All Forum Posts by: Kristi Mergenhagen

Bigger Pockets offers tenant screening through a trusted partner. They have two options depending on what you are looking for; a tenant involvement and a no tenant involvement package. There are also very useful add-ons available like income verification. You can find further information by going to Tenant Screening under the Tools tab.
Best of luck to you!

Hi @Mary Joe!

Bigger Pockets offers tenant screening through a trusted partner. They have two options depending on what you are looking for; a tenant involvement and a no tenant involvement package. You can find further information by going to Tenant Screening under the Tools tab.

Hi @Jonathon Nila! 

Brandon Turner's book - The Book on Managing Rental properties has some really good information in it! I would highly recommend it. 

To help with getting tenants in and out of your properties I would recommend creating your own tenant screening criteria.
When establishing your criteria you will want to make sure it complies with your local and state laws. Holding all applicants to this criteria you set will increase your chances on approving an applicant with good qualities and not opening yourself up to discrimination complaints.

BiggerPockets also has a landlord resources tab. You can find the landlord resources tab by hovering over the "tools" bar and clicking "Landlord Resources". Some of the companies on the resources page offer free forms and other resources for landlords. 

I'd suggest checking out the companies recommend by BP and researching which company would best fit your tenant screening needs when you are ready! 

Best of luck to you! :) 

Hi @Nadir M.! 

Brandon Turners, "Book on Managing Rental Properties" is filled with helpful information and I'd highly recommend it. 

I'm sure you might know this but BiggerPockets has a landlord resources tab. You can find the landlord resources tab by hovering over the "tools" bar and clicking "Landlord Resources". Some of the companies on the resources page offer free forms and other resources for landlords. Some of these resources might make self managing easier for you!

Best of luck! :) 

Hi @Michael Richardson! 

BiggerPockets has a landlord resources tab. You can find the landlord resources tab by hovering over the "tools" bar and clicking "Landlord Resources". 

On that Landlord Resources page there list of recommended companies for tenant screening. I would recommend doing your research and picking the company that best fits your screening needs. There may be some options listed that allow you to charge less than $35.00 per applicant. I'd recommend running a background check at the very least on each occupant 18 and older in your unit. 

Best of luck! :)

Hi @Joy Allen! 

If you screen tenants and plan to expand in the Detroit area I would be mindful of a recent ordinance that was passed. Landlords with five or more rental units are not able to ask applicants about criminal history during the initial screening process. An applicant must meet all other qualifications for your rental before you are able to run a background check on them. 

I hope this information is helpful :) 

Best of luck with the house! 

Hi @Eli M. !

BiggerPockets has a landlord resources tab. You can find the landlord resources tab by hovering over the "tools" bar and clicking "Landlord Resources". Some of the companies on the resources page offer free forms and other resources for landlords.

On that same Landlord Resources page there is a list of recommended companies for tenant screening. I would recommend doing your research and picking the company that best fits your screening needs.

Best of luck! :)

Hi @Jermaine Jamison-Boston ! 

BiggerPockets has a landlord resources tab. You can find the landlord resources tab by hovering over the "tools" bar and clicking "Landlord Resources". Some of the companies on the resources page offer free forms and other resources for landlords.

On that same Landlord Resources page there list of recommended companies for tenant screening. I would recommend doing your research and picking the company that best fits your screening needs.

Best of luck with your rental! :)

Hi @Jacob Shoesmith!

BiggerPockets has a landlord resources tab. You can find the landlord resources tab by hovering over the "tools" bar and clicking "Landlord Resources". Some of the companies on the resources page offer free forms and other resources for landlords.

On that same Landlord Resources page there list of recommended companies for tenant screening. I would recommend doing your research and picking the company that best fits your screening needs.

Best of luck! :)

Hi @Daniel Kern !

BiggerPockets has recommened screening companies right on their website. You can find them on the landlord resources tab. You can also find this link by hovering over the "Tools" tab and then clicking on Landlord Resources under services. 

I would recommend researching your options and select the company that best fits your tenant screening needs.

Best of luck! :)