Selecting reliable tenants is one of the most critical decisions a landlord makes. Background check websites have become essential tools for screening applicants, protecting your investment, and reducing risk. With dozens of services available, each offering different features, pricing, and compliance standards, choosing the right platform can be overwhelming. This guide reviews the top background check websites for landlords, explains legal compliance requirements, and provides actionable insights to help you make informed decisions.
Why Background Checks Matter for Landlords
- Risk Mitigation: Identify problematic rental history, evictions, or criminal activity before signing a lease.
- Financial Protection: Verify income and employment to ensure tenants can afford rent.
- Legal Compliance: Proper screening protects you from liability and fair housing claims.
- Property Safety: Screen for criminal history to protect other tenants and your property.
- Reduced Turnover: Selecting quality tenants reduces vacancy time and maintenance issues.
Legal Compliance: FCRA and State Laws
Before using any background check service, landlords must understand legal requirements. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background checks are conducted and used. Key compliance points include:
- Written Disclosure: Tenants must receive written notice that a background check will be conducted and consent in writing.
- Adverse Action Notice: If you deny an application based on background check results, you must provide a written notice explaining the reason and giving the tenant a chance to dispute inaccuracies.
- Accuracy: You must use information fairly and cannot discriminate based on protected characteristics.
- State-Specific Laws: Many states have additional restrictions on what can be considered (e.g., some limit how far back evictions can be reported).
- Ban the Box: Some jurisdictions prohibit asking about criminal history on initial applications.
Top Background Check Services for Landlords: Detailed Reviews
1. TransUnion SmartMove
Overview: TransUnion SmartMove is one of the most comprehensive and widely-used background check platforms for landlords. Backed by TransUnion, a major credit reporting agency, it offers detailed reports and strong legal compliance.
- Features: Credit reports, eviction history, criminal background, income verification, and rental history checks.
- Pricing: Typically $25-$50 per report, with discounts for bulk purchases.
- Turnaround Time: 24-48 hours for most reports.
- Pros: Comprehensive data, trusted brand, strong legal compliance tools, detailed reports, integration with many property management platforms.
- Cons: Higher cost than some competitors, may include information that varies by state law.
- Best For: Landlords seeking comprehensive, legally-compliant reports with strong backing.
2. RentPrep
Overview: RentPrep is a landlord-focused screening service that emphasizes ease of use and comprehensive tenant information. It’s known for fast turnaround and detailed rental history checks.
- Features: Credit reports, eviction history, criminal background, rental history verification, and income verification.
- Pricing: $35-$50 per report, with package discounts available.
- Turnaround Time: Same-day to 24 hours for most reports.
- Pros: Fast service, landlord-focused interface, strong rental history checks, good customer support.
- Cons: Mid-range pricing, less integration with property management software than some competitors.
- Best For: Landlords who prioritize speed and rental history verification.
3. Avail
Overview: Avail is a comprehensive property management and tenant screening platform. It combines background checks with lease creation, rent collection, and maintenance tracking in one place.
- Features: Credit reports, criminal background, eviction history, income verification, and integrated lease management.
- Pricing: $30-$50 per background check, with free basic features for landlords.
- Turnaround Time: 24-48 hours.
- Pros: All-in-one platform, affordable pricing, integrated rent collection and lease management, good user interface.
- Cons: May be overkill for landlords who only need screening, less specialized than dedicated screening services.
- Best For: Landlords seeking an integrated property management solution with screening included.
4. MyRental
Overview: MyRental is a tenant screening service designed specifically for landlords and property managers. It offers detailed reports and strong compliance features.
- Features: Credit reports, criminal background, eviction history, rental history, and employment verification.
- Pricing: $25-$45 per report, with volume discounts.
- Turnaround Time: 24-48 hours.
- Pros: Affordable pricing, strong compliance tools, detailed reports, good customer support.
- Cons: Less integration with property management platforms, smaller brand recognition.
- Best For: Budget-conscious landlords seeking reliable, compliant screening.
5. Cozy
Overview: Cozy (now part of Apartments.com) is a free or low-cost tenant screening platform that emphasizes affordability and ease of use. It’s ideal for small landlords and independent property owners.
- Features: Credit reports, criminal background, eviction history, and rental application management.
- Pricing: Free to $20 per report, making it one of the most affordable options.
- Turnaround Time: 24-48 hours.
- Pros: Very affordable, free platform for applications, easy to use, good for small landlords.
- Cons: Less comprehensive than premium services, limited integration, smaller data sources.
- Best For: Small landlords and independent owners seeking budget-friendly screening.
6. TurboTenant
Overview: TurboTenant is an all-in-one property management platform that includes tenant screening, rent collection, and lease management. It’s designed for landlords who want integrated solutions.
- Features: Credit reports, criminal background, eviction history, rental history, and integrated property management tools.
- Pricing: $30–$50 per background check, with free platform for basic features.
- Turnaround Time: 24–48 hours.
- Pros: Integrated platform, affordable, good user interface, strong rent collection features.
- Cons: May be too comprehensive for landlords who only need screening, less specialized than dedicated services.
- Best For: Landlords seeking an integrated property management solution with screening.
7. E-Renter
Overview: E-Renter is a specialized tenant screening service that emphasizes detailed rental history verification and compliance. It’s known for thorough background checks and strong legal protections.
- Features: Credit reports, criminal background, eviction history, detailed rental history verification, and employment checks.
- Pricing: $35–$55 per report, with discounts for volume purchases.
- Turnaround Time: 24–48 hours.
- Pros: Thorough rental history checks, strong compliance tools, detailed reports, good customer support.
- Cons: Higher pricing, less integration with property management software.
- Best For: Landlords who prioritize thorough rental history verification and legal compliance.
8. ScreeningWorks Pro
Overview: ScreeningWorks Pro is designed for both independent landlords and large property managers. It offers robust screening tools, including customizable reports and advanced analytics.
- Features: Credit, criminal, eviction, income verification, and custom screening criteria.
- Pricing: $30–$50 per report, with enterprise pricing for large portfolios.
- Turnaround Time: 24–48 hours.
- Pros: Customizable reports, scalable for portfolios, advanced analytics.
- Cons: May be more complex than needed for small landlords.
- Best For: Landlords and property managers with larger portfolios or specific screening needs.
9. RentSpree
Overview: RentSpree offers tenant screening and rental application management, with a focus on ease of use and fast results.
- Features: Credit, criminal, eviction, and application tracking.
- Pricing: $38 per report (charged to the applicant).
- Turnaround Time: Instant to 24 hours.
- Pros: Fast, easy to use, no cost to landlord, integrates with rental platforms.
- Cons: Landlord must invite applicants; less control over screening process.
- Best For: Landlords who want a quick, hands-off solution.
Comparison Table: Top Background Check Services for Landlords
| Service | Key Features | Pricing | Turnaround | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TransUnion SmartMove | Credit, eviction, criminal, income, rental history | $25–$50 | 24–48 hrs | Comprehensive, compliance-focused landlords |
| RentPrep | Credit, eviction, criminal, rental history | $35–$50 | Same day–24 hrs | Speed, rental history |
| Avail | Credit, criminal, eviction, income, lease tools | $30–$50 | 24–48 hrs | Integrated management |
| MyRental | Credit, criminal, eviction, rental/employment | $25–$45 | 24–48 hrs | Budget-focused |
| Cozy | Credit, criminal, eviction, application | Free–$20 | 24–48 hrs | Small landlords, low cost |
| TurboTenant | Credit, criminal, eviction, integrated tools | $30–$50 | 24–48 hrs | Integrated management |
| E-Renter | Credit, criminal, eviction, rental history | $35–$55 | 24–48 hrs | Thorough rental checks |
| ScreeningWorks Pro | Customizable, analytics, credit, criminal | $30–$50+ | 24–48 hrs | Large portfolios |
| RentSpree | Credit, criminal, eviction, app tracking | $38 (to applicant) | Instant–24 hrs | Quick, hands-off landlords |
Bonus: How to Interpret Background Check Reports
- Credit Score: Look for consistent payment history, no recent bankruptcies, and manageable debt. Set a minimum score that matches your property’s standards.
- Eviction History: Multiple or recent evictions are a major red flag. One old eviction with a clear explanation may not be a deal-breaker.
- Criminal Background: Focus on recent, relevant offenses (especially violent or property crimes). Always follow fair housing and local laws—avoid blanket exclusions.
- Income Verification: Confirm that the applicant’s income meets your minimum rent-to-income ratio (commonly 2.5–3x monthly rent).
- Rental References: Contact previous landlords to confirm payment history, property care, and any issues with lease violations.
- Dispute Resolution: If an applicant disputes a report, review documentation and allow reasonable time for corrections per FCRA requirements.
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet: Background Check Essentials
| Step | What to Check | AAOL Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Disclosure & Consent | Written notice and tenant signature | Never run a check without consent |
| Credit Report | Score, payment history, debt | Set minimum standards |
| Eviction History | Past evictions, reasons, dates | Ask for explanations if needed |
| Criminal Background | Relevant, recent offenses | Follow fair housing rules |
| Income Verification | Pay stubs, bank statements, employer contact | Confirm income meets your ratio |
| Rental References | Contact previous landlords | Ask about payment and property care |
| Adverse Action | Written notice if denied | Follow FCRA and state laws |
Call to Action: Let AAOL Guide Your Tenant Screening
Choosing the right background check service is crucial for protecting your property and ensuring fair, legal tenant selection. The American Association of Landlords (AAOL) provides members with:
- Screening checklists and compliance guides
- State-by-state legal updates
- Expert support and community advice
Make every rental decision with confidence. Join AAOL today at aaol.org for trusted resources, legal updates, and landlord tools you can rely on.
This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always review your screening process and consult a qualified attorney before changing your rental procedures.
