Tenant Background Check Services for Landlords and Property Managers
Screening every applicant protects your property. Our tenant background check service verifies identity, credit, criminal history, and past evictions. Consequently, you can select reliable renters with confidence and avoid costly problem tenants.
✔ Reports in 24 Hours or Less
✔ No Setup Fees
Avoid Problem Renters Before They Sign a Lease
Most problem renters have a court-documented history. Therefore, a thorough tenant background check helps you spot red flags early. Simply provide the applicant’s name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Our team then cross-checks every name, alias, and address combination to confirm accuracy.
SSN Trace & Nationwide Criminal Search
We search nationwide criminal databases and sex offender registries. As a result, you gain a clearer picture of applicant risk before move-in.
Eviction Records, Tax Liens & Credit History
Statewide eviction records and tax liens included. Additionally, credit history reveals payment reliability over time. Credit reports available for an additional fee only for credentialed commercial clients, not private landlords.
The Real Cost of Skipping Screening
Evictions Are Expensive. Screening Is Not.
Evictions are typically lengthy and stressful. In most court cases, landlords lose both time and money. Property damage, disputes with neighbors, late rent, and legal fees add up quickly. However, one thorough tenant background check can prevent most of these issues from the start.
Applicants who have already gone through eviction know the process well. In fact, they can often live rent-free for four to six months while the case proceeds. Screening upfront protects your bottom line and your peace of mind.
Multi-Unit Property Owners
One bad tenant can offset the value of several reliable, on-time renters. Screening every applicant consistently protects your entire portfolio.
Mobile Home & Trailer Park Owners
Our reports help lower the risk of a bad tenant in manufactured housing communities, where turnover costs can be especially high.
Renter Protection
Renter Assurance Protection
Rental scams are unfortunately common today. Malicious individuals sometimes pose as landlords of empty properties. Meanwhile, some legitimate owners face foreclosure, which can leave renters at risk of eviction shortly after moving in.
Prospective renters can now verify that a private landlord truly owns the property. Additionally, they can check for past criminal history and confirm the property is not in foreclosure. Consequently, renters can pay deposits and monthly rent with far greater confidence.
Tenant Screening Pricing
One comprehensive package covers everything you need to make an informed decision. There are no hidden fees and no long-term contracts required.
Name Variation Algorithm Screening
- SSN trace, aliases, former names & past address history (SSN required)
- Nationwide criminal database search
- Sex offenders search
- Nationwide USA PATRIOT Act / OFAC / SDN search
- Nationwide bankruptcies — 10 years
- Statewide evictions — 7 years
- Statewide tax liens & civil judgments — 7 years
How Self-Pay, Self-Screen Works
Applicants can pay for their own screening directly. Therefore, you save time while still receiving a complete, accurate report in your secure account.
Send the Secure Link
From your secure account, email the applicant a secure link to begin screening. Alternatively, use a global link directly on your leasing website.
Customize and Brand
Customize the consent form’s wording. You can also brand the entire screening process with your own logo for a seamless applicant experience.
Applicant Submits Information
The applicant enters their details, uploads a valid photo ID, and pays online. As a result, no manual data entry is required on your end.
Receive Your Report
Our staff completes the report within 24 hours or less. The report then posts directly into your secure account to maintain data integrity.
Understanding FCRA Requirements for Landlords
Tenant background checks are considered consumer reports under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Therefore, landlords must follow specific legal steps before and after using them.
Get Written Consent
You must obtain the applicant’s written permission before running a background check. This protects both parties under federal law.
Apply Criteria Consistently
Use the same screening criteria for every applicant. Consistency helps you avoid fair housing violations and legal disputes.
Provide Adverse Action Notices
If you deny an applicant based on a report, you must send an adverse action notice. This notice explains their rights under the FCRA.
Tenant Background Check FAQs
What does a tenant background check include?
A tenant background check typically includes a nationwide criminal search, sex offender registry check, credit history, eviction records, and SSN trace with alias verification. Our reports also include bankruptcy, tax lien, and civil judgment searches for a complete picture.
How long does a tenant background check take?
Most reports are completed within 24 hours or less. However, complex cases involving multiple jurisdictions or common names may take slightly longer to verify manually.
Who pays for the tenant screening fee?
Either the landlord or the applicant can pay, depending on your preference. With self-pay screening, the applicant covers the cost directly, so you never pay out of pocket.
Is tenant screening legal and FCRA-compliant?
Yes. Our screening process follows Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) guidelines. You must still obtain written consent and apply your criteria consistently to remain compliant.
Can I brand the screening process with my own logo?
Yes. You can customize the consent form’s language and brand the entire self-screening portal with your company logo for a professional applicant experience.