RENT- PREP packages for tenant screening

[Pearl Ngo]

Hello .I am a newbie!!!....I am using Rentprep to screen tenants . Which package should I buy?  I am looking at $18.95 and add on Criminal/ sex offence ( $4) . Should I also buy Credit decision report for $9.95?  ( approx $32 total) 

Or should i buy the $38 package  ( i would have to add Judgement and lien on this one which is an additional $4) approx $43 total

Which one should I buy for co- signers? 

Thank you for any input! 

[Michele Fischer]

This is your decision, we can't tell you the answer.  Everyone has their own risk level and their own way of doing things.  I don't charge any applicants for screening fees.  It gives me more applicants and gives me some latitude in publishing my criteria.  I'd suggest you see what other landlords in your areas are charging applicants and not be much different (and certainly not higher) than that in what you pass along if you plan to charge.

I don't use Rent Prep but I get judgements with the credit report information.  It is easy to self check criminal in your area but I like the peace of mind of a wider search.  I think I would do the $38 package with no add ons.  As long as you keep the same screening for each opening, you can try out different options over time and decide what is right for you.

For co-signer you do not need the criminal since they will not be living there, but otherwise you should do the same as for regular applicants.  I wish there was a way to check medical on co-signers, we had a nice seeming grandma co-sign, but she was terminally ill.