Best SmartMove Alternative 2025: Affordable & Transparent Tenant Screening
If you're searching for SmartMove alternatives in 2025, you likely want better transparency, no hidden fees, and mobile-friendly tenant screening. As an independent landlord managing multiple properties, you need reliable information about potential tenants without complex pricing structures or limited data access.
While TransUnion's SmartMove has been a go-to tenant screening service for years, many landlords find themselves looking for solutions that offer more comprehensive reports, clearer pricing, and better user experience. This guide compares the top SmartMove alternatives to help you find the perfect tenant screening solution for your rental business.
Why Landlords Are Looking for SmartMove Alternatives
TransUnion SmartMove has been a standard in the tenant screening industry, but independent landlords increasingly report several pain points that drive them to seek alternatives:
✓ What SmartMove Does Well
Backed by TransUnion's extensive database
ResidentScore designed specifically for rental outcomes
Widely recognized in the property management industry
Option to have tenants pay for screening
✗ SmartMove Limitations
Limited data transparency in reports
Tiered pricing structure can be confusing
Basic screening reports that lack nuance
Not optimized for mobile-first landlords
No comprehensive property management integration
What Makes a Great Tenant Screening Solution in 2025
Today's independent landlords need screening services that go beyond basic credit checks.
The ideal tenant screening solution in 2025 should include:
Comprehensive Reports: Full credit history, criminal background checks, and eviction records in one place
Transparent Pricing: Clear, straightforward costs without hidden fees or confusing tiers
Income Verification: Tools to verify tenant income claims against reliable data sources
Fraud Detection: Advanced identity verification to prevent application fraud
Mobile-First Design: Easy access to reports on any device
Pay-As-You-Go Options: No subscriptions for landlords who screen infrequently
Fast Results: Quick turnaround times for screening reports
Data Source Transparency: Clear information about where report data comes from
Tired of Limited Screening Reports?
Clara offers comprehensive tenant screening with transparent pricing and no subscriptions. Get the full picture of your prospective tenants.
After thorough research and analysis, we've identified the top four alternatives to SmartMove that offer improved features, pricing models, and user experience for independent landlords.
1. Clara
Clara stands out as the top SmartMove alternative in 2025, especially for independent landlords managing 5–10 properties. Designed with transparency and simplicity in mind, Clara allows landlords to trust every report with clear data sources and comprehensive screening information.
4.8
★★★★★
Overall Rating
Ease of Use
4.8
Report Comprehensiveness
4.7
Pricing Transparency
5.0
Mobile Experience
4.9
Key Features
Pay-as-you-go pricing with no subscriptions or monthly fees
Comprehensive screening reports including credit, background, and eviction checks
Advanced income verification that cross-references income with reliable data sources
Identity document verification plus biometric authentication using real-time selfie analysis
Mobile-first design that works seamlessly on any device
Transparent data sources clearly showing where information comes from
Fast turnaround times with reports available in minutes
✓ Pros
No subscription required – perfect for independent landlords
Comprehensive applications with all essential screening elements
Multi-layer verification to help prevent fraud
Clear, transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Excellent mobile experience
✗ Cons
Newer to the market than some competitors
Doesn't include full property management suite
2. RentPrep
RentPrep offers a unique approach to tenant screening with human-verified reports. Their screening specialists manually review information to ensure accuracy, which can be valuable for landlords concerned about automated reporting errors.
4.2
★★★★☆
Overall Rating
Ease of Use
3.9
Report Comprehensiveness
4.3
Pricing Transparency
4.2
Mobile Experience
3.5
Key Features
Human-verified reports with manual review by screening specialists
Tiered screening packages starting at $21 for basic reports
Full credit reports with TransUnion's ResidentScore in premium packages
Nationwide criminal and eviction searches
✓ Pros
Human verification adds accuracy to reports
Multiple package options at different price points
Comprehensive data in premium packages
✗ Cons
Not mobile-first, less optimized for smartphones
Slower turnaround due to manual verification
Basic package lacks credit reports
No integrated property management features
3. Avail
Avail, a property management platform owned by Realtor.com, integrates tenant screening with a suite of tools for landlords. Beyond screening, it offers rent collection, lease agreements, and maintenance tracking—making it ideal for DIY landlords seeking an all-in-one solution.
4.0
★★★★☆
Overall Rating
Ease of Use
4.4
Report Comprehensiveness
4.0
Pricing Transparency
3.5
Mobile Experience
4.1
Key Features
Integrated property management tools including rent collection
Credit, criminal, and eviction reports available for tenant screening
Online rental applications automatically tied to screening
Digital leasing tools with state-specific templates
✓ Pros
All-in-one property management solution
Good user interface
Includes rent collection tools
✗ Cons
Subscription model not ideal for infrequent screening
Premium features require paid plans
Less detailed screening reports than specialized services
4. TurboTenant
TurboTenant is a robust property management platform offering tenant screening powered by TransUnion. In addition to screening, it provides tools for marketing, rental applications, leases, and rent collection—ideal for landlords looking for a comprehensive, free-to-start solution.
4.1
★★★★☆
Overall Rating
Ease of Use
4.3
Report Comprehensiveness
3.9
Pricing Transparency
3.8
Mobile Experience
4.2
Key Features
All-in-one property management with marketing, applications, and rent collection
TransUnion-powered screening with ResidentScore
Income Insights for premium subscribers
Free for landlords with tenant-paid screening fees
✓ Pros
Comprehensive property management tools
Option for tenants to pay screening fees
Good mobile experience
✗ Cons
Less customizable screening packages
Premium features require subscription
Mixed feedback on credit history clarity
Higher screening costs for free users ($55)
Feature Comparison: SmartMove Alternatives
Feature
Clara
SmartMove
RentPrep
Avail
TurboTenant
Pay-per-use Pricing
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Full Credit Report
Yes
Yes
Premium only
Yes
Yes
Criminal Background Check
Yes
Premium only
Yes
Yes
Yes
Eviction History
Yes
Premium only
Yes
Yes
Yes
Income Verification
Yes
Premium only
Add-on
Yes
Premium only
Mobile-First Design
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Tenant Can Pay Fee
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Rent Collection
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No Subscription Required
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
How to Choose the Right Tenant Screening Tool in 2025
Selecting the best tenant screening service depends on your specific needs as a landlord.
Here are the key factors to consider when evaluating SmartMove alternatives:
Screening Comprehensiveness
Get a full picture with bundled reports—credit, criminal, eviction, and income in one.
Pricing Structure
Choose pay-as-you-go or subscriptions based on how often you screen tenants.
User Experience
Use mobile-friendly platforms with simple applications and easy access to reports.
Data Transparency
Trust reports that show where data comes from—credit, criminal, and eviction sources.
Identity Verification
Verify with SSNs and other checks to prevent fraud and confirm applicant identities.
Additional Features
Look for tools like rent collection, maintenance tracking, or full-service platforms.
Why Clara Is the Best SmartMove Alternative for Independent Landlords
After comparing the top tenant screening services, Clara emerges as the ideal solution for independent landlords managing 5-10 properties.
Here's why Clara stands out as the best SmartMove alternative in 2025:
Built for Independent Landlords
Clara was designed specifically for independent landlords who need comprehensive screening without complex property management systems. The intuitive interface works perfectly for landlords managing multiple properties without a large management team.
Transparent, Pay-As-You-Go Pricing
With no subscriptions or hidden fees, Clara offers straightforward pricing that's ideal for landlords who screen tenants infrequently. You only pay when you need to screen, making it more cost-effective than subscription-based alternatives for most independent landlords.
Comprehensive Screening Reports
Clara provides all the essential screening information in one report: full credit history, criminal background checks, eviction records, and identity and income verification. This comprehensive approach gives you a complete picture of prospective tenants without requiring multiple reports or add-ons.
Mobile-First Experience
Clara's platform was built for today's on-the-go landlords, with a mobile-first design that works seamlessly on smartphones and tablets. Review tenant screening reports anywhere, anytime, without being tied to a desktop computer.
Clara's Unique Advantages:
•Data Source Transparency: Clearly shows where information comes from, building trust
•Advanced Fraud Detection: Sophisticated identity checks to prevent application fraud
•Fast Results: Receive full screening reports in minutes, not days
•Fair Housing Compliance: Tools that help ensure consistent, unbiased applicant screening
Ready to screen your next tenant?
Clara includes credit reports, background checks, and income verification in one simple report. No subscriptions, no hidden fees.
Frequently Asked Questions About SmartMove Alternatives
Is SmartMove good for small landlords?
SmartMove can work for small landlords, but it has limitations. While it offers pay-per-screening pricing and tenant-paid options, many independent landlords find the reports lack transparency and the tiered pricing structure confusing. For landlords with 5–10 properties who screen tenants infrequently, alternatives like Clara often provide more comprehensive reports with clearer pricing.
What is the best tenant screening service in 2025?
The best tenant screening service in 2025 depends on your specific needs. For independent landlords managing 5–10 properties, Clara offers the most comprehensive reports with transparent, pay-as-you-go pricing. For landlords needing full property management features, TurboTenant or Avail might be better options. Those wanting human-verified reports might prefer RentPrep, though it comes with slower turnaround times.
How do I choose between RentPrep and Clara?
When choosing between RentPrep and Clara, consider your priorities. Choose RentPrep if you value human verification of records and don't mind slower turnaround times. Choose Clara if you prefer faster results, mobile-friendly reports, and comprehensive screening without add-ons. Clara is typically better for tech-savvy landlords who want immediate results, while RentPrep might appeal to those who prioritize manual verification over speed.
Do tenant screening services require a subscription?
Not all tenant screening services require subscriptions. SmartMove, Clara, and RentPrep offer pay-per-screening options with no subscription required. However, platforms like Avail and TurboTenant include tenant screening as part of subscription-based property management systems. For independent landlords who screen tenants infrequently, pay-as-you-go services like Clara are typically more cost-effective than subscription models.
Can tenants pay for their own screening reports?
Yes, many tenant screening services allow tenants to pay for their own screening reports. Clara, SmartMove, Avail, and TurboTenant all offer options for tenant-paid screening. This approach can save landlords money while still providing comprehensive screening information. When tenants pay, they typically receive an email invitation to complete the screening process and make payment directly through the platform.
Start Your Next Tenant Screening in Minutes
Join thousands of independent landlords who trust Clara for comprehensive, transparent tenant screening.
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