The Best Way to Check Credit and Background for Renters

The best way to check credit and background for renters doesn't have to be expensive, but it does have to be thorough. First, your number one priority is to get as many good applications in hand as possible. Lots of applications dramatically increases the number of good prospects, and also allows you second and third choices should your first pick not pan out or another vacancy opens.

To get more tenant applications spend a little money on newspaper advertising and get yourself on the Craigslist ads for your area too. Be advised that folks looking on Craigslist often are looking for something for nothing - make "how you heard about our vacancy" an optional question on the rental application. If you see Craigslist or other free ads service... make a note of it. Make sure you have plenty of exposure in your target areas.

Once you have your applications in hand, use your cheap tenant screening service to sort applications into accurate and inaccurate or incomplete applications.

Once you have them sorted into good applications and not so good applications, select three for short phone interviews. Make sure they are still interested in your rental unit, make note of who gives the most pleasant interview. If still interested, proceed to do an FCRA compliant credit check on your favorite of the three you called.