What Background Check Do Most Landlords Use?

Thinking about renting a place? Or maybe you’re planning to become a landlord?

Then you’re probably asking yourself: What background check do most landlords use?

Here’s something crazy — over 90% of landlords check out a tenant’s background before giving them the keys (yep, that’s from TransUnion SmartMove). And honestly, that makes sense. Landlords want to know who’s moving in. And renters want to be seen as trustworthy.

In this article, we’ll talk about:

The background check services most landlords trust
What kind of info they look for
And how you can be ready — whether you’re renting a home or leasing one out

Let’s keep it simple and walk through it together!

Why Landlords Use Background Checks

Ever handed over the keys to someone and just hoped for the best? Yeah… most landlords aren’t doing that anymore. In today’s world, doing a background check is just part of the deal.

Let’s break down why these checks matter — and what could go wrong without one.

The Risks of Skipping Tenant Screening

Not checking a tenant’s background can backfire. Big time.

We’re talking:

Missed rent payments. Nobody wants to chase money every month.
Evictions. They’re stressful, messy, and expensive.
Property damage. Some tenants leave places in terrible shape.

But it’s not just about the money.

Your other tenants or neighbors could be at risk if someone with a bad history moves in. People want to feel safe where they live — and that’s on the landlord to protect.

And let’s not forget the legal side. If you rent to someone with a dangerous background and something happens? You might be held responsible.

Bottom line? Screening saves a lot of headaches later.

What Background Checks Reveal

So, what exactly shows up on a background check?

Here’s what most landlords look at:

Criminal records. This can include serious stuff like felonies, but also things like theft or vandalism. It helps landlords avoid renting to someone who could cause harm.
Eviction history. Has the person been kicked out of another rental? If it’s happened before, it might happen again.
Employment and income. Can they actually afford the rent? Background checks can show where someone works and how much they make. Some services also ask for recent pay stubs.
Credit score and report. This tells landlords if someone’s good with money. A low score might be a red flag — like unpaid debts, late payments, or collections.

Most landlords aren’t trying to be harsh. They just want to protect their place and the people in it.

If you’re curious about how these checks work, TransUnion SmartMove and RentPrep are two popular services landlords use.

Most Common Background Check Services Used by Landlords

So now you’re probably wondering… Which background check services do landlords actually trust?

Well, not all of them are created equal. Some are super fast. Some go way deeper. And some are just plain easier to use. But a few names keep popping up over and over — because they work.

Let’s talk about the ones landlords love.

Overview of Trusted Platforms

Here are some of the top background check services landlords use all the time:

TransUnion SmartMove: This one’s a big deal. It’s backed by one of the top credit bureaus, so it gives super accurate info. Plus, landlords don’t even need the tenant’s Social Security number to run it. That makes it safer for both sides.
RentPrep: This is a great pick for smaller landlords or people managing just a couple properties. You can choose from different screening levels — from basic to full checks with criminal records and more.
Experian Connect: Yep, the credit reporting giant has its own screening service too! What’s cool about this one is that the tenant actually pulls their own report and shares it with the landlord. So it’s fast, private, and totally fair.
MyRental (by CoreLogic): This service digs deep into public records, past evictions, and criminal history. It’s super popular with property managers and real estate agents.
TurboTenant: Free for landlords! TurboTenant makes it easy to screen tenants, collect rent, and manage listings all in one spot. Tenants pay the screening fee, which is nice if you’re trying to save on costs.

What Sets These Services Apart

Alright, now that you know the names — let’s talk about what makes them different.

Speed: Some services give results instantly. Others take a little time, especially if they’re digging into court records or verifying jobs.
Accuracy: You want real, up-to-date info, right? Services connected to big credit bureaus usually offer more accurate data.
FCRA Compliance: This sounds technical, but it’s just a fancy way of saying the service follows fair background check laws. Super important for avoiding legal trouble.
Cost: Some landlords pay the fee, but many ask the tenant to cover it. It usually ranges from $25–$50.
Data Sources: The more sources a service checks (like court records, credit bureaus, or eviction databases), the better the results.

Want to dig deeper into these services? Check out this SmartMove vs RentPrep comparison for a side-by-side breakdown.

What Landlords Look For in a Tenant Background Check

Okay, so the landlord ran the background check… now what?

Well, they’re not just collecting info for fun. They’re looking for certain signs that tell them, “Yep, this person’s probably a great tenant” — or big red flags that say, “Maybe not.”

Let’s walk through what landlords actually check for — and what might make them say no.

Key Screening Criteria

Here are the big things most landlords focus on:

Credit Score: This is a biggie. While the “perfect” number can vary, a score of 650 or higher is usually considered solid. A good credit score means you’re likely to pay your bills — including rent — on time.
Eviction History: Have you ever been evicted from a rental? If the answer is yes, that could make a landlord think twice. Even one past eviction can raise a red flag, especially if it happened recently.
Criminal Records: Most landlords don’t want to rent to someone with a serious criminal history. Minor stuff may be overlooked, but violent crimes or anything related to property damage or theft? That’s a no-go for many.
Employment and Income: Can you afford the rent? That’s the bottom line. Landlords want to see that you have a stable job and make about 3 times the monthly rent. Pay stubs, job offers, or proof of income help back this up.

Red Flags and Deal Breakers

So, what might instantly turn off a landlord? Here are a few common deal breakers:

Skipped Rent Payments: If your background shows you haven’t paid rent before, it’s a big warning sign.
Fake or Incomplete Applications: Lying on your rental app is a bad move. Landlords can usually spot it, and once they do, it’s game over.
Bad Landlord References: Some landlords call your past landlords to ask about your behavior. If they hear that you left the place trashed or caused drama? That can cost you the spot.
Inconsistent Work History: A few job changes are normal. But if you’ve jumped from job to job every few months, it might make landlords question your stability.

Now, don’t worry — not every little mark on your background means rejection. But when several red flags show up together? That’s when landlords usually move on to the next applicant.

Want to boost your odds? Keep your credit strong, be honest on your application, and give solid references. It really does help!

How Tenants Can Prepare for a Background Check

Alright, so you’re applying for a new place. You found the perfect apartment or rental home, and now the landlord wants to run a background check. No need to panic — you’ve got this!

Here’s how to get ahead of the game and make sure you come across as the responsible, reliable renter they’re looking for.

Tips to Make a Good Impression

Let’s break it down step by step:

Check Your Own Credit First:
Before they do it, you do it! You can get a free credit report once a year from AnnualCreditReport.com. Look it over for mistakes or surprises. If something’s off, try to fix it before you apply.
Clear Up Past Issues (If You Can):
Had a rough patch in the past? Maybe a missed payment or a late fee? That doesn’t mean you’re out of luck — but it’s best to explain it up front. A quick note saying what happened and how you fixed it shows honesty and responsibility.
Gather Your Proof of Income:
Landlords want to know you can afford the rent. Have your recent pay stubs, W-2s, or even a letter from your employer ready to go. If you’re self-employed, tax returns or bank statements work too.
Get Great References:
A good word from a former landlord or employer can go a long way. Choose someone who can vouch for how responsible and respectful you are. Bonus points if they say you always paid on time and kept things clean!
Be Honest on Your Application:
This one’s huge. Don’t fudge your income, job details, or rental history. Landlords check everything, and if they catch a lie — it’s usually an automatic “no thanks.”
Have a Co-Signer (If Needed):
If your credit or income isn’t where it needs to be, ask a parent, friend, or relative to co-sign. This gives the landlord more confidence that the rent will be paid no matter what.

Remember: The goal is to make things easy for the landlord to say “yes.” When you show you’re prepared, responsible, and upfront? You’re already ahead of most applicants.

Free vs Paid Services – What Landlords Prefer

Let’s be real — everyone loves “free,” right?

But when it comes to background checks, landlords aren’t just looking for a bargain. They want reliable info. And the truth is, not all background checks are created equal.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of free vs paid services — and why most landlords go the paid route.

Free Services: Pros and Cons

Free background check websites are out there. You just search a name, click a few buttons, and boom — results in seconds.

Sounds great, right? Well… kinda.

The pros:

They’re, well… free! No cost to the landlord or the renter.
They’re fast. Some results pop up almost instantly.
Easy to use. No account, no setup — just search and scroll.

But here’s the catch:

The info can be super outdated. Like, years old.
A lot of them just pull public data — so it’s not always complete.
You don’t get a full credit report or solid eviction history.
They’re usually not FCRA compliant, which is a legal must-have for many landlords.

So, while free sites might work for casual snooping or curious landlords renting to a friend… they’re not really the best choice for serious tenant screening.

Why Most Landlords Opt for Paid Tools

Most landlords — especially the experienced ones — go with paid background check services. And for good reason.

Here’s why they’re worth the cost:

Better data. Paid services pull from multiple sources — including credit bureaus, court records, and employment databases.
FCRA compliant. This means they follow the rules that protect both landlords and renters. It’s safer for everyone involved.
More trustworthy results. Landlords can make decisions confidently without guessing if the info is right.
Tenant-paid options. Some services (like SmartMove) let the renter pay for the check. That’s a win-win.
Extra features. Many paid platforms also offer rental applications, e-signing, and rent collection tools.

In short? Paid background checks aren’t just about getting more info — they’re about getting the right info, fast, and legally.

Conclusion

So, what background check do most landlords use?

By now, you’ve probably noticed there isn’t just one answer — but there are some clear favorites. Tools like TransUnion SmartMove, RentPrep, and Experian Connect keep showing up for a reason. They’re fast, reliable, and give landlords the info they need to make smart choices.

If you’re a landlord, using a solid screening service can seriously save you from future headaches — like missed rent or surprise evictions. And if you’re a renter? A little prep work goes a long way. Keep your credit in check, gather your paperwork, and be upfront on your application. Landlords will notice.

At the end of the day, background checks are all about trust. Landlords want to feel good about who they’re renting to. Renters want a fair shot at landing a great place. When both sides come prepared, everybody wins.

What Background Check Do Most Landlords Use?