Last Updated: June 2026
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.
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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What is the Best Tenant Screening Software?
Residential Screening
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.
Commercial Screening
Experian Business Credit
Why We Like Experian Business Credit – Experian is one of the major credit bureaus, which provides them with access to a large and deep pool of data on businesses, as well as the individuals associated with them.
Pet Screening
PetScreening
Why We Like PetScreening – There aren’t many major players in the pet screening service field, but PetScreening does a great job at making the screening process scalable and fair.
What is Tenant Screening Software?
Tenant Screening Software Definition
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.
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Tenant Screening Software FAQ
What are the Main 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.
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.
How to Perform Residential Tenant Screening?
Residential tenant screening allows landlords and property managers to identify suitable tenants who are likely to pay rent on time and take care of the property. Below we take a look at the common steps involved in this process:
1. Application Submission
Applicant completes and returns a completed rental application form along with any proof of income information such as pay stubs and other relevant information.
2. Review Screening Reports
Landlord or Property Manager reviews application, checks credit and verifies provided information such as employment, current landlord references, and personal references.
3. Decision (Yes/No)
Landlord or Property Manager notifies the applicant with either a Yes or No if they will offer the unit.
How to Perform Commercial Tenant Screening?
The commercial tenant screening process is an important process for landlords aiming to secure reliable and financially stable businesses for their properties. Below we take a look at the common steps involved:
1. Letter of Intent (LOI)
Most larger or broker-represented commercial tenants start the leasing process off by submitting an LOI. The LOI is a non-binding document that provides proposed lease terms and preliminary information about the tenant for ownership or commercial property management to consider.
2. Application Submission
Applicant or their representative (i.e. commercial real estate broker) completes and returns completed commercial lease application, along with any business tax returns, business financial statements, and other relevant company information.
3. Review and Screening Reports
Landlord or Property Manager reviews and verifies provided information such as current landlord references, business trade lines, and may perform a credit check if personal guaranty is applicable.
4. Negotiations
In commercial real estate, there may be several rounds of negotiation back-and-forth on various deal points of the lease agreement. Throughout this process, draft lease agreements are marked up and sent back and forth, with requested language modifications from both parties until they both agree upon final language to be in the lease agreement.
5. Lease Agreement
Once both parties agree on all lease language, the final commercial lease agreement is drafted and ready for singing.
How Does Commercial Tenant Screening Differ from Residential Tenant Screening?
Commercial tenant screening and residential tenant screening serve the same fundamental purpose of assessing potential tenants’ suitability, but they differ significantly in criteria and scope due to the nature of the tenancy. Below we take a look at the key differences:
| Aspect | Commercial Tenant Screening | Residential Tenant Screening |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Evaluates the financial health and stability of a business, its creditworthiness, and business history. | Assesses an individual’s or family’s credit score, rental history, and personal background. |
| Credit Check | Involves checking the credit ratings of the business through agencies like Dun & Bradstreet, as well as the personal credit scores of the business owners. | Primarily checks the personal credit score of the potential tenant through consumer credit bureaus. |
| Background Checks | May include detailed reviews of the business’s financial statements, legal history, and business plan. | Focuses on personal history, including criminal background checks, eviction history, and employment verification. |
| Legal Considerations | Often requires understanding complex business structures and the implications of commercial law, including lease guarantees and corporate liabilities. | Deals more with housing laws, tenant rights, and ensuring compliance with the Fair Housing Act. |
How to Perform Pet Screening?
Pet screening typically involves a series of steps designed to evaluate a pet and its owner in the context of a rental application. Below we take a look at the common 7 steps involved:
1. Pet Application
The tenant provides detailed information about their pet, including type, breed, size, age, and behavior traits.
2. Documentation Review
The landlord or property manager reviews provided documents such as vaccination records, spay/neuter certificates, and, if applicable, pet licenses to ensure the pet’s health and legal compliance.
3. Pet Interview
In some cases, a meeting or “interview” with the pet may be conducted to assess the pet’s behavior and compatibility with the rental environment.
4. References Check
Contacting previous landlords or property managers to inquire about the pet’s behavior and any issues during previous tenancies.
5. Pet Policy Agreement
The tenant must agree to the property’s pet policies, which could include rules regarding noise, leash requirements, waste disposal, and restrictions on areas within the property where pets are allowed.
6. Pet Deposit/Fee
When applicable, agreement on a pet deposit or non-refundable pet fee to cover potential damage caused by the pet. This is typically separate from the standard security deposit.
7. Pet Addendum to Lease
Incorporating all agreed-upon terms into a pet addendum to the lease agreement, making it a part of the binding contract between the landlord and tenant.
Is Pet Screening Legal?
Yes, pet screening is a legal and common practice among landlords and property managers to ensure compatibility and safety within rental properties. However, it must be conducted in accordance with fair housing laws and cannot unjustly discriminate against service animals or emotional support animals.
How is the Pet Screening Process Different for Service and Support Animals?
For service and support animals (i.e. assistance animals), the pet screening process focuses on verifying the animal’s status as necessary for the tenant’s health or disability support, rather than assessing pet-related policies or fees. Depending on jurisdictions, Landlords sometimes cannot charge pet deposits or fees for service or support animals but may require documentation proving the animal’s status and necessity for the tenant’s well-being, in compliance with fair housing laws.
What Happens if an Applicant Refuses to Participate or Fails the Screening Process?
If a tenant refuses to participate in the screening process, the landlord may choose not to proceed with their application, as the screening is a crucial step in evaluating their suitability. Should a tenant fail the screening process due to reasons like poor credit history, insufficient income, or a negative rental history, the landlord has the right to reject their application, following legal and fair housing guidelines. Either way, Landlords should provide a rejection letter that explains the reason for denial if it’s based on information found in the credit report or background check, in compliance with FCRA requirements.
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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.