The 13 Best Tenant Screening Services in 2024

An Overview on Tenant Screening Services

In the competitive rental market, finding reliable tenants is crucial for maintaining a successful property management business. Tenant screening services have become indispensable tools for landlords and property managers, providing essential information to make informed decisions about potential renters. This article highlights the top 13 tenant screening services of 2024, detailing their features, pros, cons, and pricing.

The Importance of Tenant Screening

Tenant screening is a critical step in the rental process, serving as the first line of defense against potential issues that could arise from renting to unsuitable tenants. Proper tenant screening helps ensure that tenants are financially responsible, have a good rental history, and do not pose a risk to the property or the community. Here are some key reasons why tenant screening is important:

• Financial Security: By checking a potential tenant's credit report and income, landlords can assess their ability to pay rent on time. This reduces the risk of late payments or defaults, providing financial stability for the property owner.
• Property Protection: Criminal background checks help identify any past criminal activity that could endanger other tenants or the property. This is particularly important for maintaining a safe living environment.
• Avoiding Eviction Costs: Evictions can be costly and time-consuming. Screening for eviction history helps landlords avoid tenants with a history of evictions, reducing the likelihood of having to go through the eviction process.
• Maintaining Community Quality: Tenant screening ensures that new tenants will adhere to community standards and rules, helping to maintain the overall quality and harmony of the rental community.
• Legal Compliance: Comprehensive tenant screening helps landlords comply with fair housing laws and regulations, ensuring that they do not unintentionally discriminate against applicants.

By leveraging tenant screening services, landlords and property managers can mitigate risks and ensure they select the most suitable tenants for their properties. The following sections provide detailed overviews of the best tenant screening services available in 2024, starting with Hemlane.

1. Hemlane

Overview

Hemlane is a comprehensive property management software that includes robust tenant screening features. Designed for individual landlords and small property management companies, Hemlane simplifies the tenant selection process with its integrated tools and user-friendly interface.

Features

• Credit Reports: Provides detailed credit reports from major credit bureaus. Partner with one of the top major credit bureaus in the US for comprehensive credit, criminal and eviction reporting.
• Criminal Background Checks: Searches national and local databases for criminal records.
• Eviction History: Checks for past evictions to assess tenant reliability.
• Income Verification: Verifies tenant income to ensure they can afford the rent.
• Application Tracking: Manages and tracks rental applications through an online portal.

Pros

• Comprehensive Screening: Offers detailed reports on credit, criminal history, and evictions.
• User-Friendly: Easy-to-navigate interface suitable for small landlords.
• Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Hemlane’s property management tools.
• Automated Notifications: Sends automated notifications for completed screenings and application updates.

Cons

• Limited Customization: Fewer options to customize screening criteria.

Pricing

Hemlane offers limited tenant screening at no cost in their free plans*. Paid plans start at $30/month plus $2 per unit with additional features, and higher tiers available with even more comprehensive services. 

*Users who start a free trial on a paid plan will be automatically converted to the free plan if they have not subscribed within 14 days.

2. Apartments.com Rental Manager

Overview

Apartments.com Rental Manager provides a simple, efficient platform for tenant screening and rent collection. It's particularly popular among independent landlords and small property managers.

Features

• Credit Reports: Detailed credit reports from Experian.
• Background Checks: National criminal background checks.
• Eviction History: Reports on previous evictions.
• Online Applications: Digital rental applications for easy submission.

Pros

• Ease of Use: Simple interface and easy setup.
• Free for Landlords: Tenants pay for their screening reports.
• Comprehensive Reports: Detailed and reliable information.

Cons

• Limited Features: Lacks some advanced features found in other services.
• Tenant-Paid Reports: Screening reports are paid by tenants, which may deter some applicants.

Pricing

Apartments.com Rental Manager offers tenant screening at no cost to landlords. Tenants pay $39.99 for a background check and credit report.

3. RentPrep

Overview

RentPrep offers thorough tenant screening services tailored to the needs of landlords and property managers of all sizes.

Features

• Background Checks: National criminal background checks.
• Credit Checks: Comprehensive credit reports.
• Eviction Reports: Detailed eviction history.
• Tenant Verification: Employment and income verification.

Pros

• Detailed Reports: In-depth screening reports provide valuable insights.
• Customer Support: Highly rated customer service.
• Flexibility: Offers different levels of screening based on landlord needs.

Cons

• Cost: Higher pricing for comprehensive reports.
• Turnaround Time: Some reports may take longer to process.

Pricing

RentPrep's pricing starts at $18.95 per report for basic screening, with more detailed reports available at higher costs.

4. SmartMove (by TransUnion)

Overview

SmartMove, offered by TransUnion, provides reliable and detailed tenant screening reports directly from one of the major credit bureaus.

Features

• Credit Reports: Direct credit reports from TransUnion.
• Background Checks: Comprehensive criminal background checks.
• Eviction Reports: Detailed eviction history.
• Income Insights: Analysis of tenant income and affordability.

Pros

• Reliable Data: Direct access to TransUnion’s extensive database.
• Speed: Quick turnaround times for reports.
• Ease of Use: User-friendly interface.

Cons

• Cost: Higher pricing for comprehensive reports.
• Limited Customization: Less flexibility in report customization.

Pricing

SmartMove charges $40 for a comprehensive screening report, which includes credit, criminal, and eviction checks.

5. MyRental (by CoreLogic)

Overview

MyRental by CoreLogic provides a comprehensive suite of tenant screening tools for landlords and property managers.

Features

• Credit Reports: Detailed credit reports.
• Criminal Background Checks: National and state-level criminal checks.
• Eviction History: Comprehensive eviction history reports.
• Income Verification: Verifies tenant income and employment.

Pros

• Detailed Reports: Comprehensive and detailed screening data.
• User-Friendly: Easy-to-use platform.
• Flexible Packages: Offers different screening packages.

Cons

• Cost: Higher cost for more detailed reports.
• Limited Integration: Fewer integration options with other property management tools.

Pricing

MyRental offers packages starting at $19.99 for basic reports, with more comprehensive options available at higher prices.

6. TurboTenant

Overview

TurboTenant provides free online tools for landlords, including tenant screening services. It is designed to simplify the rental process.

Features

• Credit Reports: Credit reports from TransUnion.
• Background Checks: Criminal background checks.
• Eviction Reports: Reports on past evictions.
• Online Applications: Digital application process.

Pros

• Free for Landlords: No cost to landlords for using the service.
• Comprehensive Reports: Detailed and reliable information.
• Ease of Use: Simple and intuitive interface.

Cons

• Tenant-Paid Reports: Screening reports are paid by tenants.
• Limited Features: Lacks some advanced features.

Pricing

TurboTenant offers free tenant screening services for landlords. Tenants pay $35 for a background check and credit report.

7. Buildium

Overview

Buildium is a property management software that includes robust tenant screening tools, making it a popular choice for property managers.

Features

• Credit Reports: Detailed credit reports.
• Criminal Background Checks: National criminal background checks.
• Eviction Reports: Comprehensive eviction history.
• Online Applications: Streamlined online application process.

Pros

• Integrated Platform: Combines property management and tenant screening.
• Detailed Reports: Comprehensive screening data.
• Ease of Use: User-friendly interface.

Cons

• Cost: Higher pricing for comprehensive property management tools.
• Complexity: May be too complex for small landlords.

Pricing

Buildium’s tenant screening services are part of their property management plans, which start at $50 per month.

8. TenantCloud

Overview

TenantCloud offers a range of tools for landlords, including tenant screening services, aimed at simplifying property management.

Features

• Credit Reports: Comprehensive credit reports.
• Background Checks: National criminal background checks.
• Eviction Reports: Detailed eviction history.
• Online Applications: Digital rental applications.

Pros

• Ease of Use: Simple and intuitive interface.
• Affordable: Competitive pricing for tenant screening.
• Integrated Tools: Combines screening with other property management features.

Cons

• Limited Features: Lacks some advanced features of more expensive services.
• Customization: Limited customization options.

Pricing

TenantCloud offers tenant screening services starting at $25 for a basic report.

9. RentSpree

Overview

RentSpree provides a user-friendly platform for tenant screening, making it easy for landlords to obtain comprehensive screening reports.

Features

• Credit Reports: Detailed credit reports from TransUnion.
• Background Checks: National criminal background checks.
• Eviction Reports: Comprehensive eviction history.
• Online Applications: Streamlined digital application process.

Pros

• Ease of Use: Simple and user-friendly platform.
• Comprehensive Reports: Detailed and reliable screening data.
• Integration: Integrates with various listing sites and property management tools.

Cons

• Cost: Higher pricing for comprehensive reports.
• Limited Customization: Fewer options to customize reports.

Pricing

RentSpree charges $30 for a comprehensive screening report, including credit, criminal, and eviction checks.

10. Avail

Overview

Avail offers a range of property management tools, including tenant screening services, aimed at small landlords and independent property managers.

Features

• Credit Reports: Detailed credit reports from TransUnion.
• Background Checks: National criminal background checks.
• Eviction Reports: Comprehensive eviction history.
• Income Verification: Verifies tenant income and employment.

Pros

• Ease of Use: User-friendly interface.
• Affordable: Competitive pricing for tenant screening.
• Integrated Tools: Combines screening with other property management features.

Cons

• Limited Features: Lacks some advanced features of more expensive services.
• Tenant-Paid Reports: Screening reports are paid by tenants.

Pricing

Avail offers tenant screening services starting at $30 for a comprehensive report.

11. National Tenant Network (NTN)

Overview

National Tenant Network (NTN) is a well-established tenant screening service provider with over 35 years of experience. NTN is known for its comprehensive and reliable screening reports, which help landlords make informed decisions.

Features

• Credit Reports: Detailed credit reports from major credit bureaus.
• Criminal Background Checks: Extensive national and local criminal background checks.
• Eviction History: Thorough eviction history reports.
• Tenant Performance Reports: Unique reports that provide insights into a tenant's rental behavior.

Pros

• Comprehensive Data: Offers detailed and extensive screening reports.
• Experience: Over three decades of experience in tenant screening.
• Customization: Allows landlords to customize reports based on their needs.

Cons

• Cost: Can be more expensive compared to some other services.
• Complex Interface: The platform may be less intuitive for new users.

Pricing

Pricing for NTN services varies based on the level of detail required in the reports. Contact NTN directly for specific pricing information.

12. E-Renter

Overview

E-Renter is a tenant screening service that provides landlords with fast and reliable reports. It focuses on delivering detailed screening data to help landlords select the best tenants.

Features

• Credit Reports: Comprehensive credit reports.
• Background Checks: Nationwide criminal background checks.
• Eviction History: Detailed eviction history reports.
• Identity Verification: Ensures the applicant's identity is verified.

Pros

• Fast Turnaround: Quick report generation.
• User-Friendly: Easy-to-use platform for landlords.
• Detailed Reports: Provides thorough and detailed screening data.

Cons

• Limited Features: Fewer features compared to some other services.
• Customer Support: Limited customer support options.

Pricing

E-Renter offers pricing starting at $24.95 per report, with additional costs for more comprehensive reports.

13. Experian Connect

Overview

Experian Connect allows landlords to screen tenants using detailed credit reports directly from Experian. This service is ideal for landlords who need reliable and accurate credit information.

Features

• Credit Reports: Detailed credit reports from Experian.
• Identity Verification: Verifies the identity of the tenant.
• Direct Access: Tenants grant landlords direct access to their Experian credit report.

Pros

• Reliable Data: Direct access to Experian's extensive credit data.
• Simple Process: Easy for tenants to share their credit report with landlords.
• No Cost to Landlords: Tenants pay for the report.

Cons

• Limited Scope: Focuses primarily on credit reports, lacking other screening features.
• Tenant-Driven: Requires tenants to initiate the report sharing.

Pricing

Experian Connect charges tenants $14.95 for a credit report, with no cost to landlords.

Conclusion

Selecting the right tenant screening service is a critical step in ensuring the success and security of your rental property management. Comprehensive tenant screening helps landlords and property managers mitigate risks by providing valuable insights into potential tenants' financial stability, rental history, and overall reliability. This article has highlighted the top 13 tenant screening services of 2024, detailing their features, pros, cons, and pricing to help you make an informed decision.

Why Tenant Screening Matters

Tenant screening is not just about verifying a tenant's ability to pay rent; it's about protecting your investment and ensuring a safe, respectful community. Effective screening can prevent costly evictions, property damage, and disruptions to other tenants. By thoroughly vetting applicants, landlords can maintain a higher quality of tenants, resulting in fewer vacancies and more stable rental income.

Choosing the Right Service

The best tenant screening service for you will depend on your specific needs, whether you're an independent landlord with a few properties or a property manager handling a large portfolio. Consider factors such as the comprehensiveness of the reports, ease of use, cost, and additional features like integration with property management tools. Services like Hemlane offer robust, integrated solutions, while others like Experian Connect provide specialized reports directly from credit bureaus.

By leveraging the top tenant screening services listed in this article, you can enhance your tenant selection process, ensuring that you choose reliable tenants who will contribute positively to your rental community. Investing in thorough tenant screening not only protects your property but also provides peace of mind, knowing that you have made an informed decision backed by detailed data.

Ready to improve your tenant screening process?

Explore the services mentioned in this article to find the best fit for your needs. For a comprehensive solution that includes tenant screening and full property management tools, consider starting with Hemlane. Contact them today to learn more about how their platform can streamline your property management tasks and enhance your tenant selection process. Sign up for Hemlane to get started!