Quick Overview
- 1#1: RentSpree - Provides fast, affordable tenant screening with credit, criminal, eviction, and income verification reports.
- 2#2: SmartMove - Delivers accurate TransUnion-powered credit checks, criminal background, and eviction screening for tenants.
- 3#3: Avail - Offers free tenant screening including credit, background checks, eviction history, and income analysis.
- 4#4: TurboTenant - Combines property listings with comprehensive tenant screening for credit, criminal, and eviction reports.
- 5#5: RentPrep - Customizable tenant screening service covering nationwide criminal, credit, eviction, and employment verification.
- 6#6: MyRental - National tenant screening platform providing credit scores, criminal records, and eviction searches.
- 7#7: Hemlane - All-in-one property management tool with integrated tenant screening for background and credit checks.
- 8#8: Baselane - Property management platform offering tenant screening alongside banking and rent collection features.
- 9#9: Buildium - Cloud-based property management software with built-in tenant screening for credit and background reports.
- 10#10: AppFolio - Comprehensive property management suite featuring tenant screening integrations for credit and criminal checks.
We selected and ranked these tools by evaluating feature breadth, report accuracy, user-friendliness, and value, ensuring a comprehensive guide for landlords seeking effective screening solutions.
Comparison Table
Tenant screening software streamlines vetting processes for landlords, and this comparison table evaluates top tools like RentSpree, SmartMove, Avail, TurboTenant, RentPrep, and more. It breaks down key features, pricing, and usability to help readers identify the best fit for their rental needs, whether focusing on speed, cost, or thoroughness.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RentSpree Provides fast, affordable tenant screening with credit, criminal, eviction, and income verification reports. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | SmartMove Delivers accurate TransUnion-powered credit checks, criminal background, and eviction screening for tenants. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Avail Offers free tenant screening including credit, background checks, eviction history, and income analysis. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 4 | TurboTenant Combines property listings with comprehensive tenant screening for credit, criminal, and eviction reports. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 5 | RentPrep Customizable tenant screening service covering nationwide criminal, credit, eviction, and employment verification. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 6 | MyRental National tenant screening platform providing credit scores, criminal records, and eviction searches. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Hemlane All-in-one property management tool with integrated tenant screening for background and credit checks. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Baselane Property management platform offering tenant screening alongside banking and rent collection features. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 9 | Buildium Cloud-based property management software with built-in tenant screening for credit and background reports. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | AppFolio Comprehensive property management suite featuring tenant screening integrations for credit and criminal checks. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.9/10 |
Provides fast, affordable tenant screening with credit, criminal, eviction, and income verification reports.
Delivers accurate TransUnion-powered credit checks, criminal background, and eviction screening for tenants.
Offers free tenant screening including credit, background checks, eviction history, and income analysis.
Combines property listings with comprehensive tenant screening for credit, criminal, and eviction reports.
Customizable tenant screening service covering nationwide criminal, credit, eviction, and employment verification.
National tenant screening platform providing credit scores, criminal records, and eviction searches.
All-in-one property management tool with integrated tenant screening for background and credit checks.
Property management platform offering tenant screening alongside banking and rent collection features.
Cloud-based property management software with built-in tenant screening for credit and background reports.
Comprehensive property management suite featuring tenant screening integrations for credit and criminal checks.
RentSpree
specializedProvides fast, affordable tenant screening with credit, criminal, eviction, and income verification reports.
One-click 'Apply & Screen' links that allow tenants to submit applications and complete screenings instantly on any device
RentSpree is a leading tenant screening platform that empowers landlords and property managers to conduct thorough background checks, including credit reports, criminal records, eviction history, and income verification. It offers customizable screening packages and delivers results instantly through a user-friendly dashboard. The software integrates seamlessly with over 100 property management systems, streamlining the entire tenant application process from screening to decision-making.
Pros
- Comprehensive screening suite with TransUnion credit reports, nationwide criminal and eviction searches, and bank-verified income
- Seamless integrations with major PMS like AppFolio, Buildium, and Yardi for automated workflows
- Fast turnaround times, often under 24 hours, with mobile-friendly tenant applications
Cons
- Pay-per-use model can be costly for low-volume landlords
- Occasional delays in complex reports due to third-party data sources
- Limited support for international tenants
Best For
Property managers and landlords managing multiple units who need fast, compliant, and integrated tenant screening.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go screenings from $39.95 (basic credit/eviction) to $64.95 (premium package); subscriptions start at $25/month for high-volume users with discounts.
SmartMove
specializedDelivers accurate TransUnion-powered credit checks, criminal background, and eviction screening for tenants.
Applicant-direct payment and self-service portal powered by TransUnion's trusted credit bureau data
SmartMove by TransUnion is a leading tenant screening platform that delivers comprehensive reports including credit checks from TransUnion, nationwide criminal background searches, eviction history, and income verification. Property managers and landlords can easily invite applicants via email to complete self-paid screenings online, streamlining the rental application process. It integrates with popular property management software and provides fast results, typically within minutes to 72 hours.
Pros
- Applicant-paid model eliminates costs for landlords
- Comprehensive reports with TransUnion credit data and nationwide searches
- Quick turnaround times and seamless integrations with property management tools
Cons
- Higher fees for applicants (starting at $40 per report)
- Limited customization options for report packages
- Occasional reports of data inaccuracies or delays in complex cases
Best For
Landlords and property managers handling high-volume rentals who want a reliable, hands-off screening process with applicant-paid fees.
Pricing
Pay-per-use model; basic credit/eviction report $39.95, premium full screening $59.95; no subscriptions required.
Avail
specializedOffers free tenant screening including credit, background checks, eviction history, and income analysis.
Avail's 'Recommendation' summary that provides a clear pass/fail risk score based on screening data, simplifying decisions for non-expert landlords.
Avail (avail.co) is an all-in-one property management platform tailored for independent landlords, featuring robust tenant screening tools that deliver credit reports, nationwide criminal and eviction history, and income verification. Users can invite applicants to apply and pay for screening directly through the platform, receiving easy-to-read reports with risk indicators in minutes. It integrates seamlessly with Avail's free tools for listings, leases, and rent collection, streamlining the entire rental process.
Pros
- Comprehensive screening including credit, criminal, eviction, and income insights at an affordable per-report price
- Intuitive interface with mobile app support and fast results
- Seamless integration with free property management features like lease signing and rent collection
Cons
- Per-applicant fees can accumulate for high-volume users
- Limited advanced customization or API integrations compared to enterprise tools
- Primarily US-focused with no international screening support
Best For
Independent landlords and small property managers handling a handful of units who want simple, integrated screening without complex setups.
Pricing
Basic screening free; full comprehensive report $40 per applicant (volume discounts available); core platform free.
TurboTenant
specializedCombines property listings with comprehensive tenant screening for credit, criminal, and eviction reports.
Zero-cost tenant screening for property owners, with all fees passed to applicants
TurboTenant is a user-friendly property management platform that offers integrated tenant screening tools for landlords and property managers. It enables online rental applications with built-in background checks, including credit reports from TransUnion SmartMove, nationwide criminal records, eviction history, and income verification. Landlords receive comprehensive reports at no cost, as applicants cover the screening fees, making it accessible for small-scale users.
Pros
- Completely free for landlords with applicants covering screening costs
- Seamless integration with rental listings and applications
- Comprehensive reports covering credit, criminal, eviction, and income verification
Cons
- Limited advanced customization or API integrations for enterprise users
- Screening fees can deter some applicants
- Fewer features compared to dedicated enterprise screening platforms
Best For
Small to mid-sized landlords and independent property managers looking for affordable, straightforward tenant screening.
Pricing
Free for landlords; applicants pay $35-$55 per full screening report depending on location and package.
RentPrep
specializedCustomizable tenant screening service covering nationwide criminal, credit, eviction, and employment verification.
Ultra-fast report delivery, often within 24 hours, with full FCRA compliance handled by the service
RentPrep is a tenant screening service tailored for landlords and property managers, providing FCRA-compliant background checks including criminal records, credit reports, eviction history, and income verification. Users can select from customizable packages to fit their needs, with reports typically delivered within 24-48 hours. The platform emphasizes affordability and ease of use, making it accessible for independent landlords without requiring subscriptions.
Pros
- Affordable pay-per-report pricing starting at $19.95
- Quick turnaround times for screening reports
- Comprehensive FCRA-compliant checks with income verification
Cons
- No unlimited or subscription-based screening options
- Limited integrations with property management software
- Occasional reports of minor data inaccuracies
Best For
Independent landlords and small property managers seeking cost-effective, on-demand tenant screenings without long-term commitments.
Pricing
Pay-per-report model: Basic criminal check $19.95, full package (credit + criminal + eviction + income) $39.95; no subscriptions required.
MyRental
specializedNational tenant screening platform providing credit scores, criminal records, and eviction searches.
Proprietary MyRental Score, a predictive risk rating that combines credit, criminal, eviction, and income data into a single tenant reliability metric.
MyRental is a tenant screening platform designed for landlords and property managers, offering credit checks, nationwide criminal background searches, eviction history, and income/employment verification. Users can customize screening criteria to match their rental policies and receive detailed, easy-to-read reports within minutes. It emphasizes quick turnaround times and risk assessment to help minimize bad tenant selections.
Pros
- Rapid report delivery, often within 15-30 minutes
- Comprehensive national database coverage for criminal and eviction checks
- Intuitive online dashboard with customizable screening packages
Cons
- Pay-per-report pricing can become expensive for high-volume users
- Limited integrations with property management software
- No free trial or basic screening option
Best For
Independent landlords and small property managers who need quick, reliable screenings without a steep learning curve or subscription commitment.
Pricing
Pay-per-report model starting at $34.95 for basic credit/eviction checks, up to $49.95 for full packages; volume discounts for frequent users.
Hemlane
enterpriseAll-in-one property management tool with integrated tenant screening for background and credit checks.
Deep integration of tenant screening with property management tools like automated rent collection and lease signing for a unified landlord experience
Hemlane is an all-in-one property management platform that includes robust tenant screening tools designed for landlords and property managers. It offers comprehensive background checks, including credit reports via TransUnion, criminal history, eviction records, and income verification, delivered quickly through a seamless online portal. Users can invite applicants to self-complete screenings, with results integrated directly into the leasing workflow. While not a standalone screening service, it excels in combining screening with rent collection, maintenance, and lease management.
Pros
- Seamless integration with full property management suite for end-to-end workflows
- Comprehensive screening reports covering credit, criminal, eviction, and income verification
- Intuitive dashboard for quick applicant reviews and decision-making
Cons
- Screening costs add up for high-volume users without bulk discounts
- Requires platform subscription for optimal use, not ideal as standalone tool
- Fewer advanced customization options compared to specialized screening services
Best For
Small to mid-sized landlords and property managers who want integrated tenant screening within a complete property management platform.
Pricing
Free plan for up to 3 units (limited); paid plans from $29.99/month; tenant screening $35/basic report or $49/comprehensive, with discounts for subscribers and volume.
Baselane
enterpriseProperty management platform offering tenant screening alongside banking and rent collection features.
Direct income verification from applicants' bank statements, eliminating reliance on pay stubs or tax returns
Baselane is an all-in-one property management platform for landlords and real estate investors that includes tenant screening as a core feature. It provides free, comprehensive background checks covering credit reports (via TransUnion), criminal records, eviction history, and income verification through secure bank statement analysis. Designed for seamless integration with its banking, rent collection, and bookkeeping tools, it streamlines the leasing process from application to move-in.
Pros
- Free tenant screening with no per-report fees
- Fast turnaround with results in minutes to 24 hours
- Integrated income verification via Plaid bank links
Cons
- Requires a Baselane account to access screening
- Limited advanced filtering or customization options
- Primarily US-focused with no international support
Best For
Small to mid-sized landlords using Baselane's banking and management suite who want cost-free, integrated screening.
Pricing
Tenant screening is completely free for all Baselane users; core banking and basic property management tools are free, with premium features starting at $0/month.
Buildium
enterpriseCloud-based property management software with built-in tenant screening for credit and background reports.
One-click TransUnion SmartMove screening launched directly from the online lease application process
Buildium is a comprehensive property management platform that includes tenant screening as a key feature, powered by TransUnion SmartMove for credit checks, criminal background, eviction history, and income verification. It enables property managers to initiate screenings directly from the leasing workflow, with applicants covering the cost. While effective for integrated use, it functions best within Buildium's broader ecosystem rather than as a standalone screening tool.
Pros
- Seamless integration with property management tools for streamlined workflows
- Reliable TransUnion data including credit, criminal, and eviction reports
- Applicant-paid screening reduces costs for landlords
Cons
- Requires a Buildium subscription, limiting standalone use
- Fewer customization options compared to dedicated screening platforms
- Screening fees can add up for high-volume users despite applicant payment
Best For
Property managers and landlords already using Buildium's full property management suite who need integrated tenant screening.
Pricing
Buildium subscriptions start at $58/month for up to 20 units (Growth plan); tenant screenings cost $30-$40 per report, paid by applicants.
AppFolio
enterpriseComprehensive property management suite featuring tenant screening integrations for credit and criminal checks.
Direct integration with the applicant portal for self-service screening requests
AppFolio is a full-featured property management platform that includes integrated tenant screening capabilities, allowing users to run credit checks, criminal background reports, eviction history, and income verifications directly from the dashboard. It leverages partnerships with major credit bureaus like TransUnion for reliable, compliant reports. While not a standalone screening tool, it streamlines the process for property managers handling multiple units.
Pros
- Seamless integration with property management tools
- Comprehensive reports with credit, criminal, and eviction data
- Quick turnaround times for applicant approvals
Cons
- Not available as a standalone screening service
- Pricing tied to full platform subscription, expensive for light users
- Limited advanced customization for screening criteria
Best For
Property managers and landlords using AppFolio's all-in-one platform who need integrated tenant screening without switching tools.
Pricing
Core platform starts at $1.40/unit/month (min 50 units); tenant screening ~$30-40 per report.
Conclusion
The reviewed tenant screening tools offer varied solutions, with RentSpree emerging as the top choice for its fast, affordable access to credit, criminal, eviction, and income reports. SmartMove and Avail stand out as strong alternatives—SmartMove for TransUnion-powered accuracy, Avail for free, comprehensive checks—each fitting different operational needs.
Take the first step toward streamlining your tenant screening: try RentSpree today to find reliable, qualified tenants efficiently.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison