This is probably a question that many a private landlord asks. "Will Tenant screening software give me the results I need?". There are many different kinds out there and the reality is that you really have to do some work to find software that is right for you.
You also need a thorough understanding of the tenant screening process so that you can check if the software delivers all of the right information you need to be able to make an informed choice of tenant. Not all software is the same.
Here are some things that you need to be on the lookout for when it comes to evaluating tenant screening software. One of the first things you need to be sure of is that the software comes complete with all of the various reports you need.
This means eviction history,current or previous landlord information, criminal background checks and employment history. You also need to make sure that whatever checks the software does has data from valid sources such as the major credit reporting agencies - Experian, EquiFax, and TransUnion. It should also include a rental history, going back at least ten years.
When evaluating tenant screening software, you want it to be as user friendly as possible. There is no sense spending money buying software if it is too confusing to use, since you won't use it and it will be a waste of time and your hard earned money. The software needs to be compatible with your computer's operating system, have an easy to follow guide, trouble-shooting tips, and connect with online resources quickly and easily.
One of the things that you need to know about tenant screening software is that you may still need more than just the software. Chances are the software will be linked to an online service, which will be doing the actual searching and giving you reports. With this in mind, you need to be careful that you aren't paying too much, between the software, and the connecting company. The software really just makes it easier to see and review the reports, with the online service actually doing most of the work.
It's a good idea to find tenant screening software vendors that offer a free trial of some kind, so you have a chance to check it out thoroughly before you buy the product as there are many different products available. This way you are not committing your money to a software program that doesn't fit your needs.
You need to conduct a full evaluation before you decide that tenant screening software fits your needs. It's probably an exercise that will take some time as you need to compare the cost, benefits and time of doing the tenant screening process manually against several competitive products.
Remember this is your business so you have to make an informed decision, tenant screening is such an important aspect of your business that if you get it wrong or don't do it adequately you will end up with tenants you wish you didn't have.
At the end of the day tenants can make or break you.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.