Best Tenant Screening Services for 2025

Tenant screening plays a key role in reducing risk and keeping property operations smooth.

According to a report by Snappt, 6.4% of rental applications contained manipulated or fraudulent information, equating to over 80,000 forged documents in just one year.

With more applicants and tighter timelines in 2025, relying on manual checks or outdated tools is no longer practical.

The right tenant screening software helps property managers access credit history, background checks, and rental records in one place.

In this blog, we cover some of the most reliable options available today to help you make informed choices and protect your rentals with confidence.

TLDR

• Tenant screening software delivers fast, reliable checks on credit, background, and eviction history.

• Reports come instantly and meet legal standards for compliance.

• Screening fees can be covered by landlords or tenants, depending on the platform.

• Many tools seamlessly connect with lease and property management systems for smoother workflows.

• Using tenant screening software saves time, lowers risks, and helps you find trustworthy tenants.

What Is Tenant Screening Software?

Tenant screening software helps you make smarter decisions when choosing tenants by providing verified applicant information in one place.

Instead of sorting through scattered reports or paperwork, you get fast, clear, and consistent data to evaluate applicants confidently.

Here’s what tenant screening software typically offers:

• Credit Reports
  You can check an applicant’s credit score, payment history, and debts to understand their financial reliability.

• Criminal Background Checks
  You’ll see if any past offenses might affect the safety or suitability of your rental.

• Eviction History
  This shows if the applicant has been evicted before and helps you avoid risky renters.

• Employment and Income Verification
  You can confirm whether the applicant’s income meets your property’s requirements.

• Rental History
  You’ll gain insight into their past rental behavior, including payment patterns and landlord relationships.

You might use tenant screening software if you manage apartments, condos, commercial spaces, or multiple properties across different locations.

It saves you time and reduces risk by making your screening process consistent and compliant with laws in places like the US and Canada.

With the right software, you can handle more applications smoothly while protecting your properties from avoidable issues.

Also Read: What Your Screening Process Says About Your Property Management Style

Next, let’s look at the advantages that tenant screening software offers for property management.

Benefits of Using Tenant Screening Software

Using tenant screening software brings several advantages to property managers and landlords:

Faster Decision-Making

Tenant screening software delivers instant access to credit, background, and eviction reports. This speeds up the application process, helping you approve or deny tenants quickly without unnecessary delays.

Reduced Risk

These tools provide detailed reports that highlight any red flags early on. Spotting potential issues like past evictions or criminal records helps protect your properties from risky tenants.

Legal Protection

Using software that complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) ensures you follow federal rules. This reduces the chance of legal trouble related to tenant screening practices.

Improved Efficiency

Automating tenant screening cuts down on manual tasks, freeing up time for other property management duties. This helps you stay organized and manage applications more smoothly.

Better Tenant Quality

Thorough checks attract more reliable tenants who pay rent on time and take care of the property. This leads to fewer vacancies and more stable income.

Integrated Workflows

Some platforms, like RIOO, combine tenant screening with lease management, maintenance requests, and financial reporting. This integration keeps your entire property management process running smoothly in one place.

By using tenant screening software, property managers gain confidence in their leasing decisions and maintain healthier rental portfolios.

To choose the best tool, it helps to understand the important features that make tenant screening easier and more effective.

Key Features to Look For in Tenant Screening Software

Choosing the right tenant screening software means focusing on features that make your job easier and keep your properties secure. Here are the key capabilities to look out for:

• Fast and Clear Reports
  You want screening results delivered quickly and in a straightforward format that’s easy to understand and share.

• Accurate and Updated Data
  Reliable information on credit, background, and rental history helps you avoid mistakes and make informed decisions.

• Legal Compliance
  The software should follow regulations like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to keep your screening process lawful and fair.

• Integration Options
  Look for software that works smoothly with your existing property management system, saving you time on data entry and updates.

• Customizable Screening Packages
  Being able to choose the checks you need for each applicant keeps costs down and matches your property’s requirements.

• Tenant Consent Management
  Handling permissions and disclosures easily ensures you’re respecting tenant privacy and meeting legal standards.

• Transparent Pricing
  Clear costs with no hidden fees help you budget and avoid surprises.

Picking a tenant screening tool with these features can streamline your leasing process, reduce risk, and improve tenant quality across your properties.

Also Read: Top Features to Look for in Property Management Software

In the next section, let's look at some popular tenant screening software platforms you can consider in 2025.

Top Tenant Screening Software Platforms in 2025

Here’s a detailed overview of some leading tenant screening software platforms, highlighting their key features and benefits.

1. RIOO

RIOO offers an integrated property management platform with built-in tenant screening. It provides TransUnion-powered credit reports, ResidentScore®, and criminal background checks, all accessible in real time.

Designed for medium to enterprise-level property managers, RIOO combines screening with lease management, maintenance, and financial tools for a seamless workflow.

Key Features:

• TransUnion-powered credit reports, ResidentScore®, and criminal background checks

• Instant, FCRA-compliant reporting for quick decisions

• Full FCRA compliance provides legal protection.

• Flexible payment options allow landlords or tenants to pay screening fees.

• Seamless integration into existing workflows and property management modules

• Customizable screening criteria tailored to property types and risk tolerance

• User-friendly interface designed for large management teams handling diverse portfolios

• Real-time financial dashboards offering portfolio-wide and unit-level insights

• Automated alerts and communication tools to improve tenant and vendor management

Pricing: Custom plans. Book a demo.

RIOO is a strong choice for property management companies wanting to simplify operations by managing everything on one platform.

2. Zillow Rentals

Zillow Rentals integrates tenant screening with its rental listing platform. It offers quick and accurate screening reports powered by TransUnion, making it easy for landlords to assess applicants while managing listings.

The platform supports both landlord and tenant payment options and customizable screening packages.

Key Features:

• TransUnion-powered credit and criminal background checks with ResidentScore®

• FCRA-compliant reports available instantly

• Legal protection through FCRA compliance

• Payment options for landlords or tenants

• Easy integration with existing property management workflows

• Customizable screening settings to fit landlord preferences

• User-friendly access backed by TransUnion data

Pricing: Applications and tenant screening reports are free for landlords. Renters pay a $35 application fee, which includes tenant screening reports and allows them to apply to your listing and an unlimited number of participating rentals for 30 days.

3. SmartMove (by TransUnion)

SmartMove is a tenant screening service powered directly by TransUnion. It offers reliable credit, background, and eviction reports with instant, FCRA-compliant results.

Its flexible payment options suit landlords and tenants alike, and it integrates smoothly with property management systems.

Key Features:

• TransUnion credit reports, ResidentScore®, and criminal background checks

• Instant delivery of FCRA-compliant screening reports

• Legal safeguards via FCRA compliance

• Landlord or tenant payment options

• Seamless workflow integration

• Customizable tenant screening solutions

• Easy user access with TransUnion backing

Pricing: SmartMove offers four screening packages:

• SmartCheck Premium: $47

• SmartCheck Plus: $40

• SmartCheck Basic: $25

• Background Check Basic: $25

4. American Apartment Owners Association (AAOA)

AAOA provides tenant screening services as part of its membership benefits. It offers credit, background, and eviction reports powered by TransUnion.

The platform is designed for landlords seeking trusted screening tools with member discounts and association support.

Key Features:

• TransUnion-powered credit and background checks with ResidentScore®

• Instant FCRA-compliant reports

• Full FCRA compliance for legal safety

• Payment flexibility for the landlord or the tenant

• Integration with existing workflows

• Customizable screening options

• User-friendly interface backed by TransUnion data

Pricing: Tenant screening reports are priced per applicant:

• Standard: $29.99

• Comprehensive: $39.99

• Premium: $49.99

5. RentPrep

RentPrep specializes in detailed tenant screening with a focus on eviction and criminal background checks.

It offers various service levels, including DIY and full-service screening, though it has limited integration with property management systems.

Key Features:

• TransUnion credit reports, ResidentScore®, and criminal background checks

• Instant access to FCRA-compliant screening reports

• FCRA compliance for legal protection

• Flexible payment options for landlords or tenants

• Limited integration, but an easy-to-use platform

• Customizable screening services

Pricing: RentPrep offers two main screening packages:

• Full Background Check Only: $29

• Complete Screening Package: $49

6. TurboTenant

TurboTenant combines tenant screening with rental marketing and application tools. It offers credit and background reports powered by TransUnion and is favored by small landlords for its free listing service and pay-per-screening model.

Key Features:

• TransUnion-powered credit and background checks with ResidentScore®

• Instant FCRA-compliant reports

• Legal protection through FCRA compliance

• Landlord or tenant payment flexibility

• Integration with rental marketing tools

• Customizable screening packages

• User-friendly platform

Pricing:

TurboTenant offers free rental listings with tenant screening fees charged per report:

• Online Rental Application: $55

7. Avail

Avail offers an all-in-one platform with tenant screening, rental applications, and lease management. Its screening reports are powered by TransUnion, providing credit, background, and eviction data.

It’s designed for independent landlords and small property managers seeking an affordable, user-friendly solution.

Key Features:

• TransUnion credit reports, ResidentScore®, and criminal background checks

• Instant, FCRA-compliant screening reports

• Legal protection via FCRA compliance

• Payment flexibility for landlords or tenants

• Smooth integration with rental applications and lease tools

• Customizable screening options

• Easy-to-use interface

Pricing:

• Unlimited (Free): No monthly fee; tenants pay $2.50 per bank transfer or 3.5% for card payments.

• Unlimited Plus ($9/month): Waives tenant payment fees and adds extra features like custom leases and faster rent deposits.

• Tenant screening reports cost $30–$55, typically paid by tenants.

No matter the size of your property portfolio, choosing the right tenant screening software can help you make faster, safer leasing decisions.

If you're looking for more than just screening, like integrated leasing, maintenance, and financial tools, RIOO offers a unified solution built for scale. Book your demo today!

Also Read: Why Customizable Tenant Portals Matter for Retail Property Owners

Now, let’s review factors to keep in mind when selecting software that fits your specific needs.

How to Choose the Right Tenant Screening Software

Selecting tenant screening software depends on your property management needs. Here are key points to keep in mind:

• Portfolio Size and Type: Larger portfolios or mixed property types benefit from platforms like RIOO that combine screening with lease, maintenance, and financial management. Smaller landlords may prefer simpler tools like TurboTenant or Avail.

• Integration Needs: If you use property management software, choose a screening service that integrates smoothly to avoid duplicate work.

• Compliance and Reporting: Make sure the software provides FCRA-compliant reports to protect you legally.

• Payment Options: Some platforms allow landlords or tenants to pay screening fees, so consider what works best for your process.

• Customization: Look for options to tailor screening reports based on your risk criteria.

• User Experience: An intuitive dashboard and quick report access can save you time.

Balancing these factors will help you find tenant screening software that fits your workflow and keeps leasing decisions informed. If you want an all-in-one approach, platforms like RIOO offer a unified solution beyond screening.

Also Read: 10 Ways to Streamline Move-Ins and Move-Outs in Rental Properties

Conclusion

Picking the right tenant screening software can help make managing your properties easier. Getting accurate reports and using tools that work well with your current system helps you protect your investment and choose good tenants.

Whether you manage a few homes or many, the right software can save you time and avoid problems.

If you want more than just tenant screening, RIOO is a great option. It combines tenant checks with managing leases, maintenance, and finances all in one place to make your job simpler.

If you’re ready to make tenant screening easier and manage your properties better, give RIOO a try by booking a demo.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is tenant screening software?
   Tenant screening software helps landlords and property managers check applicants’ credit history, criminal background, and eviction records to make better rental decisions.

2. Why should I use tenant screening software?
   It saves time, reduces risk by identifying potential problem tenants, and ensures you follow legal requirements like FCRA.

3. How fast can I get screening reports?
   Most platforms provide instant or same-day reports, so you can quickly review applications.

4. Are these reports legally compliant?
   Yes. Reputable software follows the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) rules to protect both landlords and applicants.

5. Can tenants pay for their screening?
   Some platforms let tenants cover the screening fee, which can reduce costs for landlords.

6. Do these tools integrate with other property management software?
   Many tenant screening platforms, like RIOO, integrate with lease management, rent collection, and maintenance tools for a smoother workflow.

7. What types of properties can I use tenant screening software for?
   You can use it for all property types — single-family homes, apartments, condos, commercial spaces, and more.