All Forum Posts by: Andy W.

Good to know. It's important to have a good response time.

That said, I tried to speak to someone at SmartMove and got the impression their support is outsourced and script-driven. My question was very generic, but nobody would help me unless I was prepared to give them all my information.

My gut now says go with SmartMove, and maybe try something else next time if it doesn't pan out.

I'm curious though: most print applications I've seen have a section where the applicant authorizes me to contact employer and/or previous landlords to verify information, for example:

SmartMove's FAQ specifically states they don't verify employment/rental history. Do they collect it, and does the form give me authorization to verify it?

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

I agree with those of you who say if people can't afford the $35, then they're probably not serious contenders, but where I'm expecting push back is when I ask couples for $70.

I take the point however some of you have made thought that I should be able to eliminate some simply by asking for information up front. Does that information typically mirror the information requested by the online processes?

For instance, is this free form from Postlets a good example of what I should have people fill in at the time, then tell them I'll contact them via email if I want them to take the next step?

@Tom Ott

What are these systems of which you speak? :)

The biggest push back I'm expecting is when I have to run a separate report for each adult who will be on the lease, especially when it's a couple.

It's been a number of years since I rented, but I've never been asked for an application fee so it's uncharted territory for me. I know that if my girlfriend and I had needed to pony up $80 between us it would have given me pause for thought.

Thanks, @Tom Ott. Great advice.

You said:

Are you saying you take a two-step approach: get their credit report, then run a screening report only on those that make the cut?

If so, I like the sound of that approach, but I wonder what the best way is to clearly articulate the process up front.

Forgot to include links: SmartMove vs Cozy

I want to run background & credit checks on potential tenants, and I'm trying to choose between Transunion's SmartMove vs. Cozy's Tenant Screening.

I expect many here are partial to SM as they appear to have been a BP sponsor in the past, but does anyone have experience of both? I'm leaning toward Cozy so far simply because I feel they have a more professional-looking interface.

Also, how do you typically initiate the process with people who want to apply? Give them the web address of your application page (as in Cozy) or collect their email address and send them a link (as in SmartMove)?

I'm preparing to show an apartment to several potential tenants tonight and I'd like to run credit/background checks on anyone who applies.

From the services I've explored, it seems your average suite of reports comes in around $35 per adult ($70 per couple). Do tenants ever have a WTF moment when they begin the application process and encounter these fees?

Obviously I have to run the reports, so it's non-negotiable, but curious what feedback you've encountered.

You're right @Account Closed. I just checked and it's a 4-year cert, expiring 2018. I must have had my dates mixed up. The property is in lower Creston, close to Sun Title.

I shopped around, but ended up going with AllState. They've been my home/auto insurer for years, and came out cheapest for multiple policies.

I've had several exchanges with the local agent. She was quick and accurate with estimates and getting me policy docs. She also assured me that if I were to switch my properties into an LLC, it wasn't a big deal and wouldn't incur any additional charges.