Hi I am re entering the ll game after years of being away. I am buying a duplex to start and use to rent on a brief application and a hand shake . However that was 10 yrs ago . Can anyone recommend a low cost tenant screener service ? bob --108.17.xx.xx

Usually most landlords associations deal with credit bureaus on applicants. There are listings on this site or Google to find a landlords association. Equifax and Trans Union are the most common credit bureaus. --74.220.xxx.xxx

Some people use the one on this site. You might also check out your local LL group. My state LL association membership allows me to use National Credit Reporting, and I have been very happy with their service. Whichever way you go, do not wait until the last minute. The reputable credit reporting agencies require an in-office visit (even if your "office" is in your home) and will question you on computer security, tenant file security, your marketing plans, etc. This is to ensure that you are not a scammer seeking to do ID theft, and that you will be keeping the ID and financial information of your applicants and tenants safe. This process takes a couple of weeks. We also had to get an old school fax machine to comply with the new regulations. We only have six units and rarely have a vacancy. --98.145.xx.xxx

Tenantcreditchecks.com is an excellent and low cost screening service (only $9.95 for a credit check). It is one of the sponsors of this site, most often recommended and one that I've personally used for many years and find it very easy and quick to use. --72.84.xxx.xx

Bob - definitely check out the site recommended by Jeffrey above. I've used their services for several years and I'm 100% happy. --166.137.xxx.xx

Even though the best-- YOU must do leg work also. double check the info and cross check. We now go as far as to check the tax records of the address the tenant is currently renting to be sure the LL is who they say. --74.184.xxx.xx

I use the one that mrlandlord provides. It's affordable and pretty details. I used to use other service which was more expensive and not as details. --73.22.xxx.xxx

Many times they are not (however - just be sure that if you do that it's not that the prospective tenant isn't saying "cjl" is my landlord and automatically assume they are not telling the truth about that because "cjl" doesn't OWN the property - maybe cjl only manages it (many times the tenant has no idea who really owns the property). --69.201.xx.xxx

creditlink will charge you $19.95 per applicant --24.239.xx.xxx