Do most people do a background check and application? Do you charge

[Ben C.]

Hello,

I was wondering if most of you do an application and a background check? Can you combine them into one? Who are most of you using for a background check services and the cost for them. Thanks Ben

[Dawn P.]

You should always do a background check. I go through Apartments.com, I think they charge about $30 for the application/background check which is sent to me after the potential tenant completes it. 

If that looks good, I do my own google check and also look at local court records just in case something was missed by the background check.

[Andy Algreen]

If I have a vacant unit that I think will fill quickly, I make every applicant fill out a free pre-screening application that is a google form. This helps weed out the people who aren't that interested. 

Then I will send the application and background check through the PMS system I use called RentecDirect. It'll send out together. Tenants pay for background check. Most range from $30-$50.