‍How to Review Tenant Screening Reports

This article will teach you how to review a tenant application and screening report. The designated reviewer on an application will be emailed when a tenant screening report is available.

How to Review Tenant Screening Reports

To review tenant screening reports, complete the following steps:

  1. Click on the “Applications” tab
  2. Locate the desired listing and click on it to expand the details to see renter applications.
  3. Click the “View Application” button for the applicant report you want to review.A user in the 'Applications' tab with a listing expanded to see the button to view an application and screening report
  4. You will be redirected to a page where you can review the application and reports. You can then decide to “Accept”, “Accept with Conditions”, or “Decline the Application”. All parties will be notified of the decision via email.
    A user reiewing the main dashboard of a submitted application that highlights the 'accept,' 'accept with condition,' and 'reject' buttons

A maximum of five applications are viewable when you expand the listing to view applications. If you have collected more than five applications, search by the applicant's name if you do not see it. 

Frequently asked questions

Who can see the report?

Results are seen by the landlord or a proxy designated by the landlord, such as a property manager or listing agent, as required by the U.S. Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). As the designated reviewer for tenant reports, you will be notified via email when tenant screening reports are available.

Tenant agents who facilitate the application process between the designated reviewer (listing agent or landlord) on behalf of the applicant can view the status of an application. However, they will not be able to view the application or reports.

Additionally, tenant applicants may download a copy of the credit report associated with their application.

How will an owner or designated reviewer know when to review the applicant(s)’ reports?

Reviewers are notified by email when an application is ready for review. They can then securely review the application, request more information, and submit a decision in the Rental Beast Landlord Portal.

Can the person viewing the application results be changed?

Yes. A listing agent can transfer viewing rights to another reviewer, such as a landlord, before or after an applicant applies with Apply Now. To transfer viewing rights to another reviewer, refer to this help article.

Apply Now allows only one reviewer to access the application and reports simultaneously.

What is included in a tenant screening report?

Landlords or designated reviewers can view the entire rental application, including income, employment, and residential history. This includes:

  • Credit Report: This is a complete overview of an applicant’s credit history, court case disputes, collections, and more. The entire report is in an easy-to-read format for review.
    A user reviewing the credit report from a submitted application
  • Eviction Report: Where available, the results come from one of the largest eviction databases subject to the FCRA. It has over 16 million eviction records covering all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
    A user reviewing the eviction report from a submitted application highlighting that no evictions are reported
  • Criminal Background Report: Where available, criminal background information is provided, subject to regulations (IE: Cook County, IL).
    A user reviewing the criminal report from a submitted application highlighting that no criminal activities are reported

How long will the screening process take?

Most reports are processed within minutes. However, the entire application process can take up to 3-4 days from the initial submission until the property owner or designated reviewer provides a decision. All parties will be notified when the screening reports are complete. They will also be notified about any status change throughout the process.

Does Rental Beast do the screening?

Transunion, a major U.S.-based credit bureau, does the screening. All credit-related information is derived directly from the bureau. Rental Beast does not view or retain non-public, credit-related information.

Does Rental Beast provide advice to landlords on accepting or declining an application?

No. Information is provided by a major U.S.-based credit bureau directly to the landlord or property owner. Rental Beast does not view or retain non-public, credit-related information.

What happens if I believe there is a discrepancy with the screening report? 

Rental Beast is only a third-party provider of the application. TransUnion generates all application report results. If there are any discrepancies, contact Transunion. 

What happens if no information has populated in the screening report?

You need to contact TransUnion since they generate application results. Rental Beast is only a third-party tool that provides access to the application.

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