Does RentSpree do a hard or soft credit check?
RentSpree uses a soft credit inquiry, which means it does not affect the tenant's credit score. This makes it more tenant-friendly than some competing platforms that run hard pulls.
Finding a reliable tenant starts with the right screening process. RentSpree is one of the most widely used tenant screening platforms available today — but is it the right tool for your rental business?
This guide breaks down exactly how RentSpree tenant screening works, what reports you'll receive, how much it costs, and where it falls short so you can make an informed decision.
RentSpree is an online rental management platform that offers tenant screening, rental applications, lease signing, and listing syndication tools for landlords and real estate agents.
Its tenant screening service is powered by TransUnion, one of the three major credit bureaus in the US, which means the credit data landlords receive is reliable and up to date.
RentSpree is particularly popular among real estate agents because of its MLS integration — it connects directly with major MLS platforms to streamline the application process for listed properties.
The process starts when a landlord or agent sends a screening invite to a prospective tenant. The tenant receives a link and completes the application on their end.
RentSpree's screening fee is paid by the tenant — not the landlord. This makes it cost-free for property owners to run background checks. The tenant pays $30 to $35 depending on the screening package selected.
Once the tenant submits, the landlord gets immediate access to a full screening report through their RentSpree dashboard.
RentSpree provides a comprehensive screening package that covers the most important areas landlords need to evaluate:
Powered by TransUnion, the credit report shows a tenant's full credit history including payment behavior, outstanding debts, collections, and credit score. This is one of the strongest indicators of whether a tenant will pay rent on time.
RentSpree runs a nationwide criminal background check that covers felonies, misdemeanors, and sex offender registry searches. Coverage spans all 50 states.
The eviction report searches court records for prior eviction filings. This is especially important for landlords who want to avoid tenants with a history of non-payment or lease violations.
In addition to the screening reports, RentSpree collects a detailed rental application including employment history, rental references, and contact information — giving landlords a full picture of each applicant.
One of RentSpree's biggest advantages is its pricing structure — landlords pay nothing for screening.
For Landlords:
For Tenants:
Note: Pricing may change. Always verify current rates at rentspree.com before sharing with tenants.
Despite its strengths, RentSpree has some notable limitations that landlords should be aware of:
RentSpree does not offer verified income or identity verification as a core feature. Tenants can self-report income on the application, but there's no built-in integration to cross-check pay stubs, bank statements, or government IDs. This is a meaningful gap — especially for landlords screening high-income requirements.
RentSpree is primarily a screening and application platform. If you're looking for rent collection, maintenance tracking, or financial reporting, you'll need a separate tool.
User reviews frequently mention slow response times and difficulty reaching support when issues arise — something to keep in mind if you need quick resolution during a screening.
While RentSpree has improved its interface over the years, some landlords — particularly those less comfortable with technology — find the platform less intuitive than competitors.
RentSpree is a solid choice if you're looking for a free, reliable screening platform backed by TransUnion data. It covers the essentials — credit, criminal, and eviction checks — without charging landlords a monthly fee.
However, if income verification and identity confirmation are important parts of your screening criteria, you may want to consider platforms that offer more robust verification integrations.
For landlords who want a more complete picture of a prospective tenant — including verified income via Plaid and identity checks — it's worth comparing RentSpree against tools that bundle these features into the screening workflow.
Want more screening options to compare?
See our breakdown of the best RentSpree alternatives.
RentSpree is a dependable tenant screening platform that gets the core job done — credit checks, background reports, and eviction history — at no cost to landlords. Its MLS integration makes it especially useful for real estate agents managing listed properties.
That said, the lack of verified income and identity tools means it works best as part of a broader screening process rather than a standalone solution. Pair it with your own income verification steps to get the most complete picture of each applicant.
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