant. These are just some of the services that provide comprehensive screening reports that can include credit, criminal, and eviction history, and some integrate directly with rental listing sites such as Zillow Rental Manager and Apartments.com for a streamlined process.
  These services are all Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) compliant, which is a legal requirement for accessing consumer credit information. Regardless of the service you choose, remember to always follow these steps to stay compliant with the law:
  
  - Obtain written consent: You must get a prospective tenant's written permission before running a credit or background check.
  - Establish clear criteria: Define your tenant selection criteria ahead of time and apply them consistently to every applicant to avoid discrimination.
  - Know your local laws: Check your state and local landlord-tenant laws. Some areas have specific rules about what information you can consider and how much you can charge for an application fee.
  
  Thank you!
  0 Reply
Carlos Hennings
Lancaster, NY · Member since 2021 · 92 posts · 53 votes
11mo
When you’re self-managing, the key is finding a screening service that’s FCRA-compliant, offers direct client support, and values accuracy over speed of results :
- Full Credit Reports with FICO Scores (soft-pull preferred so it doesn’t impact the applicant’s credit).
- Nationwide Criminal and Eviction Searches that are manually verified for accuracy.
- Employment and Income Verification Tools that connect directly to payroll or bank data instead of relying on uploaded documents.
- Identity Verification Features that confirm facial biometrics and ID authenticity to prevent fraud.
You’ll want something that integrates easily with your application workflow — whether you send applicants a link or manually enter their info — and delivers reports within a few hours.

Feel free to message me any time if you’d like to chat.
1 Reply
- Brandon Major
  Member since 2020 · 6 posts · 3 votes
  10mo
  @Carlos Hennings hi! Thanks for sending this. Would you mind messaging me some of the screening companies that effectively do this?
  0 Reply
Melanie ThomasBusiness Member
Real Estate Broker · San Antonio · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 489 votes
11mo
Honestly, the best thing you can do as a new landlord is bring in a property manager just for tenant placement. Let them handle the advertising, screening, lease paperwork, and collecting move-in funds. You’ll pay a fee, but it’s money well spent to avoid rookie mistakes that can cost way more in the long run.

Then, once the tenant is in, you can self-manage and learn the ropes by watching how the process was handled. You’ll pick up the right questions to ask, what to look for in applications, and how to set clear expectations in the lease. That way, you get a solid education while protecting yourself from the common pitfalls most of us learned the hard way. Good luck and happy investing!
[email protected]
RentWerx Property Management4.73300 Reviews
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Michael SmytheBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Metro Detroit · Member since 2023 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
11mo
@Kim A.
it's NOT the screening app that makes a difference, it's knowing how to interpret the data!

FICO scores and other risk scores can be misleading if there's not enough tradelines over at least a 48 month period. For some reason, FICO appears to recognize students loans in deferrment:(

Best questions to ask prosepects;
1) When are you looking to move?
2) Why aren't you renewing your exisiting lease? (lease ending is NOT an acceptable answer!)
3) How many people & pets?

Do yourself a favor and Google, "Rental Application Fraud" and read to learn.

One of the frauds we see most often is applicants claiming they live with relatives - when in fact their behind on their rent with their current landlord.
- A screening app should provide their last several years of reported addresses. Research those in the last 2 years to find owners and use Whitepages to get owner phone numbers.

Best advice: assume every applicant is lying until they provide documentation to prove otherwise.
Logical Property Management4.9453 Reviews
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