Screening Process for Student Rental

[Benjamin Dilg]

I am running into an issue with my student rental applicant screening process. For years, I have relied on my ability to read prospective tenants and make the best choice from that information. Going forward, I would like to implement a more efficient process that will allow me to find trustworthy, reliable paying tenants. 

The main issue I am running into is how to complete the screening process. I am debating whether I should use an online service for the application process or simply have an application link in my listing. Using an online service (Cozy) seems more professional to me, but doesn't allow me to upload my own application. Sending my own application link would allow me to use the verbiage I like but I am not sure how I would proceed with a background check/credit reports. 

From what I understand, screening both the student renter and cosigner is the best practice. I am trying to figure out how to screen both a student renter and their cosigner within one application. Is there a software/service that would allow an applicant to apply and complete a background check/credit report for both the student and cosigner? On Cozy, I would need both the student and cosigner to fill out an application to request the background check/credit report. This seems tedious and a barrier in gathering more applicants. Additionally, I do not see a huge reason to credit report the student or background check the cosigner. Does anyone just have the student complete only a background check and have the cosigner complete only a credit report?

Since I am new to this process, I confused with how to complete a background check/credit report with applicants. If you are not using a software/service that will request a background check/credit report, do you request information to complete a check/report or send the applicant a link to complete a check/report? If you have the tenant complete the report, do you have them send you the results? 

Any and all advice is wanted. I know I am harping on this detail surrounding background check/credit report, but would like to hear any details on how to streamline the student rental screening process.