Tag / Credit reports

by Properly

Properly’s Applicant Screening Reports

Applicant Screening

In a prior article, Why Renters Should Run Their Own Credit Reports, we explained the benefits of renters running their own reports as part of the applicant screening process. The primary concerns we received as feedback from readers was the possibility of the reports being outdated or fraudulent. These concerns are certainly valid in cases where the renter is hand-delivering, emailing, or faxing a report to the landlord. The recipient landlord wouldn’t be able to confirm when the report was run and that the information has not been changed.

At Properly, we spent a great deal of effort developing an applicant screening process that is simple to use but more importantly, safe and secure. Here’s how we plan to handle this essential step of the application process.

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by Properly

Why Renters Should Run Their Own Credit Reports

Renters should run their own credit reports and why it is beneficial for both the landlord and the renter

Applicant credit post

Traditionally, when a renter applies for a rental listing, he or she fills out an application and provides personal information such as a social security number (SSN) to the landlord. The landlord would then take that data to a credit reporting service to run the applicant’s report.

Now, think about how unsecure and unsafe that process is.

The renter is handing over his/her most personal and confidential information to a landlord who, in many cases, is a total stranger.

The landlord is responsible for safekeeping the renter’s private information. Improper handling and protection of this information can result in identity theft (the #1 crime in America affecting 15 million victims a year). In such an occurrence, the landlord could be held liable.

There is a better way! Renters should run their own credit reports and why it is beneficial for both the landlord and the renter:

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