What is Tenant Screening?

Tenant screening involves a comprehensive evaluation of a prospective tenant's qualifications to reside in your rental property. It typically includes checks on various aspects, such as:

• Credit History: A credit report reveals a potential tenant's financial responsibility and ability to pay rent on time.
• Rental History: Verification of past rental experiences, including on-time rent payments, adherence to lease agreements, and any history of property damage.
• Eviction History: Knowing if a potential tenant has been evicted in the past can be a red flag. (note: In Connecticut, if you’re not using TenantTracks, your screening provider might be missing this critical information from the major service provider, TransUnion.)
• Criminal Background Checks (with Fair Housing Act compliance): Depending on your location and specific regulations, a background check may uncover criminal records that could pose a threat to the safety and security of your property and other tenants.

Why is Tenant Screening Important?

The benefits of tenant screening are undeniable:

• Reduced Risk of Evictions: By identifying applicants with a history of late payments or evictions, you can significantly reduce the risk of facing a lengthy and expensive eviction process in the future.
• Improved Cash Flow: Reliable tenants pay rent on time, ensuring a steady income stream to cover property expenses and mortgage payments.
• Protection of Your Investment: Responsible tenants are less likely to cause damage to your property, minimizing repair costs and maintaining the overall value of your investment.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing you've selected a qualified tenant fosters a sense of security and allows you to focus on managing your property with confidence.

How Do I Choose a Tenant Screening Service?

The sheer number of tenant screening services available can be overwhelming. Picking the right one for your needs depends on several factors:

• Features and Services Offered: Compare what each service provides. Some offer basic checks like credit reports and criminal background checks, while others include more in-depth reports like eviction history verification,income verification, and even tenant reputation scores.
• Turnaround Time: How quickly does the service deliver reports? Finding a tenant quickly is important, but thoroughness shouldn't be sacrificed. We know you’re busy, so TenantTracks offers instant results. 
• Compliance with Fair Housing Laws: The Fair Housing Act (FHA) prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. Ensure the service adheres to all relevant regulations.
• Cost: Tenant screening services come at a price. Compare pricing structures and consider the features you need to make a cost-effective decision. It’s convenient to use a company like TenantTracks who is affordably priced, but also includes EVERYTHING you need to know. No worrying about a-la-carte services or having expenses add up. 
• Ease of Use: Look for a user-friendly interface that simplifies the screening process, allowing you to manage applications and gather reports efficiently.

Here are some additional questions to consider when choosing a tenant screening service:

• Does the service offer customer support for any questions you might have?

• TenantTracks is a local Connecticut business, and is family-run. You can reach our small and committed team for any support questions you might have. We can walk you through the process and ensure you’re having the best experience. 

• Are there any bulk screening discounts available if you manage multiple properties?

• If you run more than 8 reports a year, we recommend an Optimum-10 account. These reports are only $27 (as of 6/24/24) and best for property managers or landlords who will manually add a tenant’s financial information to our platform. This can save you and your tenants money if you buy frequent reports or in bulk.

What Are the Different Types of Tenant Screening Reports?

The specific type of tenant screening report you receive will depend on the service you choose. Here are some common reports:

• Credit Reports: These reports detail an applicant's credit history, including past debts, payment history, and credit score. A low credit score can indicate a higher risk of late rent payments.
• Rental History Reports: These reports verify an applicant's past rental experiences, including on-time rent payments, lease violations, and any history of evictions.
• Eviction History Reports: These reports reveal if an applicant has been evicted from previous residences, which can be a red flag for potential trouble. (Reminder -- If you do NOT use TenantTracks, you’re at risk of not having access to these reports)
• Criminal Background Checks: (conducted with Fair Housing Act compliance) These reports provide information on an applicant's criminal history, depending on local regulations.

Additional reports may include:

• Income Verification: This can be helpful in ensuring the applicant has a sufficient income to comfortably cover the rent.
• Tenant Reputation Scores: Some services offer proprietary scores based on an applicant's combined screening results, providing a quick risk assessment.
• TenantTracks offers integrated additional features, like Pet Screening and Reporting Tenant Payments to the Credit Bureau 

The Benefits of Tenant Screening with TenantTracks

TenantTracks is a leading provider of tenant screening services across New England, focusing heavily in Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, designed to empower landlords with the tools they need to make informed decisions about their renters. Here's what sets TenantTracks apart:

• Comprehensive Reports: Access credit reports, rental history verification, eviction history checks, and criminal background checks (conducted with Fair Housing Act compliance) – all in one convenient platform.
• Fast Turnaround Times: Get detailed reports instantly, allowing you to make timely decisions about potential tenants and minimize vacancy periods.
• Fair Housing Compliance: TenantTracks prioritizes fair housing practices, ensuring all screening methods comply with relevant laws and regulations.
• User-Friendly Interface: Manage your applications and reports efficiently with a user-friendly platform designed for ease of use.
• Competitive Pricing: TenantTracks offers a range of affordable plans to suit your needs, with bulk discounts available for managing multiple properties.
• Exceptional Customer Support: Our dedicated customer support team is readily available to answer any questions you may have throughout the screening process.
• Property Owner Advocacy: Each year, anti-landlord legislation is proposed. TenantTracks will fight for your rights at the Capitol.

By leveraging TenantTracks' comprehensive tenant screening services, you can:

• Reduce the risk of bad tenants: Identify applicants with a history of late payments, evictions, or criminal records.
• Increase your cash flow: Ensure you have reliable tenants who pay rent on time, every time.
• Protect your investment: Minimize the risk of property damage and safeguard the value of your rental property.
• Experience peace of mind: TenantTracks empowers you to make informed decisions and rent to qualified tenants,fostering a sense of security and confidence.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Tenant?

Don't settle for anything less than the best. Sign up with TenantTracks today and experience the difference a comprehensive tenant screening service can make. With TenantTracks, you can streamline your tenant selection process, minimize vacancy periods, and ensure you're renting to responsible tenants who will treat your property with respect.

Visit our website at https://tenanttracks.com/screening/Tenant-Screening to learn more and create your account!

In Conclusion:

Tenant screening is an essential step for any landlord. By taking the time to thoroughly vet potential tenants, you can significantly reduce the risk of financial hardship, property damage, and legal issues. Investing in a reliable tenant screening service like TenantTracks is an investment in the long-term success and security of your rental property business.