Off-Season Rental Properties: Don’t Sacrifice Tenant Checks to Ensure Continued Income

A recent article posted to Martha’s Vineyard Times (MVTimes.com) illuminates an interesting issue regarding renting properties in the off-season and some of the challenges property owners face.

“I’ll never do it again,” said Ellen Duncan, of Edgartown, referring to renting her house for the winter. “They cost me much more than I made in rent. I had to replace my whole living room set, all my dishes. I had to buy a new refrigerator. I spent thousands of dollars to get back the house that I had. It scared me. They were destructive and they stole my bike and other things. The house was such a pig sty. There was so much damage”. She said the security deposit didn’t come close to covering her expenses. http://www.mvtimes.com/2013/10/02/winter-rentals-are-not-everyone-17524/

Issues with tenants are commonplace with standard rental situations, such as apartment complexes, and expected by landlords and property managers. Policies are in place to assist in the eviction of bad tenants and while it can be a costly effort it is a cost built into renting an apartment. However property managers that rent out single or small unit seasonal properties may not have the financial wherewithal or expectation of dealing with a tenant that destroys property.

Winter renters are often transients… “Sometimes they have animals and other guests staying with them, so the house may suffer from more wear and tear than a summer rental,” … “I have seen situations where the winter tenants don’t move out in time for the summer rentals, and of course, this becomes a huge problem and a big legal hassle. If you like your property, don’t do a winter rental.” http://www.mvtimes.com/2013/10/02/winter-rentals-are-not-everyone-17524/

The same conversation could be had if off-season occurs in the winter as opposed to winter being the off-season at Martha’s Vineyard.

Ultimately, one must protect the investment of a vacation rental property.

Adam Almeida, President and CEO of TenantScreeningUSA.com states: “A thorough tenant check should be conducted on any potential tenant and lease signer. Evictions, criminal history, and personal or previous landlord references are, at a minimum, critical. Bad tenants often focus on the single unit renter, especially off-season rentals.”

There is a definite temptation to rent a property during the off-season. Continuing a source of income is a great temptation but at what risk? The cost of repairing a property can quickly become prohibitive and those repairs may take place after the cost of eviction. In the end the best practice may be to resist temptation and not rent, but if one must rent in the off-season it is critical to conduct the most extensive tenant check possible.

Almeida states: “The cost of a tenant check is so small when compared to the cost of repairs and legal fees incurred due to eviction. A little due diligence goes a long way.”

TenantScreeningUSA.com provides tenant screening for rentals of every type, large and small. With a highly trained staff and extensive experience in tenant screening, TenantScreeningUSA.com can provide solutions to all background screening requirements a landlord or property manager may have.

 

Sex Offender Registry Checks: Key Component of Tenant Screening in a Changing Suburban Landscape

The changing landscape of suburban living suggests that many individuals and families are returning to urbanized areas such as cities and towns. Subsequently, suburbs are losing businesses, jobs, and residents. http://www.salon.com/2013/08/03/the_suburbs_are_dead_and_thats_not_a_good_thing/ In order to stem the tide of suburban flight landlords and property managers may reduce the cost of renting a house or an apartment.

It stands to reason that in order to maintain a high level of occupancy in a declining area that rental rates would drop. Affordable living is attractive to a variety of individuals and for a variety of reasons.

In many states registered sex offenders are controlled in their living arrangements by affordability and by state law.

A recent article on www.WorchesterMag.com (Aug. 1, 2013) states:

Sex offenders need a place to live, too, and while many end up in triple-deckers, treatment centers and other residences throughout the city, Worcester Mag found cases where some of the highest-risk offenders are either living in large, family-friendly apartment buildings or using the address of a relative that lives there. http://www.worcestermag.com/city-desk/top-news/A-building-concern-217900591.html

In many instances the aforementioned apartment buildings are affordable and apartment buildings continue to draw registered sex offenders:

Ultimately, therein lies the rub for owners of rental housing, which attracts a larger number of sex offenders than any other type of housing. “[They] migrate towards rental housing purely because of the economics of it,” … http://www.multifamilyexecutive.com/apartment-trends/sympathy-for-the-devil.aspx

The advent of Megan’s Law in 1994 led to changes in rental policies across the country directly related to dealing with registered sex offenders:

Following the disclosures of registries mandated by Megan’s Law in 1994, apartments across the country began incorporating sex offender registry searches into standard lease applicant screening practices. The industry has largely—though not entirely—embraced the notion that being a registered sex offender is a de facto condition for denying lease applicants. http://www.multifamilyexecutive.com/apartment-trends/sympathy-for-the-devil.aspx

Today, across the United States many states control the living arrangements of registered sex offenders by law:

Twenty-two states in the United States currently have some form of residency law that restricts where sex offenders can live. For example, many states prohibit sex offenders from living within 1000–2500 feet of schools, bus stops, or daycare centers. http://www.law.northwestern.edu/lawreview/v102/n1/307/lr102n1agudo.pdf

Ultimately, a critical component of the tenant screening process may be with a review of registered sex offenders. This step may be included in a typical tenant check or as a separate process.

Adam Almeida, President and CEO of TenantScreeningUSA.com states: “As with any part of the tenant screening process, landlords and property managers really should utilize a third-party tenant screening company to ensure they are compliant with all local, state, and federal practices.” TenantScreeningUSA.com includes a national sex offender registry search with every tenant check performed.

As the suburbs struggle to maintain their prosperity and population the cost of living, specifically with rental properties, may drop significantly and, subsequently, sexual predators and registered offenders may be drawn to these properties.

Almeida states: “One of the primary concerns of a property manager is to protect the property and protect existing tenants. Conducting a sex offender registry search may greatly assist that process.”

TenantScreeningUSA.com is a third-party background screening company that provides tenant checks for landlords and property managers responsible for properties large and small. Specializing in small to mid-sized rental communities, TenantScreeningUSA.com can create customized tenant packages to fulfill all needs.

 

 

With Summer Here Back to School Is Near: Tenant Screening College Kids

With graduation a distant memory and summer in full effect, many college aged kids are not thinking about going back to school. Not yet. However, as summer begins to draw to a close the focus will change and the idea of where to live will become a fixation.

In college towns with large out-of-state student populations, housing can be relatively easy to find. A multitude of choices exist. Many schools have on-campus housing. Most colleges are surrounded by large apartment complexes designed for temporary student based living. Another choice may be with private residences or small unit apartment complexes.

Generally, large apartment complexes cover their bases by conducting tenant screening and each tenant listed on the lease is usually screened. In college environments it is not unusual for a single bedroom unit to have multiple tenants. Property managers for large complexes understand the nature and transiency of college students. But this may not hold true with single family dwelling or small unit rental property landlords.

Tenant screening of college students should be as robust as screening conducted on other, long-term, or non-student tenant. Despite their living arrangement, typically less than a year, it is as important to protect ones investment, regardless of renter’s occupation.

Adam Almeida, President and CEO of TenantScreeningUSA.com states: “Owners of single family dwellings or small unit apartments that rent to college students should conduct a thorough tenant screening just as they would with anyone else. Ultimately the goal of tenant screening is to protect people, property, and perception.”

A tenant check for a college renter must include all individuals on the lease as well as any co-signer, such as a parent. The opportunity to check evictions records might not produce viable records as a college student may not have lived in a rental situation prior to shipping off to school. However, a complete reference check may prove beneficial in understanding a tenant.

Almeida states: “One of the keys to a successful renter-landlord relationship is actually having a relationship. Knowing tenants, understanding tenants, and having an open communication are key to success.”

As with standard rental relationships, the importance of tenant screening is multifold. First, and foremost, tenant screening provides information that allows a landlord/property manager to make a solid decision on a potential tenant. Tenant screening greatly assists in creating a safe living environment for both new tenants and pre-existing. While a college student may not have the long-term relationship with a property, there could be others in a complex that do. This may be especially true in smaller unit properties. Another important result of tenant screening is the protection of property. Again, if one considers a solid and complete reference check, as well as other available tenant screening reports, a landlord/property manager will have the information required to make a decision to protect property. Single family dwelling landlords must be extremely careful in their tenant screening as the risk to potential property damage could be significant. Lastly, tenant screening can allow a property to make a decision to protect a properties reputation. If a complex gets the reputation of a “party” location or a “dangerous” location, the value of per unit rental income will decrease.

In the end it is important for single family dwelling and small unit apartment landlords/property managers to be especially vigilant in renting to college students. They should take the same precautions as they might with any other renter: Complete interview process, tenant screening all tenants, communicate with tenants, and make decisions based on factual information.

TenantScreeningUSA.com is a third-party tenant screening company that can provide low-cost, compliant, and thorough tenant screening packages for large unit complexes to single family dwellings. Contact them today to get more information…

 

Three Areas to Financial Success with Rental Properties: It All Starts With Tenant Screening

There are three areas that are key to a successful and financially sustainable rental property: People, Property, and Perception

As any good property manager or landlord knows the key to a long-term, financially viable rental property is full occupancy with long-term residents. The trick remains in sustaining long-term residency.

There are three areas where long-term residency can be created: People, Property, and Perception. Each is equally important and success in each area can potentially lead to long-term relationships with renters. And it all starts with tenant screening.

Tenant screening is a relatively simple task that is a central part of a much more challenging activity: Vetting potential tenants. There are several aspects involved with vetting tenants. First, and foremost, is the interview process. A landlord or property manager should conduct this activity face-to-face with the potential tenant, thus allowing a candid conversation with each party sharing expectations. After filling out the application, a candidate should be put through a thorough tenant check. This task should include reviewing financial viability, criminal history (as allowed by state and local law), and evictions. In additional landlords and property managers may find it beneficial to have references reviewed and wait for the deposit check to clear prior to turning over the keys.

The fundamental purpose of a tenant check is twofold. One, it allows the landlord to make a decision based on current data regarding the candidate, thus creating financial surety and, two, creating a safe environment for the people already living in the rental community.

Protecting the current populous of a rental property is critical to long-term renters. The people that make up the community will have a significant impact on long-term relationships. One bad tenant can ruin a living experience and, if not handled properly, can lead long-term renters to move.

Property is equally important. A well maintained living space can greatly enhance a living environment. However, it is important that maintenance workers and contractors be background screened, especially if these individuals are allowed unsupervised entry to a renter’s home or apartment.

Further, people and property lead into perception. If a property gains a bad perception in the potential renter’s eye that perception may well become reality. However, perception is reality for properties that receive frequent police callouts or other activities such as widespread graffiti or vandalism.

Landlords that manage properties with bad perceptions can work with local police departments in order to “clean-up” the property. Increased patrols can greatly assist in creating a safe environment.

If a property manager or landlord focuses on people, property, and perception long-term relationships and renters will follow. The goal for any rental property large or small is financial surety and it starts with thorough tenant screening.

TenantScreeningUSA.com is a third-party background screening company that offers thorough, affordable, and secure tenant checks for property managers large and small. TenantScreeningUSA.com is fully compliant with all local, state, and federal regulations that enforce the tenant screening industry.

 

Data Mining and Tenant Background Screening: Is On-Line Too Easy?

The Internet has made everything easy. Easy access, easy information, easy data mining.

What is data mining?

data mining
noun Digital Technology
the process of collecting, searching through, and analyzing a large amount of data in a database, as to discover patterns or relationships.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/data+mining

In other words, data mining is the collection of information through a wide variety of sources and gathered into databases. This information can be culled from sources such as the DMV, Facebook, membership cards, and other data providers.

Information gathered is often utilized by marketing companies to make “predictions” based on past behavior and thus inform how a particular thing, such as a consumer product or movie, should be marketing to a “specific” segment of population based on statistical data.

A recent on-line article speaks to this:

Every day, without even knowing it, you share intimate personal details about your life with people you’ve never met. The medical symptoms you search online follow you: first to the pharmacy where you pick up a prescription, then to a database of specialists looking to add you as a patient, or to an insurance company creating a risk pool. The car you’ve researched on the Web has been broadcast to your local dealerships before you’ve even left the house. When you walk in the door, the salesman already knows which color you want—as well as your salary and driving history—and pulls the shiny new car of your dreams around front. http://prospect.org/article/meet-stalkers

Within background screening industry databases are often used. However, they are but one piece of information a third-party background screening company relies upon. Most viable and legally compliant third-party background screening companies utilize a network of county court researchers to provide up-to-date and current information. Further, they have the ability and legal obligation to review all data provided to property managers, landlords, companies, and individuals both for their legality and validity.

However, there are companies and Internet Websites that claim to provide low-cost information that seemingly could be used for tenant screening purposes, but landlords and property managers should remain cautious.

In 2012 Spokeo was fined by the FTC in the amount of $800,000 for misrepresenting information and marketing data in direct violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Information found on the internet through databases may be outdated, erroneous, or misappropriated. Landlords and property managers should work with third-party providers to ensure the data gathered and the manner it is gathered remains lawful.

Background-check companies must follow the same rules as the credit bureaus: Namely, they must obtain authorization by the subject of a background check before the check is run and provide the results of those checks once a year free of charge to anyone who asks, a valuable consumer protection against wanton abuse and fraud. http://prospect.org/article/meet-stalkers

Adam Almeida, President and CEO of TenantScreeningUSA.com states: “People should really think twice about what they put on-line, especially in social media, places like Facebook. But information can be gathered from almost anywhere.” Almeida also cautions landlords and property managers from relying on databases as the only means of gathering information. “Especially with credit checks, potential tenants have rights that must be observed and certain releases signed before information can be legally collected.”

Ultimately, in the data age it is best to work with people. At TenantScreeningUSA.com highly trained operators are ready to work with the exacting needs and requirements of landlords and property managers. Utilized in a legal way databases can be valuable, but one has to know the laws that govern information use. Contact TenantScreeningUSA.com today to get started.

 

Don’t let Desperate Renting Lead to Lapses in Tenant Screening

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy home owners and property managers are scrambling to make repairs on both vacation rentals and the rental season.

A state report on tourism released last week called it the $22 billion question: Will the shore be ready for summer? Rentals are the key to that, and to the shore economy, which in turn generates half of the state’s $40 billion tourist market. With fewer renters, restaurants and stores do not see as much business, cannot hire as many people, or generate as much tax revenue for a state already suffering from losses to the property base. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/27/nyregion/shore-rebuilding-renters-go-south-for-summer.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

The effect of rental loss is obviously devastating but there are a few homes that survived the hurricane relatively unscathed. However, beaches remain closed or severely damaged, the boardwalks requires massive repairs, and some streets remain impassable.

The remaining rentals on the market may be available at greatly reduced cost as homeowners become desperate for income. With that desperation short-cuts may be taken in order to get a vacation renter.

Adam Almeida, President and CEO of TenantScreeningUSA.com said: “Vacation property owners may think that the cost of a tenant check is something that can be eliminated in the rental process; however this is not a good idea. It is very risky to forgo tenant checks which only cost around $25 to place. This small amount of money equates into a large amount of value and not a wise place to cut corners.”

It is a challenging situation.

Even some houses that are ready to rent are having a hard time finding tenants; it’s no one’s idea of a summer vacation to see a house off its foundation two doors down, or hear contractors up the street sawing at 7 a.m. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/27/nyregion/shore-rebuilding-renters-go-south-for-summer.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

One must consider the cost of the smallest renovations or repairs when renting. There are individuals willing to take advantage of the situation by renting a repaired home and vandalizing that property. A vacation tenant check will help alleviate that possibility.

Tenant screening is a low-cost tool in vetting potential vacation renters. Most owners and/or property managers utilize this tool as a part of the rental process. Even in the best of times tenant screening should be conducted as a routine step in renting out a home or multi-unit dwelling.

“It is easy to think that renting a property for a week or two at a time is different than renting a property long-term, but it is not. Short term rentals should be treated as if they were long-term. The same issues with a bad tenant can arise regardless of how much time they occupy a property,” Almeida said.

Utilizing a third-party background screening company, such as TenantScreeningUSA, is the best way to vet a potential vacation renter.

“Even in these challenging times post-Hurricane Sandy it is critical to conduct thorough tenant checks,” Almeida added.

TenantScreeningUSA.com provides full service background screening to landlords and property managers of any size. The site also provides affordable tenant checks to every landlord whether it is a long-term permanent rental, or a relatively short-term vacation rental.

 

TenantScreeningUSA.com Recommends Tenant Screening for Commercial Properties Large and, Especially, Small

As the economic recovery from the Great Recession of 2008 continues to chug along, opportunity for investment remains high. Individuals are taking on ownership of investment properties both in single-family housing and small unit apartment complexes, and small unit commercial properties.

Renting and Leasing commercial units is not unlike renting and leasing a family unit. Both investments can be made at a reasonable cost and both investments can bring financial reward.

With commercial and residential rental properties the key to profitability relies on one simple fact: Long-term renters.

Constant turnover of units creates serious challenges. First and foremost, an empty unit draws no income and, after all, the point of an investment is to make a profit. Secondly, empty units invite potential vandalism, especially in commercial properties. And, finally, empty or high turnover units can create a negative perception of a given property.

Many landlords and property managers of residential properties conduct tenant checks on all new tenants. They know that a thorough tenant screening can assist in selecting a financially sound, potentially long-term resident. Further, tenant checks assist in creating a safe environment for the community as well. Long-term residents enhance a community and can lead to becoming a desirable living environment for others.

The same holds true for commercial properties, especially smaller properties where the owner may act as property manager to hold down cost. Tenant checks can be conducted on the principles of any small company wanting to move into a unit.

There are a number of screening reports that can be optimized in conducting a commercial property tenant screening.

  • County Criminal History – Provides conviction information, by county, on principle owners of a given business.
  • Evictions – Combined with Reference Verification, an eviction report could provide critical information for a potential commercial tenant.
  • Bankruptcies, liens and judgments – These reports will review information on a national level.

Of course Consumer Credit Reports and Sex Offender Registry reviews are helpful, if not obvious reports of value.

When an investor makes the decision to purchase a small unit commercial property they should keep in mind the same principles as a residential landlord: Risk management. Tenant screening is the key component of risk management and just as a residential landlord wants to create a safe environment and financial security with long-term residents, so too does a commercial property owner. A long-term renter can lead to a safer community and attract other potential long-term residents, ultimately creating a lucrative financial return. Tenant screening is an important tool in creating this reality.

TenantScreeningUSA.com is a third-party background screening company specializing in tenant screening both for residential and commercial property owners. They specialize in working with owner/operators of small unit commercial properties. Visit TenantScreeningUSA.com to assist in creating a Commercial Property Tenant Screening package.

 

Meth Labs in Rental Properties: Increased Use of Tenant Screening May Help

The abuse of Methamphetamine has long been the scourge of modern society. The drug is readily available and relatively easy to manufacture. Recent headlines suggest that the epidemic is not abating anytime soon and the use of rental properties for meth labs continues.

A recent article in the FayObserver (The Fayetteville Observer, January 5, 2013) highlights the cost of cleanup when a rental property is involved with the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine.

More than two months after a working methamphetamine lab was discovered in Gates Four, no arrests have been made and the home remains vacant, authorities said… Authorities said decontamination can cost up to $200,000. http://www.fayobserver.com/articles/2013/01/04/1228439?sac=fo.local

Certainly the cost of an unrented apartment or single-family home is problematic but when one includes the cost of clean-up for a methamphetamine lab significant cost can lead to bankruptcy or loss of income property.

Properly vetting potential renters can greatly assist in making clean decisions about a candidate’s viability. Typical tenant checks include credit scores, previous evictions, and criminal histories. While it is difficult to make an assessment when a potential renter has no criminal past. However, with recidivism rates remaining high, the chance of discovering a criminal history that could lead to future crime remains strong. http://www.sacbee.com/2012/12/09/5040073/dont-build-more-jails-fix-inmate.html

Once a property has been identified as housing a methamphetamine lab there are greater challenges beyond clean-up. The ability to sell or re-rent the property becomes problematic

In an on-line article (www.stltoday.com, January 7, 2013) the City of Crestwood passed a law in regards to meth lab clean-up:

The law requires the owner of any structure that housed a meth lab to thoroughly clean the premises before it can be sold or rented. The law is an addition to the city’s other inspection criteria and is enforced by the Public Works Department. http://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/metro/news/crestwood-passes-meth-cleanup-law/article_d357e676-f52d-5ef9-b443-c6a4d52ad502.html

The Crestwood Police Chief made the following recommendation:

“One result is that landlords might need to screen their tenants a little better…” http://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/metro/news/crestwood-passes-meth-cleanup-law/article_d357e676-f52d-5ef9-b443-c6a4d52ad502.html

 

And the problem of meth labs in rental properties should also be the concern of new tenants, as well. Understanding the history of the property is important, especially if involved with the production of methamphetamine. During the manufacture process the chemicals used in the production of meth as well as the final product can get into carpet, furniture, walls, and curtains.

Drug task force authorities across the country are urging new homeowners to check into the drug history of the previous homeowners or tenants, because the residual effects of drugs within a home – especially the chemical deposits from the manufacturing of methamphetamines – can linger for years and cause major health problems for the home’s new occupants. http://glendora.patch.com/articles/is-your-home-a-former-meth-lab

The Department of Justice/DEA offers an on-line Clandestine Laboratory Registry at

The incidence of meth labs in private homes is on the upswing.

In 2011, 10,287 meth lab incidents were reported across the nation— up 39 percent from 2008. There were also an estimated 2.5 million meth-contaminated homes in the U.S.

Adam Almeida, CEO and President of TenantScreeningUSA.com strongly encourages property managers and landlords to conduct thorough tenant screening. “With in-home meth labs on the rise it is critical landlord’s understand who they are renting to, especially small unit or single dwelling landlords. The cost of clean-up, the loss of income, and the potential inability to sell a property is a significant concern.”

TenantScreeningUSA.com offers comprehensive tenant screening packages that will assist property owners in making important decisions about who they rent their properties. For more information or to create an account visit TenantScreeningUSA.com

 

 

Tenant Screening Made Easy

With demand for rental units on the rise landlords and property managers may have an easier time renting out properties. The population in the United States has become increasingly transient as the search for employment moves individuals and families across states and the country itself. And as the housing market remains in flux many people choose to rent, either out of necessity or choice.

Critical choices remain to be made in renting a property. Every landlord/property manager wants to find tenants that will become long-term, tenants that will maintain and care for a property, and tenants that will fit into the community as a whole.

Finding potential candidates may be easy, but finding the right one is a challenge.

One of the challenges is with the tenant check process. Large properties may have access to the information and reports required to make a decision but small property owners and independent landlords may have limited access. And, for smaller properties every penny counts, just as every minute counts. After all, time is money.

TenantScreeningUSA.com has the solution.

In partnership with TransUnion, TenantScreeningUSA.com has the ability to provide the same tenant screening tools larger companies utilize to the smallest tenant/landlord situation.

Their program, SmartMove®, provides quick access, prompt results, and comprehensive data. A landlord/property manager also gets flexible payment terms and a choice to who pays, either the property or the potential candidate. And, perhaps, the most important aspect is the “Joint-Tenant Recommendation.”

A candidate’s background information is drawn from criminal history and credit databases and a leasing recommendation is made, based on parameters set by the landlord.

Typical information drawn is:

• Consumer Credit History

• Criminal History

• Renter Fraud Warnings

The transaction is performed through a secure internet portal and data transactions are conducted on line. It is a simple process.

• Set up an account

• Provide a potential renter’s email address

Once the potential renter receives the email, information is provided by the candidate and that data is verified by TransUnion. At that point a recommendation is provided to the landlord.

SmartMove® is designed specifically for the smaller property owner. It is fast, simple, and, most importantly, secure.

Time is of the essence even when there are a multitude of options amongst a growing rental population. Small property owners and landlords need the ability to make fast, low-cost, secure decisions about who they are going to rent property. SmartMove® through TenantScreeningUSA.com puts the small rental property owner on a level playing field with the big boys.

 

Renters Protect Your Information

Every day headlines are filled with terrifying tales of information fraud and identity theft.  It is a common occurrence and one that will continue into the future.  In an age where devious individuals go through trash to find discarded documents that may contain critical information, people need to protect themselves or they could wind up in the headlines.

One area of concern is in renting a property.  With more and more Americans becoming transient and forgoing home ownership to rent a home or apartment, the opportunity for information theft is very high during the rental process.  Anytime critical information is exchanged with another individual via an application or similar process the opportunity for identity theft exists.

Once a rental candidate finds a property of interest two things happen:

  1. Tour the property.
  2. Fill out the application and get a credit report.

The information on a rental application is all the data an information thief needs:  Name, Date of Birth, and Social Security Number.  Those three pieces of information, in the wrong hands, can destroy an individual’s credit history.

What’s a renter to do?

TenantScreeningUSA.com offers a solution:  SmartMove.  SmartMove is a service every potential renter should know about and utilize.  This service not only provides a one-stop data collection point for a renter’s application information, but it will protect all sensitive information in a secure manner.

SmartMove will:

  • · Keep personal information private — keep sensitive information such as your Social Security, birth date and bank account numbers private by verifying your identity directly with TransUnion – a trusted source for consumer data online. Your sensitive information never has to be seen by your potential landlord.
  • · Faster application processing — give your consent and your potential landlord will have everything required to complete the screening process within minutes.
  • · “Soft” hit — don’t let your apartment search negatively affect your credit report and credit score. SmartMove lets you be the one to initiate the request, which won’t impact your credit in a negative way.
  • · Joint-tenant recommendations — single recommendation for joint renters and co-signers

TenantScreeningUSA.com has partnered with TransUnion in creating a secure program ideal for renters.  Data is collected through a secure Internet portal that allows the exchange of information to occur between the perspective tenant and TransUnion.  Information is not sent in the open, is not written on a document, and is not sent to a landlord or property manager.

What a landlord will receive is a leasing recommendation, a credit report, and a criminal history background check.  The tenants’ identifying information, such as their Social Security Number, Date of Birth, and Bank Account Numbers, remains secure.  Also, the transaction is nearly instant thus providing a quick turnaround.  This will be of significant benefit in a rental market that has become highly competitive.

To get started go to http://tenantscreeningusa.com/renter-background-check/ and click on “Create An Account.”  It is a quick and painless process, one that will create peace of mind and keep a renter’s personally identifiable information safe and secure in an unpredictable world.