One bad tenant placement can cost you thousands of dollars in lost rent, property damage, and legal headaches. That’s why the right screening tools are worth far more than the upfront investment.
This post breaks down five of the top software platforms with tenant screening services available to property managers right now. Before jumping get to the list, we’ll also walk through what screening actually involves and the features worth paying attention to.
What Tenant Screening Includes
Tenant screening is how you evaluate a prospective tenant before signing a lease. Instead of relying on gut instinct or a short conversation, you base your decision on verified data from credit bureaus and public records.
A standard screening report typically includes three core components:
- a credit report that shows payment history and outstanding debts
- screening reports that cover eviction records and public records
- income verification that confirms the applicant can afford the rent
Some services add identity checks, reference verification, and rental-specific scoring models that predict on-time payment.
The process is simple. You pick a service, send the applicant a link to authorize the report, and get results (often the same day).
What to Keep in Mind Before Choosing a Tenant Screening Service
Screening is regulated, so keep a few basics in mind before you choose a service:
- The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) sets the rules for requesting and using screening data. Use an FCRA-compliant service.
- The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination, so apply the same criteria to every applicant.
- If you decline someone based on their report, send an Adverse Action notice explaining why.
- Regulations vary by location, so check with a legal expert familiar with your area before setting up your screening process.
If screening feels like one more task on an already full plate, it helps to see how screening fits into your workflow before you commit to a service.
Key Features to Look for in a Tenant Screening Service
Before you start comparing services, it helps to know what separates a solid screening tool from a basic one. Here are the features that matter most.
Report Types and Data Sources
Report quality depends on the data source. Look for a comprehensive report that includes credit history, screening reports covering eviction and public records, and some form of income verification.
Data pulled directly from a major bureau such as TransUnion or Experian is typically more reliable than using a third-party aggregator. Rental-specific scoring models (such as ResidentScore) can also score applicants with thin credit files.
Pricing and Payment Models
Screening costs run from about $17 to $55 per report, depending on what is included. You can absorb the cost or pass it to the applicant, and bundled packages (credit, screening reports, and eviction history together) tend to offer better value than buying each report separately.
Integration With Property Management Software
If you already use property management software, an integrated screening tool lets you move from application to approval without switching platforms or re-entering data. Results tie to the applicant record and carry over to the lease, tenant portal, and accounting.
If you screen more than a handful of applicants a month, that time savings adds up quickly.
5 of the Best Tenant Screening Services for Property Managers: A Quick Overview
| Service | Type | Screening Cost | Platform Fee | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buildium® | Integrated platform | $17–$35 per screen | Starting at $62/month | Full property management suite with built-in screening |
| SmartMove® | Standalone | $25–$48 per screen | None (pay-as-you-go) | Direct TransUnion data with no subscription |
| RentPrep® | Standalone | $29–$49 per screen | None (pay-as-you-go) | Human-reviewed reports by FCRA-certified screeners |
| TurboTenant® | Integrated platform | $45–$55 per screen | Free (paid plans from $12.42/month) | Free platform with unlimited properties |
| Avail® | Integrated platform | Varies by location | Free (paid plan at $9/unit/month) | Automated reference checks and Realtor.com integration |
1. Buildium
Integrated Property Management With Built-In Screening
Buildium is a property management platform that handles everything from accounting and maintenance to leasing and rent collection. Tenant screening is built directly into the platform, so you can move from receiving an application to reviewing a screening report without leaving your dashboard.
Screening is built into Buildium’s full lead-to-lease workflow. Applicants submit their information through online rental applications in the Applicant Center, and screening reports come back within the same system. You do not need to toggle between a screening service and a separate property management platform because it is all connected.
Buildium offers two screening tiers.
- Standard screening, powered by TransUnion, includes credit, screening reports, and eviction history for $17 per screen when you pay or $35 when the applicant pays. It uses a soft credit inquiry, which means the applicant’s credit score is not affected.
- Enhanced screening costs $20 per screen and includes customizable approval criteria, so you can set thresholds at the portfolio level and apply them consistently.
Both tiers include ResidentScore, a TransUnion model built specifically for rental decisions. It predicts eviction risk more accurately than a traditional credit score and can evaluate applicants with limited credit history. If you need to decline an applicant, Buildium generates Adverse Action letters for you when you decline an applicant based on their report.
Beyond screening, Buildium connects the rest of your leasing and broader business operations. Approved applicants move directly into your tenant management system, where you can send a lease, set up rent collection, and activate their Resident Center portal.
The dedicated owner portal keep your clients informed, and maintenance tracking and accounting tools round out the platform.
For property managers who want to stop switching between separate tools for screening, leasing, and day-to-day operations, having everything in one place can make a real difference in how much time you spend on administrative work.
Pricing
Buildium has three pricing plans:
- Essential: Starting at $62 per month. Includes accounting, maintenance, leasing, other features to support your operations. Tenant screening available as an add-on.
- Growth: Starting at $192 per month. Adds Enhanced Tenant Screening, lower-cost eSignatures, AI-enhanced communications, and business analytics.
- Premium: Starting at $400 per month. Includes everything in Growth plus Open API, free eSignatures, and the full AI and automations suite.
- Screening fees (all plans): $17 per screen (property manager pays), $35 per screen (applicant pays), or $20 per screen for Enhanced Tenant Screening (Growth and Premium plans). A 14-day free trial is available on all plans.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Full property management suite in one platform
- Two screening tiers (applicant-initiated and property manager-controlled)
- Soft credit inquiry with no impact to applicant
- Customizable screening criteria at the portfolio level
- 14-day free trial
Cons:
- Monthly platform subscription required to access screening
- Enhanced screening requires a one-time accreditation process
2. SmartMove
Direct-From-Bureau Screening for Independent Property Managers
SmartMove is TransUnion’s standalone screening service for property managers who want direct bureau data without subscribing to a full platform. It is applicant-initiated and pay-as-you-go: create an account, invite an applicant, and get results the same day.
You can pay yourself or pass the cost to the applicant, with no subscription, membership, or minimums. Higher tiers add an Income Insights report, and the soft credit inquiry does not affect the applicant’s score.
Features
- Credit report, screening reports, and eviction history
- ResidentScore rental-specific scoring
- Income Insights to estimate income without pay stubs
- Identity verification check (Premium tier)
- Applicant-initiated process with same-day results
- Soft credit inquiry
Pricing
SmartMove uses pay-as-you-go pricing with no subscription fee. You can view the full SmartMove pricing breakdown on their site.
- SmartCheck Basic: $25 per screening. Includes ResidentScore and screening reports.
- SmartCheck Plus: $40 per screening. Adds a full credit report and eviction-related report.
- SmartCheck Premium: $48 per screening. Adds Income Insights and an identity check report on top of everything in Plus.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Data comes directly from TransUnion
- Pay-as-you-go with no subscription or setup fees
- Flexible model for who pays
- Same-day results
Cons:
- No property management tools included
- Full screening (credit, screening reports, eviction, income) costs $48 per report
- Limited integration with property management software
3. RentPrep
Human-Reviewed Screening Reports for Accuracy
RentPrep combines bureau data with manual review by FCRA-certified screeners, so a person checks every report to reduce the false matches automated-only systems can produce. It has processed over two million screenings and is now delivered through Stessa®.
Reports usually come back in under an hour, and portfolios of 50 or more doors qualify for enterprise pricing. RentPrep does not include property management tools, so it works best when you already have those in place and just need reliable applicant data.
Features
- Manual verification by FCRA-certified screeners
- TransUnion credit report with ResidentScore
- SSN verification
- Screening reports covering public records and eviction history
- Optional income verification
- Enterprise discounts for portfolios of 50 or more doors
Pricing
RentPrep has a few main pricing options.
- Credit Report Only: $29 per screening. Includes a TransUnion credit report, ResidentScore, and bankruptcy search. Landlord or tenant pay options available.
- Full Background Check: $29 per screening. Includes an FCRA-certified screener review, SSN verification, screening reports, eviction history, judgments, and liens. Landlord pay only.
- Complete Screening Package: $49 per screening. Bundles everything from both the credit report and background check tiers. Landlord or tenant pay options available.
- Enterprise (50+ doors): Custom pricing with dedicated account support, custom workflows, and API integration.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Human-verified reports reduce false matches
- Quick turnaround (often under one hour)
- Enterprise discounts for 50 or more doors
- Long track record with over two million screenings
Cons:
- No property management tools included
- Tier structure can be confusing (credit and background sold separately at the same price)
- Limited applicant-pay options on some packages
4. TurboTenant
Free Screening Tools With Unlimited Properties
TurboTenant is a property management platform with a free base plan and unlimited properties. Screening is powered by TransUnion, and; on the free tier the applicant pays $55 per report, and paid plans lower that cost and add features such as income verification.
You get listings, applications, leasing, rent collection, maintenance tracking, and accounting) without a per-unit fee. One caveat: the free tier offers chat and email support only, while paid plans add phone support and faster response times.
Features
- Credit, screening reports, and eviction history (TransUnion)
- Income Insights on the Pro plan
- Unlimited properties on all tiers
- Listing syndication to major rental sites
- Rent collection and lease agreements
- Maintenance tracking and accounting tools
Pricing
View the full TurboTenant pricing breakdown on their site.
- Free: $0 per month. Includes unlimited properties, listings, applications, screening, rent collection, and maintenance tracking. Screening costs $55 (applicant pays).
- Essentials: $12.42 per month (billed annually). Adds unlimited lease agreements, eSignatures, and lower screening fees ($45 per screening).
- Pro: $16.58 per month (billed annually). Adds income verification, free ACH payments, accounting insights, and automated transaction tracking.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Free core platform with no per-unit fees
- Unlimited properties on every plan
- Comprehensive property management tools included
- Large user base (over one million users)
Cons:
- Limited customer support on the free plan (no phone support)
- Higher per-report screening cost on the free tier ($55)
5. Avail
Screening With Automated Reference Checks
Avail is a property management platform with tenant screening, rent collection, lease creation, and maintenance tracking. Its standout feature is automated reference checks that contact previous property managers on your behalf and collect structured responses.
Screening data comes from TransUnion, applications are customizable, and Direct Apply lets prospects apply straight from Realtor.com listings, which syndicate to 22 or more sites.
Features
- Credit, screening reports, and eviction history (TransUnion)
- Automated previous-property-manager reference checks
- Customizable rental applications
- Direct Apply integration with Realtor.com
- Listing syndication to 22 or more sites
- Lease creation, rent collection, and maintenance tracking
Pricing
Visit the Avail pricing page for current details.
- Unlimited (Free): $0 per unit. Includes listings on 19+ sites, rental applications, screening reports, state-specific leases, rent collection, and maintenance tracking.
- Unlimited Plus: $9 per unit per month. Adds promoted listings, priority support, waived ACH fees, and custom application questions.
- Screening: Cost varies by location. Either the property manager or the applicant can pay. .
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Automated reference checks that contact previous property managers on the applicant’s behalf
- Clean, readable report layouts
- Realtor.com integration for wider applicant reach
- Free base platform
Cons:
- Screening cost not published on site (varies by location)
- Transaction fees on rent collection (waived on the Plus plan)
How to Choose the Right Tenant Screening Service
No single service fits every property manager. The right choice depends on your portfolio size, your budget, and whether you want screening on its own or built into a larger platform. A few things to weigh:
- Portfolio size: For a few screenings a year, pay-as-you-go (SmartMove) keeps costs low. For dozens or hundreds of doors, a built-in platform saves you from managing separate tools.
- Pricing model: Decide who pays and compare per-report fees plus any subscription. A $17 per-screen fee inside a platform can cost less overall than a $48 standalone report once you add up separate tools.
- Data source and compliance: Confirm the service pulls from a major bureau (TransUnion or Experian), is FCRA-compliant, and gives clear Adverse Action guidance. See evaluating screening software for more.
- Try before you commit: Most platforms offer a free trial or free tier, so test with a real application before deciding.
The five services on this list each have clear strengths, and the right one is the one that fits the way you already work. Buildium is a solid choice for many property managers because it combines trusted and convenient screening with a full a property management platform, so everything works efficiently in one place. That efficiency gives you even more time savings and ROI.
If you want to see how integrated screening works in practice, you can try out Buildium with 14-day free trial or sign up for a guided demo to walk through the platform with a product specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Tenant Screening Work?
You select a screening service, invite the applicant to authorize a report, and receive the results. Most services pull data from credit bureaus and public records to generate a report that includes credit history, screening reports, and eviction history. The applicant typically fills out an online form, provides consent, and the report is delivered to you (often the same day).
What Reports Do Most Property Managers Use?
Most property managers request a credit report, screening reports covering public records and eviction history, and some form of income verification. These three reports give you a well-rounded view of an applicant’s financial reliability and rental track record. Some services bundle them into a single package, while others let you purchase them separately. A rental-specific score (such as ResidentScore) is also common and can be more relevant to rental decisions than a standard credit score, because it accounts for factors that predict rental performance specifically.
Can an Applicant Run a Screening Report on Themselves?
Yes. Some services allow applicants to initiate their own screening and share the results with you. This is sometimes called a “self-screen” or applicant-initiated report. SmartMove and Buildium both support applicant-initiated screening, which means the applicant enters their information directly and the report is generated without you needing to collect sensitive data yourself.
How Much Does Tenant Screening Cost?
Costs range from about $17 to $55 per report, depending on the service and what is included. Basic reports (credit or screening reports only) tend to be at the lower end, while comprehensive packages that include credit, screening reports, eviction, and income verification cost more. Some services also offer subscription plans that lower the per-report price.
Is Tenant Screening Legal?
Yes, tenant screening is legal as long as you follow federal and state regulations. The FCRA governs how screening data can be collected and used, and the Fair Housing Act prohibits using screening to discriminate based on protected characteristics such as race, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability. You should apply the same screening criteria to every applicant and follow proper Adverse Action procedures if you decline someone based on their report.
Buildium’s Commitment to Safe and Secure AI
At Buildium, we believe that AI should be a trusted extension of our platform–not a replacement for human judgement. Our approach to AI is grounded in transparency, education, and rigorous security standards. We deploy AI features with a clear focus: to automate routine tasks while preserving the integrity of sensitive decisions that require human oversight. Lumina AI is built for property managers who value efficiency, security, and trust. We’re not just innovating–we’re doing so responsibly.
