Landlords want reliable tenants. Renters want an easy application process. A portable tenant screening report seems like the perfect solution! But what is a portable tenant screening report, and how does it work? This renter-friendly tool allows applicants to share a single background check with multiple landlords, saving time and money. Let’s dive into the details.
What Is a Portable Tenant Screening Report (PTSR)?
The common question is “What is a portable screening report?”
A PTSR is a reusable tenant background check that includes your credit history, rental history, and background screening. Instead of going through a new screening process for every rental application, you can submit one report to multiple landlords.
While renters love the convenience, some landlords hesitate to accept PTSRs due to concerns about data accuracy and security. Let’s explore how these reports are shaping the rental market and whether they’re worth using.
How Portable Screening Reports Are Changing the Rental Market?
Gone are the days when renters had to pay separate screening fees for every apartment they applied to. Portable tenant screening reports are shaking up the rental industry by making the process faster, cheaper, and more efficient for both renters and landlords.
- For Renters: You no longer have to pay for multiple background checks—one report is valid for all applications within a specified timeframe, typically 30 days. Additionally, having fewer hard credit checks helps prevent unnecessary drops in your credit score! It’s important to note that LeaseRunner’s credit check is a soft inquiry.
- For Landlords: PTSRs offer immediate access to an applicant's screening details, reducing processing time and paperwork. This enables landlords to evaluate potential renters even before viewing the rental property.
Where (and How) to Get a Portable Tenant Screening Report?
To obtain a portable tenant screening report (PTSR) online that landlords will accept, the process is straightforward.
First, it’s essential to pick a trusted platform; selecting a reputable service ensures that the reports you receive are accurate and up-to-date. Next, you will need to complete the application by entering your details, providing employment verification, and consenting to background checks. Once the application is submitted, you can purchase and download the report.
Most PTSRs are valid for 30 days, making it easy to share them with multiple landlords as you search for a rental property.
Best Platforms for Portable Tenant Screening Reports
Not all screening services are created equal. Here are some of the best platforms for getting a PTSR that landlords trust:
- LeaseRunner – Provides comprehensive tenant screening reports, including credit checks, eviction history, and background reports. Easily share your report with multiple landlords using LeaseRunner’s secure, pay-as-you-go platform.
- TurboTenant – Offers credit, eviction, and criminal history checks with an easy-to-share report.
- Landlord Studio – Provides detailed screening reports and is designed for landlord-tenant convenience.
- Avail – Includes reusable reports with credit scores, rental history, and employment verification.
Are Free Portable Screening Reports Worth It?
The idea of getting a free PTSR sounds great, who wouldn’t want to save money? However, before you jump on a screening service, it’s important to understand the potential downsides that could cost you more in the long run.
- Missing information – Many free reports lack key details like eviction history.
- Landlords may not accept them – Some property owners question the accuracy of free screenings but some states require landlords to accept them including Colorado, California, Washington and others.
- Hidden costs – Some services advertise "free" reports but require a subscription or fee for full access.
A paid, reputable PTSR service ensures credibility and increases the chances of landlord acceptance.
How to Get a PTSR in Colorado (State-Specific Rules)
Colorado has taken the lead in making PTSRs more renter-friendly. Thanks to House Bill 23-1099, landlords in Colorado must accept PTSRs if they meet certain legal requirements.
To be valid in Colorado, a PTSR must include: 1/ Employment and income verification; 2/ Rental history and credit report; 3/ A comprehensive criminal background check.
How to get a PTSR in Colorado?
- Choose a Compliant Screening Platform – Use LeaseRunner for a Colorado-approved PTSR with credit, eviction, and background checks.
- Complete the Screening – Provide your personal details, consent for checks, and verify your income.
- Keep It Up-to-Date – PTSRs are valid for 30 days, so get one close to your rental application.
- Share with Landlords – In Colorado, landlords must accept a valid PTSR and cannot charge extra fees.
Do Landlords Have to Accept Portable Tenant Screening Reports?
Portable tenant screening reports (PTSRs) are growing in popularity, but do landlords have to accept them? The answer depends on state laws, landlord policies, and the completeness of the report.
Some states, like Colorado, require landlords to accept PTSRs as long as they meet legal criteria. However, in most other states, landlords can still decide whether to accept a PTSR or conduct their own tenant screening.
Factors that affect landlord acceptance include:
- State laws – Some states have regulations protecting tenants from excessive screening fees.
- Completeness of the PTSR – If the report lacks critical information (e.g., eviction history), a landlord may reject it.
- Trust in third-party services – Some landlords prefer running their own reports for accuracy and fraud prevention.
Note: If you're a renter, it's always best to ask a landlord upfront whether they accept PTSRs before submitting one.
Can a Landlord Reject a PTSR?
Yes, a landlord can reject a PTSR, but the reasons must be valid and comply with local rental laws. Common reasons for rejection include an outdated report (older than 30 days), a landlord’s preference for a different screening service, or a PTSR that lacks key details like eviction records, income verification, or a full background check. Ensuring your report is current and comprehensive can help prevent issues during the rental application process.
How to Verify a Portable Tenant Screening Report as a Landlord
If you’re a landlord considering accepting PTSRs, it's important to verify the authenticity and accuracy of the report. Here’s how:
- Check the Date of the Report: PTSRs should be no older than 30 days—older reports may not reflect a tenant’s current financial or rental status.
- Confirm the Screening Provider: Verify that the PTSR comes from a reputable tenant screening service (e.g., LeaseRunner, TurboTenant, Avail, or Zillow Rental Manager).
- Review Key Information: A valid PTSR should include
- Credit report & score (from Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion)
- Eviction history
- Criminal background check
- Employment & income verification
- Watch for Fraud Red Flags: Be cautious if the PTSR has mismatched information (e.g., different names or Social Security numbers) or missing key details like credit score or eviction history.
Common Problems with Portable Tenant Screening Reports (And How to Fix Them)
While PTSRs make renting more convenient, they aren’t perfect. Renters and landlords sometimes run into issues that can cause delays or application denials.
Expired Reports – How Often Should You Update a PTSR?
Most landlords require a PTSR that is no older than 30 days. Therefore, you should keep it updated:
- Mark your calendar to update your PTSR every 30 days.
- Check landlord requirements (Some may accept reports up to 60 days old, but always verify).
How to Dispute an Eviction Record on Your PTSR?
Having an eviction on your portable tenant screening report (PTSR) can be a major roadblock when trying to rent a new home. Successfully removing or correcting an eviction can significantly improve your chances of securing a rental.
- Before you can dispute an eviction record, you need to review your report carefully.
- Request your PTSR from the screening service you used
- Check where the eviction record came from
- Look for errors
- To successfully challenge an eviction record, you need proof that the entry is inaccurate or should not be on your report. Collect:
- Court documents
- Lease agreements
- Payment records
- Communication with the landlord
- Legal assistance
- Once you’ve gathered evidence, submit a dispute to the company that generated the report.
- Stay proactive in following up and monitoring your report
- Explain the situation to landlords to improve your chances of approval.
Can You Self-Report Rent Payments to Strengthen Your PTSR?
Yes! Self-reporting your rent payments can help strengthen your portable tenant screening report (PTSR) and even boost your credit score. Since rent payments aren’t automatically included in credit reports, reporting them can showcase your reliability as a tenant.
Should You Rely on a Portable Tenant Screening Report?
Portable tenant screening reports (PTSRs) can be an extremely useful tool for both renters and landlords.
For renters, PTSRs can save you time and money, making the rental application process faster and easier. By using a PTSR, you can avoid paying multiple application fees for every property you apply to. Instead, you only need to provide one report that landlords can review.
For landlords, PTSRs offer convenience and can speed up the screening process, saving you time and effort. However, you still need to verify the data to ensure it's accurate and complete. Many landlords prefer doing their screenings, as they want to make sure the report matches their exact criteria and includes all the necessary information (such as eviction history, criminal background checks, and financial stability).
Final Thoughts
Portable tenant screening reports are a valuable resource, but they aren’t foolproof. Stay informed, ask questions, and always keep your information updated on LeaseRunner for comprehensive resources on what is a portable tenant screening report, tenant screening, lease management, and everything related to renting!
FAQs
Q1: What is a PTSR?
A Portable Tenant Screening Report (PTSR) is a report created by tenant screening companies that provides landlords with a tenant's rental history, credit report, criminal background, and eviction history. The key feature of a PTSR is its portability, it can be shared with multiple landlords, allowing renters to use one screening report for various rental applications.
Q2: How Much is a Portable Tenant Screening Report?
The cost of a Portable Tenant Screening Report (PTSR) can vary depending on the platform and the specific services included in the report. On average, renters can expect to pay anywhere from $ 35 to $65 for a comprehensive report. Some services offer free reports with limited information, while others may offer premium features like credit checks or eviction history at an additional cost.
Q3: How to get a PTSR in Colorado?
To get a Portable Tenant Screening Report (PTSR) in Colorado, choose a Colorado-compliant screening service like LeaseRunner. Simply request your first prospective landlord to use LeaseRunner for tenant screening. When you complete the tenant screening, request your reports from LeaseRunner. This typically includes a credit report, background check, and eviction history. Before using your report for other rental applications, review it for accuracy and dispute any errors if necessary. In Colorado, landlords cannot charge an extra screening fee if your PTSR meets legal standards, making LeaseRunner a reliable and cost-effective option.
