I know this topic has been addressed several times, so I’ll try to make my question more specific.
As a small landlord, I’ve been using “First Advantage SafeRent” for my background checks. (Actually they bought out the company I was using in the northeast.) They provide a combo eviction, credit, and criminal check. I’ve been generally happy with them. I just received a notice that for all smaller landlords there will be a change to the way the background checks are done. They indicated the change had something to do with new requirements/restrictions by the credit bureaus.
Anyway, it seems that I’d still be getting a good background check (from what I can tell), but the price has gone up.
Now the annual subscription price is $59.99 (it will be lower in the first year b/c I’m an existing customer), and a charge of $30-$40 + for each background check - they offer different “packages” which include different options/checks that they can run.
Anyway, these costs seem high. I don’t want to lose money every time I do a check, but I don’t want to charge excessively high app. fees for lower income applicants. (I currently charge $25.) I would simply lose applicants.
What service do some of you use? What’s the cost? Are you happy with report you’re provided?
Thanks.