Massachusetts Screening Service and Process?

[Thomas Phu]

Good Morning Everyone!

I am currently stuck on the Screening process when I am reviewing applications.

I am having a hard time trying to find a good tenant screening service that works best for Massachusetts and is fairly cost-effective. So, it doesn't hurt as much when they are rejected.

Also, if the applicant provides me a copy of their recent credit report from CreditKarma or such, I'm wondering if I still need to do a credit screening on the applicant, .

Does any one have any recommendation and/or advice for a Tenant screening service or process they use? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!!

[Chelsea Kline]

Hi @Thomas Phu!

Bigger Pockets actually offers tenant screening on their site through a trusted partner. There are multiple options available for screening packages; tenant involvement/no tenant involvement, instant reports, hand-compiled reports, and even income verification. You can find further information by going to Tenant Screening under the Tools tab.

Also, it is not recommend to accept the applicants credit karma report. These reports can be falsified and also are what is called a pseudo score as opposed to an actual FICO score. To receive an applicants credit score, you will want your screening report to pull this information directly from a credit bureau. 

Best of luck to you!