Quick Overview
- 1#1: TransUnion SmartMove - Delivers comprehensive tenant screening including credit reports, criminal background checks, eviction history, and income verification from a leading credit bureau.
- 2#2: RentSpree - Offers fast, affordable tenant screening with credit, criminal, eviction, and employment verification integrated into property management workflows.
- 3#3: Avail - Provides cost-effective tenant screening with credit, criminal, and eviction reports, plus listing tools tailored for independent landlords.
- 4#4: MyRental - Generates detailed tenant screening reports covering credit scores, criminal records, evictions, and income for quick applicant decisions.
- 5#5: RentPrep - Supplies in-depth resident screening with nationwide criminal searches, eviction databases, and credit analysis for thorough tenant vetting.
- 6#6: TurboTenant - Combines free tenant screening for credit, background, and eviction checks with full property management features for small-scale landlords.
- 7#7: Buildium - Integrates robust tenant screening into cloud-based property management software for handling credit, criminal, and eviction reports at scale.
- 8#8: AppFolio - Features advanced resident screening within comprehensive property management platform, including automated credit and background checks.
- 9#9: RentRedi - Includes mobile-friendly tenant screening for credit, criminal, eviction, and income verification alongside rent collection and leasing tools.
- 10#10: RealPage - Provides enterprise-grade resident screening services with SafeRent scores, credit reports, and criminal history for large property portfolios.
We ranked tools based on the depth of screening data (credit, criminal, eviction, income), integration capabilities, ease of use, and overall value, ensuring the list reflects the most impactful and trusted solutions for modern property management.
Comparison Table
Resident screening software is essential for simplifying rental assessments and ensuring tenant suitability, with diverse tools available to meet various needs. This comparison table explores top options like TransUnion SmartMove, RentSpree, Avail, MyRental, RentPrep, and more, examining key features, pricing structures, and unique benefits. Readers will gain actionable insights to select the most effective solution for their property management workflow.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TransUnion SmartMove Delivers comprehensive tenant screening including credit reports, criminal background checks, eviction history, and income verification from a leading credit bureau. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | RentSpree Offers fast, affordable tenant screening with credit, criminal, eviction, and employment verification integrated into property management workflows. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Avail Provides cost-effective tenant screening with credit, criminal, and eviction reports, plus listing tools tailored for independent landlords. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | MyRental Generates detailed tenant screening reports covering credit scores, criminal records, evictions, and income for quick applicant decisions. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | RentPrep Supplies in-depth resident screening with nationwide criminal searches, eviction databases, and credit analysis for thorough tenant vetting. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | TurboTenant Combines free tenant screening for credit, background, and eviction checks with full property management features for small-scale landlords. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 7 | Buildium Integrates robust tenant screening into cloud-based property management software for handling credit, criminal, and eviction reports at scale. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | AppFolio Features advanced resident screening within comprehensive property management platform, including automated credit and background checks. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | RentRedi Includes mobile-friendly tenant screening for credit, criminal, eviction, and income verification alongside rent collection and leasing tools. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | RealPage Provides enterprise-grade resident screening services with SafeRent scores, credit reports, and criminal history for large property portfolios. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
Delivers comprehensive tenant screening including credit reports, criminal background checks, eviction history, and income verification from a leading credit bureau.
Offers fast, affordable tenant screening with credit, criminal, eviction, and employment verification integrated into property management workflows.
Provides cost-effective tenant screening with credit, criminal, and eviction reports, plus listing tools tailored for independent landlords.
Generates detailed tenant screening reports covering credit scores, criminal records, evictions, and income for quick applicant decisions.
Supplies in-depth resident screening with nationwide criminal searches, eviction databases, and credit analysis for thorough tenant vetting.
Combines free tenant screening for credit, background, and eviction checks with full property management features for small-scale landlords.
Integrates robust tenant screening into cloud-based property management software for handling credit, criminal, and eviction reports at scale.
Features advanced resident screening within comprehensive property management platform, including automated credit and background checks.
Includes mobile-friendly tenant screening for credit, criminal, eviction, and income verification alongside rent collection and leasing tools.
Provides enterprise-grade resident screening services with SafeRent scores, credit reports, and criminal history for large property portfolios.
TransUnion SmartMove
specializedDelivers comprehensive tenant screening including credit reports, criminal background checks, eviction history, and income verification from a leading credit bureau.
ResidentScore: A proprietary algorithm combining credit, eviction, criminal, and income data into a single 1-950 score predicting on-time rent payment likelihood.
TransUnion SmartMove is a premier resident screening platform designed for landlords and property managers to evaluate potential tenants efficiently. It provides comprehensive reports including credit history from TransUnion, nationwide criminal records, eviction searches, and income verification. The service features a user-friendly online portal for applicants to submit information securely, delivering results in as little as 15 minutes. Additionally, it includes the proprietary ResidentScore, a predictive metric for on-time rent payments.
Pros
- Comprehensive screening with TransUnion credit, criminal, eviction, and income data
- Lightning-fast results often available in under 15 minutes
- No subscription fees; pay only per report with customizable packages
Cons
- Per-report pricing can become costly for high-volume screening
- Potential for data inaccuracies common in background check services
- Limited options for international tenant screening
Best For
Individual landlords and small to mid-sized property managers seeking reliable, on-demand tenant screening without ongoing commitments.
Pricing
Pay-per-report starting at $39.95 for full credit/eviction/criminal package; cheaper options from $15.95 for basic reports.
RentSpree
specializedOffers fast, affordable tenant screening with credit, criminal, eviction, and employment verification integrated into property management workflows.
Seamless integration with 200+ property management platforms for automated applicant screening and data syncing
RentSpree is a leading tenant screening platform designed for landlords and property managers, offering comprehensive background checks including credit reports, criminal history, eviction records, and income/employment verification. It features a user-friendly online application portal that collects applicant data securely and delivers instant, FCRA-compliant reports. The platform integrates seamlessly with over 200 property management systems, automating workflows and reducing manual data entry.
Pros
- Fast report turnaround times, often within minutes
- Extensive integrations with popular property management software
- Customizable screening packages and applicant-friendly portal
Cons
- Pay-per-use pricing can become expensive for high-volume users without enterprise plans
- Limited customization in report depth for niche markets
- Occasional delays in third-party data verification
Best For
Small to mid-sized landlords and property managers seeking quick, integrated tenant screening without complex setup.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go reports start at $19.95 (criminal/eviction) to $39.95 (credit bundles); volume discounts and custom enterprise subscriptions available.
Avail
specializedProvides cost-effective tenant screening with credit, criminal, and eviction reports, plus listing tools tailored for independent landlords.
Automated recommendation score based on credit, criminal, eviction, and income data to simplify approval decisions
Avail (avail.co) is an all-in-one property management platform tailored for independent landlords, featuring robust resident screening tools including credit reports from TransUnion, nationwide criminal and eviction history checks, and income verification. It streamlines the tenant application process by allowing applicants to submit documents and pay for their own screenings directly through the platform. The service integrates seamlessly with property listings, lease creation, and rent collection, making it a comprehensive solution for DIY landlords managing small portfolios.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with seamless integration for applications and listings
- Fast turnaround on screening reports (typically 24-48 hours)
- Applicant-paid screening option reduces costs for landlords
Cons
- Pay-per-use pricing can add up for high-volume screening
- Limited customization and advanced reporting compared to enterprise tools
- No bulk screening discounts for larger portfolios
Best For
Independent landlords and small property owners who want an easy, integrated screening solution without complex setup.
Pricing
Free platform for landlords; comprehensive screening reports at $36 per applicant (with applicant-paid option).
MyRental
specializedGenerates detailed tenant screening reports covering credit scores, criminal records, evictions, and income for quick applicant decisions.
Applicant-paid screening option that shifts costs to renters and ensures landlords pay nothing upfront
MyRental is a tenant screening service that delivers instant, comprehensive background checks including credit reports, criminal records, eviction history, and income verification for landlords evaluating rental applicants. It uses a straightforward pay-per-report model, allowing users to access detailed reports without subscriptions or long-term commitments. The platform emphasizes speed and nationwide coverage, making it suitable for quick tenant vetting.
Pros
- Lightning-fast report delivery, often under 5 minutes
- Comprehensive screening covering credit, criminal, eviction, and income data
- Flexible pay-per-use pricing with no subscription required
Cons
- Per-report costs can add up for high-volume users
- Limited integrations with property management software
- No advanced features like bulk screening or custom scoring
Best For
Individual landlords and small property managers needing quick, on-demand tenant screenings without monthly fees.
Pricing
Pay-per-report starting at $34.95 for a comprehensive screening; volume discounts available.
RentPrep
specializedSupplies in-depth resident screening with nationwide criminal searches, eviction databases, and credit analysis for thorough tenant vetting.
24-hour guaranteed report turnaround with direct access to court records
RentPrep is a tenant screening platform designed for landlords and property managers, offering comprehensive reports including criminal background checks, credit history, eviction records, and income verification. It uses a pay-per-report model with quick turnaround times, typically delivering results within 24 hours, and emphasizes FCRA compliance. The service covers all 50 states with direct court access for accurate data, making it a straightforward solution for vetting rental applicants.
Pros
- Affordable pay-per-use pricing with no subscriptions
- Fast 24-hour report delivery
- Comprehensive nationwide coverage including direct court records
Cons
- No volume discounts or subscriptions for high-volume users
- Limited integrations with property management software
- Basic user interface lacking advanced customization
Best For
Small landlords and independent property managers conducting occasional tenant screenings without needing ongoing subscriptions.
Pricing
Pay-per-report: $19.95 for criminal check, $35 for credit report, $39.95 for full screening package; no monthly fees.
TurboTenant
specializedCombines free tenant screening for credit, background, and eviction checks with full property management features for small-scale landlords.
Applicant-paid screening option that integrates directly with free rental applications and listings
TurboTenant is an all-in-one property management platform that offers robust resident screening as a core feature, providing landlords with credit reports via TransUnion, nationwide criminal background checks, eviction history, and income verification. It integrates seamlessly with free tools for listing properties, collecting applications, and managing leases, making it accessible for small-scale landlords. The screening process is applicant-paid or landlord-covered, with reports delivered quickly online.
Pros
- Free property listings and unlimited applications reduce upfront costs
- Comprehensive screening including credit, criminal, eviction, and sex offender checks
- Intuitive, mobile-friendly interface with fast report turnaround
Cons
- Screening reports are pay-per-use ($35-$55 per report), no flat subscription for high volume
- Limited advanced features like employment verification or predictive analytics
- Customer support primarily email-based, slower for urgent issues
Best For
Independent landlords and small property managers seeking an affordable, user-friendly screening tool integrated with free listing services.
Pricing
Free core platform; screening reports $35 (basic credit/eviction) to $55 (full report) per applicant, paid by landlord or tenant.
Buildium
enterpriseIntegrates robust tenant screening into cloud-based property management software for handling credit, criminal, and eviction reports at scale.
Integrated SmartMove screening directly from the resident application portal for one-click approvals.
Buildium is a comprehensive property management platform that includes integrated resident screening tools for landlords and property managers. It enables quick access to credit reports, criminal background checks, eviction history, and income verification through partnerships with TransUnion SmartMove. The screening process is embedded within the applicant portal, allowing prospects to self-complete screenings seamlessly.
Pros
- Seamless integration with full property management suite
- Self-service applicant portal for efficient screening
- Comprehensive reports including credit, criminal, and eviction data
Cons
- Pricing tied to overall PM subscription, not standalone
- Per-report fees add up for high-volume users
- Less specialized customization compared to dedicated screening tools
Best For
Property managers handling multiple units who need screening integrated into their daily operations.
Pricing
Essential plan starts at $55/month for up to 20 units (billed annually); screening via SmartMove with $30-$40 per report fees.
AppFolio
enterpriseFeatures advanced resident screening within comprehensive property management platform, including automated credit and background checks.
One-click screening initiation from integrated applicant portals and lease applications
AppFolio offers integrated resident screening as part of its comprehensive property management platform, providing credit reports via TransUnion, nationwide criminal background checks, and eviction history searches. Property managers can initiate screenings directly from online applications, streamlining the tenant selection process. It emphasizes FCRA compliance and delivers detailed, actionable reports to minimize risks.
Pros
- Seamless integration with AppFolio's property management tools
- Reliable data from trusted sources like TransUnion
- Fast report delivery, often within minutes
Cons
- Pricing tied to full platform subscription, adding costs for light users
- Per-report fees can accumulate for high-volume screening
- Less customizable for standalone screening needs
Best For
Property managers and owners already using AppFolio who want integrated, automated tenant screening.
Pricing
Platform starts at $1.40/unit/month (50-unit minimum); screening reports $29.95+ per applicant with volume discounts.
RentRedi
enterpriseIncludes mobile-friendly tenant screening for credit, criminal, eviction, and income verification alongside rent collection and leasing tools.
Automated pass/fail recommendations based on user-defined criteria, integrated directly into the applicant portal
RentRedi is an all-in-one property management platform that offers integrated resident screening tools for landlords and property managers. It provides comprehensive checks including TransUnion credit reports, nationwide criminal background searches, eviction history, and income verification through a simple online application process. Screening results are delivered quickly via mobile app, with customizable criteria for automated approvals or flags to streamline tenant selection.
Pros
- Comprehensive screening covering credit, criminal, eviction, and income verification
- Seamless integration with rent collection and maintenance tools
- Intuitive mobile-first interface for quick applicant submissions and results
Cons
- Per-screening fees add up for high-volume users without higher-tier plans
- Limited advanced customization for screening criteria compared to dedicated tools
- Best value requires full platform subscription, less ideal for standalone screening
Best For
Small to mid-sized landlords and property managers who want integrated screening within a broader property management platform.
Pricing
Tenant screening at $29.95 per report; discounted or included in Pro ($35/month) and higher plans (billed per property/unit).
RealPage
enterpriseProvides enterprise-grade resident screening services with SafeRent scores, credit reports, and criminal history for large property portfolios.
Deep integration with RealPage's property management suite, allowing one-click applicant screening directly from lease applications
RealPage Resident Screening is a comprehensive tenant screening solution tailored for property managers, providing detailed credit reports, criminal background checks, eviction history, and income verification. It integrates seamlessly with RealPage's broader property management platform, enabling efficient applicant evaluation and decision-making. The tool emphasizes compliance with FCRA regulations and offers customizable screening packages to fit various property portfolios.
Pros
- Extensive data sources including credit, criminal, and eviction records from multiple national databases
- Seamless integration with RealPage's property management software for streamlined workflows
- Fast turnaround times with reports typically available within minutes
Cons
- Pricing can be higher compared to standalone screening services, especially for small-scale users
- Interface feels enterprise-oriented, with a steeper learning curve for beginners
- Occasional reports of data discrepancies requiring manual verification
Best For
Mid-to-large property management firms seeking an integrated screening tool within a full property management ecosystem.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $25-$45 per screening report with volume discounts and subscription options for high-volume users.
Conclusion
After reviewing leading options, TransUnion SmartMove emerges as the top choice, offering comprehensive screening from a leading credit bureau that includes credit reports, criminal checks, eviction history, and income verification. Strong alternatives like RentSpree provide fast, affordable screening integrated into property management workflows, while Avail stands out with cost-effective reports and tailored listing tools for independent landlords. Each tool addresses unique needs, ensuring users can find the best fit for thorough tenant vetting.
Don't miss out on securing reliable tenants—explore TransUnion SmartMove to leverage its robust features for trusted and comprehensive resident screening.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison