All Forum Posts by: Lisa Wright

I'm a fan of http://www.myrental.com/. They're screening process is very thorough and the results are quick. How much it costs is dependent on the package you choose, but personally I always charge an application fee to cover the cost of a full credit and background check.

 That's all you need to say if they're giving you a hard time now. Sure they told you about the one issue, but it's obvious they tried to hide a lot more. This person is clearly a liar. You don't owe them any further explanation, but I would give it to them in hopes they leave you alone when they realize you caught them with their hand in the cookie jar. 

I've never used mysmartmove. I'm personally a fan of http://www.myrental.com/

@Account Closed Got it. That is a pretty touchy situation. 

Yeah this is kind of what I was thinking, at least if you do take the application you might have a more concrete reason to say no if that's really what you're after. Or maybe you'll find this person seems more agreeable when you see they have great credit? Either way, it seems like answer to your problem unless you aren't charging an application fee in which case taking that money out of pocket for an excuse to reject them seems silly. I always charge an application fee and then run a full background/credit check on http://www.myrental.com/ for anyone who makes it as far as this guy has with you.

Can I ask why that wouldn't work? Are you concerned they'll see the apartment is still available or something?

Unless you know this person on a level where you'll be forced to meet with them again I don't quite understand why telling him you've just decided to go another way isn't an option. You really don't owe anyone an explanation beyond that IMO. That being said, if you're really that concerned and don't feel like having a confrontation you could always let him fill out an application and then deny him.

Hi Chris,

I just wanted to lend you some of my tips. I don’t usually target any specific individual but I do conduct an extensive tenant background check. I’ve had issues before and this is the only way I’ve been successful in finding trustworthy tenants that pay! I purchase a bundled premium package from myrental.com, they provide tenant screening services with no set up fees or minimums. The package includes a report on:

Eviction History

Multi-State Criminal Search

Sex Offender Registry Search

Previous Address History

Terrorist Alert

Credit Report

Tenant Score

You could purchase a single report too, if needed. Aside from the report I’ve always asked for the tenants last two pay stubs and two numbers for references (non-family members). But in the end I do also go by my gut. A lot of times you just know if they will be a quality tenant or a nightmare.

I hope this helped. Don’t feel overwhelmed, you got this!!

Definitely don't be concerned about deterring would-be candidates. You'll get applicants if your property is desirable, and anyone unwilling to pay an application fee probably isn't a serious candidate. 

You could do most of that legwork yourself, but it's going to take you a LOT of time and energy, especially if you have a wide net of applicants. Many of these companies do in fact have access to national databases. 

I have a process that involves my own research and the use of a tenant screening service:

• Meet with any applicants in person at least twice to take notice of how they carry themselves and take care of their property. Are they on time for your appointment? Do they seem polite? Is there car in decent shape? These are good indicators of how they’ll treat your property and interact with you and your other tenants/neighbors/etc.
• Make sure to get references from at least two landlords or employers. Be sure to talk to these people on the phone!
• As for the screening service, I run a full background and credit check on http://www.myrental.com/ and charge an application fee to cover the costs.

You could certainly try, but it sounds like you might be met with hostility. It would be nice of you, but after threatening you with calling the police I'd say it might just be best to let this one go and let her figure it out on her own. 

No need to feel bad, it's an important question! I always run a full credit and background check on http://www.myrental.com/ and charge an application fee from the potential tenant so the cost isn't out of my pocket. I also always require at least 2 references from other landlords/employers for piece of mind.