Last Updated: September 2023
Performing proper tenant screening is one of the most important components of rental property management. In order to access personal information such as credit reports, eviction histories, and bankruptcies, landlords and property managers used third party tenant screening softwares. Some property management softwares integrate these softwares into their overall program suite, but other standalone tenant screening software programs allow access to these reports on a as needed basis.
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Top 15 List of Tenant Screening Softwares
Property owners and managers use tenant screening software as an essential online tool for their real estate business to assess prospective tenants for rental properties. Below we take a look at some of the most commonly used choices in tenant screening softwares:
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Features of a Tenant Screening Software
Tenant screening software empowers property owners and managers to make well-informed decisions when selecting tenants, minimize risks, and maintain a positive rental experience for both tenants and property owners. Below we take a look at the top 6 features found in most tenant screening tools:
Credit Check
Provides a comprehensive assessment of an applicant’s credit history, including credit score, payment history, outstanding debts, and credit inquiries. This feature helps landlords gauge an applicant’s financial responsibility and ability to pay rent on time.
Criminal Background Check
Searches local, state, and national databases to uncover any criminal history associated with the applicant. This feature helps property owners identify potential safety risks and ensure a secure living environment for other tenants.
Rental History Verification
Verifies the applicant’s rental history by contacting previous landlords to gather information about their past tenancies. This feature enables landlords to assess an applicant’s rental behavior, including lease compliance and any prior issues with property maintenance.
Eviction History Reports
Accesses eviction databases to check if the applicant has a history of eviction proceedings or judgments. This feature assists landlords in identifying applicants who may pose a higher risk of lease violations or rental payment issues.
Income Verification
Validates the applicant’s income and employment status to ensure they meet the required income-to-rent ratio. This feature helps landlords confirm that applicants can afford the rental property and are less likely to face financial difficulties during their tenancy.
Customizable Screening Criteria
Allows landlords to set their own screening preferences and criteria based on specific property requirements and preferences. This feature provides flexibility in tailoring the tenant screening process to meet the unique needs of different rental properties.
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Tenant Screening Software FAQ
What is Tenant Screening Software?
Tenant screening software is the various digital platforms used to generate various reports on prospective tenants for the purpose of assessing the likelihood of a potential tenant to fulfill the terms of the lease agreement.
How Much Does Tenant Screening Software Cost?
$7 – $49
Per Single Use Report
$50 – $100+
Per Month For Multiple Use Plans
The cost of tenant screening software varies based on the features offered, the size of the rental portfolio, and the software provider. Pay-per-use options are available for landlords with infrequent tenant turnover and pricing rangers between $7-$49 per single use report. For active property managers and landlords, a monthly subscription might be more economical. Basic plans start at $20 to $50 per month, while mid-range plans for moderate-sized property managers can range from $50 to $150 per month. For larger property management companies, enterprise-level plans may cost $150 or more per month.
What is the Best Tenant Screening Software?
SmartMove
Why We Like SmartMove – SmartMove by TransUnion generates the same common reports like other tenant screening softwares, however, we like it the most due its simplicity to use and trust of data handling as TransUnion is one of the major credit bureaus.
What are Free Tenant Screening Softwares?
Many software providers offer basic screening features at no cost to landlords, making it accessible for property owners with limited screening needs. Additionally, many tenant screening services can be paid upfront by the tenant as part of their application process, or covered via a processing fee later collected by the landlord or property management company. This allows landlords to use the screening service without incurring costs directly.
About the Author
Ryan Nelson
I’m an investor, real estate developer, and property manager with hands-on experience in all types of real estate from single family homes up to hundreds of thousands of square feet of commercial real estate. RentalRealEstate is my mission to create the ultimate real estate investor platform for expert resources, reviews and tools. Learn more about my story.
