Not all tenant screening companies were created equally, and as such, it is important to research the companies that provide you with the information that directly affects your investment and community.A good place to start is with the company that actually supplies the reports; not necessarily the tenant screening company (as in most cases they are authorized resellers of the data). It is important to know the name of the company, how long they have been in business, and if they offer criminal checks on a national level. Getting a national background check for a few dollars more could save you thousands in damages or court fees later on. And keep in mind – if you are charging applicants an application or screening fee, the money won’t be coming from your budget. Make sure you spend at least 7-10 minutes to input an application into the system because you want to have as much information as possible. Don’t just screen your residents – make sure you understand what you are getting in your reports, and exactly where they are coming from.
