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Rental Screening Resource Center
The SmartMove blog provides indepth insights to support independent landlords
From Our Blog
Market Trends
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Rental Market
Help discover the impact of rent charges and learn how to set a good rental rate. Read now.
How Much Should I Charge for Rent: Tips to Rental Rates
Landlords
How To
Landlords should understand when it makes sense to renew or terminate a rental lease. Weigh pros and cons and discover tips on negotiating a new lease.
What You Should Know About Renewing a Rental Lease Agreement
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
If your tenant can’t pay rent, you may risk your property business spinning out. Learn how to get reliable proof of income for tenants. Read now.
How to Get Better Proof of Income
Landlords
Resources
Case Study
When renting your unit to multiple tenants, help protect yourself with these 6 essential tips. Read now.
6 Tips When Screening Multiple Tenants for Your Unit
Landlords
Resources
Tenant Screening
As an independent landlord, you need to keep a variety of forms on file. Learn what you should have for your rental property. Read now.
10 Landlord Rental Every Landlord Should Keep On-Hand
Property Management
Resources
There are many benefits to requiring your tenant to have renters insurance. Learn what it is, what it covers and how much coverage your renter needs.
How Much Renters Insurance Should a Landlord Require?
How To
Landlords
Market Trends
Industry News
Without quality renters, your independent property business may lose money. Learn how to advertise rental property to attract top tenants. Read now.
How to Advertise Rental Property (Top 6 Tips)
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Help minimize your tax bill by taking these 15 potential tax advantages to owning rental property into consideration as you prepare your return. Read now.
15 Landlord Tax Deductions You Should Know About
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Property Management
Vacancy rate is an important tool that landlords can use to assess rental market health. Learn how vacancy rate is calculated with SmartMove.
Rental Vacancy Rate: How to Determine Vacancy Rate for Landlords
Landlords
Property Management
blog
In some cases, landlords can break a lease early and help protect property from further damage and bad renters.
Vacation Rental Management: Top 7 Tips and Watchouts
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Discover the most popular reads for independent landlords in 2023––and see what they could mean for tenant screening in 2024. Read now.
The 6 Most Popular Articles for Independent Landlords in 2023
Landlords
Property Management
blog
Market Trends
Rental market changes mean it's important to know about trends. Learn what 2024 will bring to independent landlords and how to prepare. Read now.
Prepare for these 3 Top Rental Trends in 2024
Landlords
Property Management
blog
Misunderstanding and accidentally violating FCRA laws could destroy your property management business.
About FCRA and Why It’s Essential for Landlords
Landlords
Property Management
blog
In some cases, landlords can break a lease early and help protect property from further damage and bad renters.
Can a Landlord Break a Lease?
Landlords
blog
Tenant Screening
Make sure to get these documents to verify rental applicant employment and income. Learn more.
How to Verify a Rental Applicant's Work History
Landlords
Resources
Being a remote landlord offers many great benefits. Learn how to be a remote landlord in this guide by SmartMove.
How to Be a Remote Landlord
Landlords
Tenant Screening
blog
These 5 red flags can indicate your tenant will stop paying rent. Learn what to look for.
5 Red Flags that Your Rental Applicant Might Stop Paying Rent
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Costs, including rental rates, are skyrocketing across the US. Learn what this increase means for landlords.
Why Skyrocketing Rents Aren't Always Good for Landlords
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Good tenant screening should include a credit check, eviction history and background report. But there are less obvious aspects to evaluate. Read now.
7 Renter Screening Warning Signs That Aren’t So Obvious
blog
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Including this in your tenant's monthly rental rate could be something landlords consider to do. Our helpful guide will walk you through your options.
Should Landlords Include Utility Costs in Rental Payment?
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
These five hiring trends could have a major impact on landlords in 2023. See how they might impact your independent property business. Read now.
Upcoming Rental Trends for 2023
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
What Landlords Should Know When Renting to Individuals with Disabilities
What Landlords Should Know When Renting to Individuals with Disabilities
Resources
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Wondering about the difference between move-in fees and security deposits? Learn which is better for your rental property.
Move In Fees vs. Security Deposits: What's the Difference?
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Learn what's involved in an apartment background check and discover what to look for when screening tenants.
How to Run an Apartment Background Check
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Market Trends
The economy is in flux. Learn how to set your rental rate in a high inflation environment.
How to Price Rent in a High Inflation Environment
Resources
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Curious about how to rent to traveling nurses? Learn more about landlord considerations about leasing to traveling professionals from TransUnion SmartMove
Traveling Nurse Rentals Tips for Landlords
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Try to avoid an expensive and time-consuming eviction process with good tenant screening upfront. Learn about all-in costs to evict a problem tenant.
The True Cost of an Eviction
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Reduce tenant turnover and attract high-income renters with six rental renovations under $1,000. Learn more.
Six Ways to Renovate Your Rental Property for Less Than $1,000
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Learn the key steps to rent out an extra bedroom in your house with this guide from SmartMove. Read now.
Renting Out a Room in Your House: 10 Tips for Getting Started
Resources
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Tenants
Learn about the Implied Warranty of Habitability and your responsibilities as a landlord.
What does the Implied Warranty of Habitability Mean?
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Tenants
Resources
Collecting rent can be a challenge. Learn about the ways to collect rent to ensure you get paid in full and on time. Read now!
Ways to Collect Rent as a Landlord
Landlords
Resources
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Tenants
Are your tenant screening criteria too restrictive? Learn why you might be missing out on great applicants with this guide from SmartMove
Screening Criteria for Tenants Too Strict?
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Tenants
Resources
Have confidence in your tenant approval process with a fast and convenient SmartMove tenant background check.
How Do You Do Tenant Background Checks With SmartMove
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Industry News
Tenants
Fraud has been common in the rental housing industry for years, but todays digital landscape has accelerated housing scams. Learn more and what to do about it with our infographic.
Fraud in the Rental Housing Industry
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Tenants
Resources
Tenant turnover can take forever and cost you a fortune. Check out these top rental property listing sites to quickly attract prospective renters - just remember to screen with SmartMove before you lease.
The 26 Best Websites to List Your Rental Property
Tenant Screening
Landlords
Industry News
Tenants
Resources
Get top tips for prepping your property this spring to be ready for peak rental season. We've curated our top posts to help you be prepared. Read now
11 Must Read Blog Posts for Prepping Your Rental Unit for Spring
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Want to minimize your tax bill this year? If you own rental real estate, then read our tips to manage your tax liability optimally. Learn more.
4 Things Landlords Should Know to Save Big During Tax Season
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Discover the essential reads in our roundup of the most popular blog post for independent landlords in 2020.
The Best of SmartMove: Most Popular Blog Posts for Independent Landlords in 2021
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Resources
Learn what goes into a rental background check and the types of information landlords should watch for when screening tenants.
Tenant Background Checks: What's Included & What to Watch Out For
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Learn how to attract the right prospective tenants to your rental property showing. Get tips for rental open houses and more with SmartMove.
How to Host Rental Open Houses and Showings
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Industry News
Keep an eye out for rental scams and protect your real estate investment. Read tips for avoiding rental scams.
Tips on How to Avoid These 5 Rental Scams
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Property Management
Resources
Landlords can make confident leasing decisions on-the-spot with SmartMove's insights and reports.
How SmartMove's Insights Can Help Landlords Make a Confident Decision On the Spot
Resources
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Tenants
Learn how to write a move out letter to facilitate a smooth transition during tenant turnover.
Notice to Vacate Letter Writing Tips for Landlords
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Tenants
Resources
Learn about the top qualities of good tenants and improve your search for your next renter with this guide from SmartMove.
8 Qualities of Good Tenants (Best Prospective Tenant Qualities)
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Tenants
Resources
Learn how to properly vet tenants that you haven't met in person with this guide from MySmartMove.
How to Choose Tenants Without Meeting Them First
Landlords
Resources
Tenant Screening
Pick the right tenants by asking the right questions. Here are 10 questions every landlord should ask on a rental application.
10 Rental Application Questions Every Landlord Should Consider
Landlords
Resources
Case Study
Credit checks are an essential part of the screening process. Learn the warning signs landlords should look for in a tenant credit report.
What Should Landlords Look for in Credit Checks? [6 Red Flags]
Landlords
Resources
Case Study
Get the facts on tenant screening and debunk common tenant screening myths with this guide from SmartMove.
Tenant Screening Myths: 8 Things Landlords Might Not Know
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Discover helpful tips for using rent comparison data to inform your rental business decisions with this guide from SmartMove.
Using Rent Comparison Data to Make Better Rental Decisions
Landlords
Resources
Tenant Screening
Infographics
TransUnion examines cost of tenant screening vs. potential cost of rental hazards. $35 screening fee could save $3,500 in eviction costs. Learn more.
Tenant Screening: A Cost-Benefit Analysis
Landlords
Resources
How To
Learn the ins and outs of running a credit check on a prospective tenant and discover how to read a credit report with SmartMove.
Guide for Landlords: How to Do a Credit Check on a Prospective Tenant
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Property Management
Resources
How To
Learn how to read a SmartMove credit report for tenant screening with our guide to make confident leasing decisions.
How to Run & Read a Tenant Credit Report
Resources
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Property Management
Navigating Business and Social Distancing: Tips for Landlords to Maintain Productivity
Navigating Business and Social Distancing: Tips for Landlords to Maintain Productivity
Landlords
Resources
Case Study
Learn about TransUnion analysis of consumer impact due to the pandemic and the potential ramifications for independent landlords.
6 TransUnion Stats on Covid-19 Impact on Consumers and Landlords
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Learn how to show your rental property remotely and landlord from home with this guide from SmartMove.
How to Host a Virtual Property Tour
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
7 easy-to-follow tips on how to keep your good tenants happy, maintain a good relationship and prevent them from leaving your rental property. Read now!
7 Ways to Keep Your Best Tenants from Leaving
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Learn about the current trends in the rental market and prepare for profitability in 2020.
5 Rental Trends Landlords Should Know Going into 2020
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Learn how to handle tenants who pay rent late or not at all. This roundup features 10 must-read rent non-payment articles for independent landlords.
How to Avoid Non-Payment of Rent: 10 Must-Read Articles for Independent Landlords
Resources
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Learn everything you need to know about late rent fees and grace periods with this guide for landlords from MySmartMove.
Late Fees and Grace Periods for Rent: What Landlords Should Know
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
The eviction process can be complex. Learn 6 things landlords should know about evicting a tenant and how to avoid
6 Tips for Landlords About the Eviction Process (And How to Avoid It)
Resources
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Get easy to use tips on how to verify applicant income. Learn about Smartmove's Income Insights that determines if further checks are needed. Read now!
How to Verify a Prospective Tenant’s Income
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Infographics
Infographic shows 5 major steps you need to consider when screening potential tenants. Great resource for seasoned or new property owners. Read now!characteristics - renting stats, motivation to be a landlord and more.
How to Screen Tenants in 5 Steps
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Make your tenant screening process more consistent with our list of 7 reasons to qualify applicants and 5 reasons to reject those who aren't a fit.
Landlord Tips: Rental Application Process
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Industry News
Tenants
Learn about credit score ranges, how ResidentScore can help predict bad rental outcomes, and other factors landlords consider when evaluating renters.
What Is A “Bad” Credit Score?
Resources
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Tenants
Learn about subleases, examine pros and cons of sublets, and review factors why landlords might consider subletting their rental unit. Read now.
What is Subletting & How Does it Work?
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Being a new landlord can be tough. We will guide you with finding and screening tenants, creating a rental agreement, collecting rent, etc.. Read now!
Becoming a Landlord? Here Are 13 Tips for Beginners
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Industry News
Tenants
A prospective tenants rental history can help guide your decision to rent to them. Learn the essential steps for verifying an applicant;s rental history.
7 Steps to Checking a Prospective Tenant’s Rental History
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Tenants
Resources
Screening tenants for the first time? Learn the ins and outs of the screening process with MySmartMove in this essential guide for first-time landlords.
How to Screen Tenants for the First Time
Resources
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Tenants
HUD guidance encourages landlords to review specifics of applicant criminal history during tenant screening process. Find out what it means for you.
HUD’s Guidance for Criminal Background Screening and What it Means for SmartMove Users
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
ResidentScore is designed specifically for rental screening to provide a more accurate assessment of tenant risk than a typical credit score. Read now.
SmartMove’s ResidentScore vs. a typical credit score: which is better?
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
A TransUnion survey revealed renter payment problems are landlord's biggest concern. Find out what you can do to reduce payment problems in 7 easy steps.
7 Steps to Reducing Payment Problems with Tenants
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Does your rental unit have noise complaints caused by neighbors or your tenant? Learn how to address them quickly and effectively. Read now!
How to Handle Noise Complaints
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Evaluating credit for an applicant is an important part of the tenant screening process. Learn 3 ways to access credit history. Read now!
How to Check the Credit for a Prospective Tenant
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Thorough tenant screening is vital to find great tenants. Read six �must-ask� questions you should ask applicants to determine suitability as a renter.
8 Questions to Ask When Screening Tenants
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
While leases and rental agreements are similar, they have clear differences. Understand pros and cons, when to use each, and more. Learn more!
Lease vs. Rental Agreement: What's the Difference?
Landlords
Property Management
Resources
If it smells, it won't sell. DIY tips on how to remove pesky cigarette odors lingering in carpet, air, and walls in your rental unit. Learn more.
How to Get Rid of the Smoke Smell in Your Rental Property
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
A good, clear rental agreement can help maximize your unit's potential and avoid problems. Read 9 important terms to include and aspects to consider.
Common Terms and Conditions to Include in Rental Agreements
Resources
Landlords
Tenant Screening
What's the difference between wear and tear, and damage? Find out when you can use security deposit monies or when you need to cover costs. Learn more!
Landlord’s Guide to Normal Wear & Tear in Rentals
Resources
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Many tenants search for pet-friendly rental properties. Learn more about aspects such as pet deposits and fees, pet rent and pet policies. Read now!
Tips for Determining Pet Policy, Deposits, & Fees for Landlords
Resources
Renter Credit Risk Improves
Tenant Screening
Property Management
Have renters starting a lease in the middle of the month? Need to prorate the rent? Read our guide about methods to pro-rate rent. Learn more!
Tips for Calculating Prorated Rent
Resources
News Articles
Renter Credit Risk Improves
As rents continue to rise faster than renter incomes, landlords need to understand how this trend can impact them in a variety of ways. Learn more.
The Impact of Rising Rent (And How it Can Affect Independent Landlords)
Resources
News Articles
Renter Credit Risk Improves
Want to maximize rental income from your property? Find out when might be the most advantageous time to list your unit. Learn more.
The Best Time to List Your Rental Property
Resources
Infographic
News Articles
TransUnion infographic highlights research on costs of tenant turnover as well as underlying reasons why renters move. Plus tips on how to avoid tenant turnover. Learn more!
Tenant Turnover, Costs, And How It Can Be Avoided [INFOGRAPHIC]
Resources
News Articles
Renter Credit Risk Improves
Correctly calculating rental income can mean the difference between turning a profit or suffering a loss. Crunch the numbers right. Learn more.
How to Calculate Rental Income … the Right Way
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Landlords should understand what is a rent-to-income ratio and how to apply this rule of thumb to inform decisions about tenant selection. Learn more.
Rent to Income Ratio Tips for Landlords
Resources
News Articles
Renter Credit Risk Improves
Test your tenant screening IQ with our quiz to see if you have what it takes to find the right tenants for your rental property.
What is Your Tenant Screening IQ?
Resources
News Articles
Renter Credit Risk Improves
Installing smart home technology can be a great investment for a landlord. Learn what to consider when upgrading your unit with the latest technology.
The Pros and Cons of Installing Smart Home Technology in Your Rental Property
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Generation Z, 74 million people, will soon enter the rental market. Infographic delivers key insights and how to attract them into your rental unit.
The Anatomy of a Gen Z Renter
Resources
News Articles
Renter Credit Risk Improves
Calling a renter's previous landlord for a reference check is a good screening practice. Find out what important questions you should ask. Learn more!
Questions to Ask During a Landlord Reference Check
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Find out landlord best practices for collecting rental application fees and what to consider during the process of accepting these types of fees.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Rental Application Fees
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Read about 6 multifamily property trends that independent landlords should know. Investing in amenities, community areas and technology may make sense.
Six Multifamily Housing Trends That Independent Landlords Need to Know
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Avoid common pitfalls and learn best practices involving allowable uses, limits, and other aspects related to renter security deposits. Read now!
What You Need to Know About Collecting Tenant Security Deposits
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Industry News
Tenants
Is there anything more painful than evicting a renter? Out of pocket costs can be huge. Read top facts about evictions that every landlord should know.
How Eviction Works: 11 Things Every Independent Landlord Should Know
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Owning rental property can earn a good return on your investment. Be sure to avoid these big mistakes that can eat into your rental profits. Read now!
The Biggest Mistakes Landlords Make That Kill Profit
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Tenants
SmartMove's Income Insights tool enables landlords to analyze renter income in minutes and determines if further proof of income is needed. Learn more!
Income Insights: Estimate Tenant Income in Minutes with SmartMove’s Latest Tool
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Tenants
Resources
Find out what landlords might expect for 2018. From rental property supply to renter creditworthiness to millennial rental trends. Read now.
6 Rental Trends that Landlords May Face in 2018
Landlords
Resources
Tenant Screening
Should landlords require tenants to have renters insurance? Learn more about benefits of renters insurance for both landlords and renters. Read now!
5 Reasons Landlords Should Consider Requiring Renters Insurance
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Industry News
Tenants
Proper rental unit upkeep helps avoid costly repairs and renter turnover. Consider regular inspections, having repair budget and outsourcing. Read now!
How to Properly Maintain Your Rental Property
Landlords
Resources
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Tenants
Renting to college students can introduce more risk but can be a very good investment for landlords. Learn more about what to consider. Read now!
Pros and Cons of Renting To College Students
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Learn pro tips about managing property managers from professional real estate investor Ali Boone. Pro's & Con's discussed, advice on hiring and more!
How to Manage Your Property Managers: Tips from a Pro
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Industry News
Tenants
Reduce your stress with our 10 tips on how to effectively negotiate a lease renewal with a good tenant that can result in a win-win. Learn more!
10 Ways to Effectively Negotiate a Lease Agreement with Your Tenants
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Tenants
Resources
Should smoke alarms be installed in your rental properties? Find out and learn more about upkeep, types of alarms and other tips. Read now.
Are Smoke Alarms Required in Rental Properties?
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Industry News
Tenants
Considering becoming a landlord? Consider these 23 aspects from selecting a property, vetting tenants, setting rental prices, and more. Read now.
23 Considerations for How to Become a Landlord
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Tenants
Resources
Property Management
How should landlords screen tenants who have pets? Learn advantages and disadvantages of allowing pets and what key aspects to consider. Read now!
Pros and Cons of Allowing Pets in Rental Properties
Property Management
Resources
Landlords
Interested in DIY rental property management? Get tips on how to manage key aspects related to tenants, the property and your bottom line. Learn more!
How-To Manage Rental Property Like a Pro
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Industry News
Tenants
What is the impact to the rental housing market as homeownership ticks up off of historical lows? Should landlords be worried? Find out now!
The Rise of Homeownership: Should Landlords be Worried?
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Curated selection of our most popular articles. Read industry research, market trend updates, DIY landlord advice, tenant screening tips and more.
10 Best Tenant Screening Articles of 2017
Resources
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Tenants
Using a cosigner for a lease? Find out what to consider and when it is advantageous to use a cosigner agreement for your next lease. Read now!
Cosigner Tips for Landlords
Landlords
Resources
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Tenants
Examine real-life horror stories from of the top landlords in the business and how they survived them. Valuable tips and takeaways. Read now!
5 Landlord Horror Stories (and How to Avoid Them)
Resources
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Tenants
Rental listings featuring a catchy headline that highlight key amenities with high-quality photos increase your odds of finding a great tenant fast.
How to Write an Effective Rental Ad
Landlords
Resources
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Tenants
Seth Williams of ReTipster shares tips on being a successful landlord. Read about his investment criteria, lessons learned & other landlord advice.
Real Estate Investing Tips from a Pro: Seth Williams of ReTipster
Resources
Landlords
Industry News
Learn what is involved in the decision to hire a property manager, and weigh benefits of outsourcing rental property management vs. doing it yourself.
Hiring a Property Manager? Here Are the Pros and Cons
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Tenants
Resources
Happy tenants often mean less turnover and more consistent rental income. Learn the 4 most common tenant complaints and how to quickly resolve them. Read now!
How to Handle Common Renters Complaints
Resources
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Tenants
Determining lease length is a pivotal decision for landlords. Learn pros and cons of month-to-month agreements and how shorter leases could be beneficial.
How Does a Month to Month Lease Work? Tips for Landlords
Resources
Infographic
News Articles
This infographic illustrates TransUnion findings from an independent landlord survey about current rental market conditions and trends. Read now.
TransUnion Independent Landlord Survey Insights
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Tenants
Resources
Learn about 4 responsibilities that landlords should address to keep their tenants happy and rental property business working well. Read now.
4 Landlord Responsibilities Every Landlord Should Know
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Industry News
Tenants
Review of current rental housing market trends and the outlook for to single-family home properties and multi-family units. Read more.
Multi-family vs Single-Family Rental Trends: Which is Right for You?
Landlords
Resources
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Tenants
SmartMove interviewed 15 property managers who offer advice for new landlords on avoiding mistakes, screening tenants, and finding investment property.
Property Management Advice from the Pros
Property Management
Resources
Infographic
Rental Market
Infographic examines millennial characteristics and rental housing trends. Lifestyle and values, housing types, and life milestones are shaping choices.
The Anatomy of a Millennial Renter
Resources
News Articles
Renter Credit Risk Improves
Infographic examines baby boomer characteristics & rental housing trends. Lifestyle and values, housing types and life milestones are shaping choices.
The Anatomy of a Baby Boomer Renter
Resources
News Articles
Renter Credit Risk Improves
Have you implemented online rent pay? Read our 5 reasons why Landlords should adopt online rent payment to make their business more efficient.
5 Reasons Why Online Rent Payment is More Convenient for Landlords and Tenants
Resources
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Tenants
Landlords should pull eviction reports, as a TransUnion study found that prior eviction history is highly predictive of undesirable future behavior.
How to Check for Evictions and Why You Should
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
TransUnion survey of landlords summarizes attitudes, technology use, rental property trends, and their outlook for the rental housing market. Read more.
Landlord Survey: Optimism In Renting Your Property
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Infographic
Explore TransUnion's infographic on how to attract tenants, understand what they are looking for in a rental property, and what you can do to retain them.
How To Attract and Keep Today’s Renter
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Using the right resources can mean the difference between profit or loss. Read 64 resources from property management to tenant screening to taxes & more!
64 Essential Online Resources for Landlords
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
As a landlord, performing property inspections is an important part of your job. Even if you have a great tenant, routine inspections can help prevent big problems down the road.
How To Perform A Rental Property Inspection
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
5 landlord tools to fill vacancies faster & find quality renters. Tools cover promoting your unit to screening renters to setting competitive rent.
Where to Find Tenants: 5 Tools for Landlords
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
TransUnion reviews rental property investment markets in the U.S. and explores recent trends and drivers behind their growth. Read more
Rental Property Investment Trends in 2017
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Landlords can stay abreast of the latest rental property market trends, breaking news and property owner tips by following these 50 industry experts.
50 Industry Experts Every Landlord Should Follow On Twitter
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Tips on how to setup your property management business. Productivity tools, regulatory concerns and using expert advice are essential. Learn more.
How to Set Up Your Property Management Business For Success
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Infographic
Landlords need to know the rental market, rent prices, tenants & more. Our infographic showcases 26 rental stats to help you stay ahead of the game.
26 Renting Statistics That Every Landlord Needs To Know
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
If you're looking to charge top dollar for your rental and attract premium tenants, consider adding these amenities and features into your property.
The Amenities and Upgrades Every Tenant Wants
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Landlords need a solid communication plan and have the facts when increasing rent at lease renewal. Read our 4-step guide to increase rent while avoiding complaints.
How to Approach Raising Rent
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Renter credit-worthiness, demographics and age, income levels, and housing preference are shifting. Find out why it matters for landlords. Read now.
4 Important Ways Today’s Renters Have Changed In 2017
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Evictions are expensive, averaging $3,500 and can balloon to $10,000. TransUnion's infographic that breaks out all costs from legal fees to lost rent.
Rental Eviction: How Much Does it Cost Landlords?
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
blog
Choosing the wrong tenant can drain your rental profits. Learn these 5 costly mistakes, and how to avoid them, to make more informed leasing decisions.
5 Tenant Screening Mistakes to Avoid
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
More Americans choose to rent now & investors can capitalize by owning rental property. Learn 7 financial perks & other benefits to becoming a landlord.
Benefits of Owning Rental Property: 6 Reasons Why You Should Invest
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Get 4 great strategies to reduce rental property vacancy, without skipping tenant screening, meeting the tenant in person and checking their references.
How To Reduce Vacancies: 4 Ways To Rent Out Your Property Quickly
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Owning rental property can be profitable. But all investments carry risk. Know top risks of rental property investing, and what to do to overcome them.
5 Big Risks Of Owning Rental Property That Every Landlord Should Know
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Infographic
Infographic on the state of U.S. rental market. Many switched to rent housing. Homeownership rates, rental prices, renter demographic trends. Read now!
State Of The U.S. Rental Market in 2016
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Curated selection of our most popular articles on tenant screening. Screening guides, Industry Research, Top benefits, Biggest mistakes to avoid & more
Best of the SmartMove Blog in 2016
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Nearly 1 in 5 people screened by SmartMove in 2015 had a criminal hit on their record. Find out what is involved to conduct a tenant background check.
Background Checks for Tenants: What The Process Entails
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Small, everyday landlord actions can help your bottom line. From screening tenants to changing air filters, follow these 9 tips to boost rental profits.
9 Ways To Maximize Profit On Your Rental Property
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Thinking about becoming a property owner? Read our simple tips prior to buying and renting out a property to get the most out of your new investment.
7 Stress-free Tips for Finding Rental Properties (And Renting Them)
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Applicants with good credit scores may not be suitable for your rental property. Find out what else to look for during your tenant screening. Read more.
4 Valid Reasons Landlords May Deny an Applicant with Good Credit History
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
A low credit score may not disqualify your applicant. Get the story behind the credit score. Review current income, rental history, etc.. Read more
4 Things to Check Before Disqualifying an Applicant with a Low Credit Score
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Don't put your rental income at risk! Read top 5 reasons why landlords should conduct credit, criminal & eviction tenant screening check on applicants.
The 5 Most Important Reasons to Screen Rental Applicants
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
TransUnion SmartMove recently surveyed 4,000 landlords. Results confirm 4 major tenant screening factors as top screening concerns. Take a look now!
Landlords Reveal the 4 Most Important Tenant Screening Factors
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Infographic
Infographic highlights aspects beginner landlords should consider when buying property, remodeling to maximize profit, and screening renters. Read now!
The Beginner’s Guide To Owning Rental Property
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Increase your chances of finding great tenants by offering features like outdoor space, security, parking, etc.. To help your rental stand out. Read now.
11 Things Tenants Look For In A Property
Resources
News Articles
Credit Score Knowledge
Get landlord tips on how to maintain a good relationship with tenants in order to reduce your stress and maximize your return. Learn more
How To Be A Great Landlord (From A Renter’s Perspective)
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Learn about the top benefits of online tenant screening to include convenience, full reports in minutes, maintain complicance, ID verification, and more!
The Top 10 Benefits of Online Tenant Screening
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Picking a great tenant is important to your rental property success. This quick guide outlines importan tenant screening tips to consider. Read now!
Quick Guide to Tenant Screening
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Learn about top mistakes new landlords make when selecting tenants and how to avoid those pitfalls from Real Estate investor, Mark Ferguson. Read now.
Top mistakes new landlords make when picking tenants
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Examine the five components of a TransUnion credit report and how Landlords can use this data to make an informed decision about a potential tenant.
How to Read a Credit Report for Landlord Tenant Screening
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Finding good tenants can be stressful for landlords. There are important things you need to do to attract the best tenants. Read our 5 tips now.
How to Find and Keep Good Tenants: 5 Considerations for Landlords
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Property Management
Market Trends
Infographic
Infographic highlights TransUnion research on US landlords that identified 4 types of landlords prevalent in the US and their defining characteristics.
4 Common Types of Landlords [INFOGRAPHIC]
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Infographic
Property Management
Market Trends
Infographic highlights TransUnion qualitative and quantitative research on landlord characteristics - renting stats, motivation to be a landlord and more.
TransUnion Research on Landlord Characteristics [INFOGRAPHIC]
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Resources
Tenants
Infographic
Infographic highlights TransUnion qualitative and quantitative research on renter characteristics - average credit score, why choose to rent and more.
TransUnion Research On Renter Characteristics [INFOGRAPHIC]
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Infographics
Tenants
Resources
Infographic highlights TransUnion research on US renters that identified 5 types of renters prevalent in the US and their defining characteristics.
5 Most Common Types of Renters [INFOGRAPHIC]
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Tenants
Resources
What information on a tenant screening report should really concern a landlord? Check out these 7 warning signs to pay attention to when reviewing reports.
7 Signs of a Potential Bad Tenant
Landlords
Tenant Screening
Industry News
Resources
You can streamline landlord your tasks and stay organized by leveraging your mobile phone with our 4 easy tips. Learn more now.
4 Ways to Streamline Your Landlord Activities with a Mobile-first Approach
Resources
News Articles
Renter Credit Risk Improves
Find out how SmartMove tenant screening provides convenience for property owners. All online, no memberships, fast report delivery and more!
Top 7 Ways SmartMove Is Convenient For Property Owners
Resources
News Articles
Credit Score Knowledge
Nearly three-quarters of Americans do not understand how credit scoring works or that there are many types of credit scoring models on the market. Learn more.
Understanding Primary Credit Score Factors For Landlords
Resources
News Articles
Top Landlord Concerns
The #1 concern among independent landlords is non-payment of rent according to a recent TransUnion Study. Read the whole list of top concerns.
Non-Payment is Top Landlord Concern, TransUnion Study Finds
Rental prices
Tenant credit score
Rental prices across the U.S. increased 4% in 2013, and credit risk of residents in those properties improved, according to TransUnion Study. Read more.
Renter Credit Risk Improves as Rental Prices Rise, Study Finds
Resources
News Articles
Improvements to SmartMove Site
SmartMove launched a series of enhancements that improve user experience. Rebuilt application process, more intuitive navigation, enhanced email notifications, and more.
Improvements to SmartMove Website Provide Cutting-Edge Tenant Screening to Independent Landlords
Be more confident choosing your tenant.
Screen Today