In the competitive rental market, landlords have to make sure they choose reliable tenants to safeguard their properties. Knowing “What is a tenant screening report?’ and using this necessary tool that provides landlords with information about the history of a possible renter, therefore influencing their decisions. 

This  article will examine the components, relevance, and interpretation of “what is a tenant screening reports?”, therefore offering expert guidance and free samples to assist landlords along the process. 

Thorough screening helps landlords mitigate risks associated with non-payment or property damage.​

Quick Facts Table About What Is a Tenant Screening Reports and Criterias

Here's a quick review of the six most often searched aspects landlords give top priority throughout the tenant screening process before delving into the specifics:

Criteria

Descriptions

Credit Score

Evaluates financial responsibility and likelihood of timely rent payments. Credit screening is highly important.

Employment Verification

Ensures stable employment, reflecting consistent income.

Criminal Background

Assesses any potential risks to property or other tenants.

Income Verification

Verifies the tenant's affordability of rent, usually needing income three times the rent figure.

Rental History

Offers understanding of previous landlord-tenant interactions and any past evictions.

Eviction History

Reveals past eviction records, indicating potential future issues.

What Is a Tenant Screening Report?

A tenant screening report is a comprehensive overview of the background data about a rental applicant. Usually it consists of credit background, criminal records, eviction history, and rental references.

This report and the renting screening process help landlords evaluate the risk involved in renting to a specific person so they may choose renters with a track record of following rental agreements and financial responsibility.

Why Is Tenant Screening Report Crucial for Landlords?

For these several reasons, including many tenant screening report implementation is really crucial:

  • Risk Mitigation: Identifies possible red flags, including bad credit or prior evictions, therefore lowering the possibility of future problems.
  • Financial Assurance: Ensures the renter has the background to pay rent regularly, therefore preserving the money flow to the landlord.
  • Property Protection: Neglect any criminal history that can endanger the property or another renter.
  • Legal Compliance: Shows adequate attention to tenant selection, which is very important in legal conflicts.

Key Components of a Tenant Screening Report

After knowing basically what is a tenant screening report, it’s time to know what are its key components:

1. Credit Check

An applicant's financial responsibility is assessed in the part on credit checks in a tenant screening document. It covers credit ratings, unpaid debt, payment history, and any bankruptcy. Good credit indicates the renter is probably going to pay rent on schedule.

2. Criminal Background Check

This component examines the applicant's criminal history. While small violations may not disqualify, major crimes might point to potential risks. When reviewing this data, landlords have to make sure they follow Fair Housing Laws.

3. Eviction History

An eviction record shows if the applicant has ever been kicked out. Several evictions or recent ones might raise questions about possible future tenancy problems.

4. Rental History

References from past landlords in this part help to provide light on the applicant's tenant behavior. Positive references may point to dependability; negative ones could call for caution.

Landlords must ensure their screening practices comply with federal, state, and local laws to avoid discrimination claims.

How the Tenant Screening Process Works with LeaseRunner?

LeaseRunner offers a streamlined and efficient explanation of what is a tenant screening report and how this screening process works, designed to assist landlords in making informed leasing decisions. By integrating various components such as credit screening, criminal background checks, and eviction history, LeaseRunner simplifies the apartment screening process.​

Step 1. Initiate the Screening

Landlords begin by logging into their LeaseRunner account and navigating to the 'Screen' section. Here, they can order the desired screening reports, including options like credit screening, criminal background checks, and eviction reports. 

Landlords can choose who will bear the cost of background check for renters, whether it's themselves or the applicants. Once the order is placed, LeaseRunner sends a secure email link to the applicant to commence the rental screening report process.

Step 2. Applicant Provides Information

After getting the email invitation, applicants click the given link to enter Lease Runner's secure platform. They are pushed to finish the rental application and approve the publication of their background data. This includes adding personal information such as name, address, birthdate, Social Security number. 

Depending on their credit history, applicants may have to respond to identification verification inquiries for credit screening. In this stage, following Fair Housing rules and FCRA, all data should be handled securely.

Step 3. Report Generation

LeaseRunner handles the data after the applicant has supplied the required information and approved the checks to provide extensive answers for those who are asking “what is a tenant screening report?” and the tenant screening documents. This report encompasses various aspects, including:​

  • Credit Screening: Evaluates the applicant's financial responsibility through credit scores and payment history.​
  • Criminal Background Check: Assesses any potential risks by reviewing criminal records.​
  • Eviction History: Provides insights into any past eviction proceedings.​
  • Income Verification & Cash Flow Report: Analyzes the applicant's income stability and financial health. ​

The generated report is then made available to the landlord through the LeaseRunner dashboard.

Step 4. Review and Decision

Landlords are notified when the tenant screening report is available. They may use their LeaseRunner account to examine the complete details. This detailed research allows landlords to make educated conclusions about the applicant's appropriateness. 

If the landlord agrees to continue, LeaseRunner provides tools to help with lease negotiations and rent collection, significantly expediting the apartment screening process.

How to Interpret a Tenant Screening Report?

Understanding a tenant screening report involves analyzing various components, such as:​

  • Credit Score: Scores above 700 are generally considered good.​
  • Payment History: Consistent on-time payments indicate financial reliability.​
  • Criminal Records: Assess the severity and recency of any offenses.​
  • Eviction Records: Multiple or recent evictions may be concerning.​
  • Landlord References: Positive feedback suggests a responsible tenant.

Understand these components deeply, you won’t meet any obstacles while learning about what is a tenant screening report and reading it in the future. 

How Much Does Tenant Screening Cost? Top 5 Service Providers You Should Know

The cost of obtaining a tenant screening report can vary, typically ranging from $25 to $75, depending on the depth of information.

Besides understanding what is a tenant screening report, knowing the cost of background check for renters is also important. The price for this service varies depending on the service provider and the depth of the report. Here are five notable providers:​

LeaseRunner - Industry's Most All-Inclusive Tenant Screening Services

Designed with landlords in mind, Lease Runner is notable for its thorough and adaptable tenant screening options. Their deep knowledge about “What is a tenant screening report?” and pay-as-you-go approach lets landlords pick from groups or a la carte options, therefore guaranteeing they only pay for what they need.

A la Carte Services:

  • Credit Report: $23 per applicant​
  • Criminal Background Check: $17 per applicant​
  • Eviction Report: $14 per applicant​
  • Income Verification & Cash Flow Report: $10 per applicant​

Bundled Packages:

  • Basic Screening: $17 per applicant​ (Includes criminal background check).​
  • Pro Screening: $40 per applicant​ (Includes criminal background check and credit report​).
  • Ultimate Screening: $54 per applicant​. (Includes criminal background check, credit report, and eviction report​).
  • Premium Screening: $64 per applicant​. (Includes all services: criminal background check, credit report, eviction report, and income verification & cash flow report).

 Besides providing the most transparent pricing for their customers, LeaseRunner’s customers have the flexibility to decide who covers the screening fees, themselves (the landlords) or the applicants. 

Additionally, LeaseRunner offers digital lease agreements with e-signature capabilities for $43 per batch and online rent collection services for $5 per transaction.

Comparison with Other Top Tenant Screening Providers

TransUnion SmartMove

  • Cost: Approximately $40 per screening.
  • Features: Provides ResidentScore, credit report, criminal background check, and eviction history. Offers income insights to assess the applicant's ability to pay rent.

Zillow Rental Manager

  • Cost: Free for landlords; applicants pay $35​.
  • Features: Includes credit report, background check, and eviction history.

RentSpree

  • Cost: Free for landlords; applicants pay $39.99.
  • Features: Offers TransUnion credit report, criminal background check, and eviction history. Provides a user-friendly platform with 24/7 access and customizable reports. ​

TurboTenant

  • Cost: Free for landlords; applicants pay $45​.
  • Features: Includes credit report, criminal background check, and eviction history. Offers additional property management tools such as online applications and rent collection.

In summary, LeaseRunner provides a versatile and comprehensive suite of tenant screening services, allowing landlords to tailor their screening process to their specific needs. With transparent pricing and a range of options, it stands as a competitive choice among top tenant screening providers.​

Key Benefits of Using a Tenant Screening Report

  • Time Efficiency: Streamlined processes save time in the tenant selection process.
  • Legal Protection: Proper documentation and due diligence can protect landlords in legal scenarios.
  • Informed Decision-Making: Access to comprehensive information enables landlords to choose the most qualified renters via informed decision-making.
  • Reduced Risk: Finding any problems early on helps to lower the likelihood of more problems down the road.

Conclusion

For landlords trying to find dependable renters, knowing “what is a tenant screening report?” and applying it is a great tool. Understanding its components and using reliable services helps landlords make wise choices, safeguard their assets, and build good relationships between them and their tenants.

If you wish to find the best tenant screening report providing service, don’t hesitate and refer to LeaseRunner packages. With clear explanations and transparent pricing, we help you choose the best renters and protect your properties.

FAQs

Q1. What is a tenant screening report?

As mentioned earlier, a tenant screening report is a comprehensive document that provides landlords with information about a prospective tenant's background, including credit history, criminal records, eviction history, and rental references.

Q2. How much does a tenant screening report cost?

Costs vary depending on the service provider and the depth of the report, ranging from free to around $45.

Q3. What is a screening for an apartment?

Renters are evaluated by landlords via apartment screening. Often it entails looking into the applicant's salary, criminal record, renting history, financial background, and present employment. This lets owners decide if the applicant will be able to pay rent on schedule, keep the property in great shape, and follow lease terms.