Best Tenant Screening Services and Tools

As a property manager, one of the most critical aspects of your job is selecting reliable tenants who will pay rent on time, take care of your property, and abide by lease agreements.

However, finding high-quality renters amidst a sea of applicants can be challenging, to say the least. This is where tenant screening services and tools come into play. They deliver valuable insights to property managers, who can then make informed decisions.

This article highlights some of the best tenant screening services and tools available to help streamline the screening process and choose the best renters.

Our Picks: Best Tenant Screening Services & Tools

Western Reporting

Western Reporting features a predictive screening model, configurable criminal grid settings, subprime data, identity verification tools, and more. It also offers the flexibility to customize screening criteria and workflows to align seamlessly with state, county, and municipality-specific regulations.

Pros:

Comprehensive Screening: Western Reporting offers a wide range of screening services, including credit checks, criminal background checks, eviction history, and rental history verification.

Customizable Reports: You can tailor screening criteria to your specific requirements, ensuring you receive relevant, accurate information.

User-Friendly Interface: This platform is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible for property managers of all experience levels.

Embedded Snappt Fraud Detection: Integrates with Snappt to better protect your properties from fraudulent activity.

Cons:

Cost: Western Reporting’s services may be pricier than other screening tools, especially for landlords with multiple rental properties.

Limited Integration: This tool may not integrate seamlessly with some property management software, requiring manual data entry and potentially increasing administrative workload.

Yardi ScreeningWorks Pro

Yardi’s ScreeningWorks Pro is an online resident screening system that delivers comprehensive reports so property managers can make smart rental decisions and minimize risk. They supply credit reports from the three major bureaus, plus terrorist, drug trafficker, sex offender, and Social Security fraud screening, rental payment history records, and eviction and landlord/tenant civil court records.

Pros:

Integration: Yardi ScreeningWorks Pro seamlessly integrates with Yardi’s property management software, streamlining the screening process for landlords already using Yardi’s suite of services.

Comprehensive Screening: Offers a comprehensive range of screening services, including credit checks, criminal background checks and rental history verification.

Automated Decisioning: The platform provides automated recommendations based on screening criteria, helping you make informed decisions quickly.

Embedded Snappt Fraud Detection: Integrates with Snappt to better protect your properties from fraudulent activity.

Cons:

Cost: May have higher subscription costs compared to standalone screening tools.

Learning Curve: While integration with Yardi software benefits existing users, it may pose a learning curve for those unfamiliar with the Yardi ecosystem.

Entrata Resident Verify

Entrata’s Resident Verify offers multiple screening options, allowing property managers to choose the criteria that best suit their workflow. The screening process occurs within an online application, and applicants only need to enter their data once.

Pros:

Integration: Entrata Resident Verify seamlessly integrates with Entrata’s property management software, offering a streamlined experience for users of Entrata’s platform.

Tenant Portal: The platform includes a tenant portal where applicants can submit required documents and information directly, minimizing administrative tasks for landlords.

Customizable Screening Criteria: You can set specific screening criteria and thresholds to ensure you get applicants who meet your requirements.

Embedded Snappt Fraud Detection: Integrates with Snappt to better protect your properties from fraudulent activity.

Cons:

Limited Compatibility: Entrata Resident Verify may only be compatible with Entrata’s property management software, limiting access to other systems.

Cost: Like other integrated solutions, this one may come with higher subscription costs, which could be prohibitive if you’re on a tight budget.

SafeRent Solutions:

SafeRent Solutions connects you with comprehensive information, which helps to ensure a degree of consistency and reliability and reduces reliance on judgment calls.

Pros:

National Database: Offers access to a massive national database of tenant information, allowing you to conduct thorough background checks across multiple jurisdictions.

Instant Reports: Landlords can get instant screening reports, enabling quick decision-making in competitive rental markets.

Compliance: The platform helps you comply with fair housing laws and regulations, reducing the risk of discrimination lawsuits.

Cons:

Limited Customization: May offer less flexibility in terms of customizable screening criteria compared to other tools.

Cost: While instant reports are convenient, they may be more expensive than tools that offer more extensive customization options.

Turbo Tenant

With Turbo Tenant, you can access the full scope of a prospective tenant’s personal and rental history, minimize your turnover rate and chances of fraud, avoid evictions, and have peace of mind knowing your investment property is in good hands.

Pros:

Affordability: Known for its affordability, it is accessible to landlords with various budget constraints.

User-Friendly Interface: Boasts a user-friendly interface that simplifies the screening process for landlords, especially those new to rental property management.

Online Applications: Allows applicants to submit rental applications online, streamlining the application process for both parties.

Cons:

Limited Screening Services: May offer a more limited range of screening services, potentially leaving out crucial background checks like eviction history or criminal records.

Integration: It may not integrate with as many property management software solutions as other tools on the market.

What to Look for in a Tenant Screening Service

When evaluating potential tenant screening services, factors such as accuracy, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and scalability must be considered. Also, don’t hesitate to get recommendations from other property managers or landlords to help you narrow down your options.

Consider adopting property management software that offers built-in tenant screening integrations, streamlining the screening process within your existing workflow. Also, look for platforms that offer seamless integration with third-party screening services and deliver robust reporting features.

Lastly, remember that the upfront investment in a reliable, comprehensive screening process can save you significant time, money, and headaches in the long run.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right tenant screening service and tool is essential for property managers and landlords who want to weed out low-quality renters and offer leases to only high-quality prospects.

The services and tools mentioned above offer a range of features and functionalities to streamline the screening process and provide the necessary information to make better, more informed decisions.