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Frequently Asked Questions

Understand the details.

Tenant Screening FAQ’s

Why do I need to set up a property first?

Setting up a property takes users, on average, a minute and allows Rent Marketplace to return more specific and actionable information.  For example, when a background check is run, we are able to provide a custom rental recommendation based upon the applicant acceptance standards you establish for that property.  Similarly, your rental application can be configured for a specific property, such as whether you allow pets, and how many.

How does the screening process work?

The Landlord first initiates the screening process by sending a “Screening Request” email to the rental prospect.

The prospect receives this email, and in accepting the screening request, authorizes the release of his/her credit, criminal and eviction record information to the landlord.  The prospective renter then completes an online identity quiz to authenticate.  In this manner, no personal identifying information such as a Social Security number is released to the landlord.

The landlord receives credit, criminal and eviction history information and a leasing recommendation within seconds of the prospect completing the above steps.

How long does the entire renter screening process take?

Results are instant after the applicant has confirmed his/her screening request and passed the online identity authentication. The only delays are due to either party not completing one or more steps throughout the process.

What if my applicants do not have a Social Security number?

At this time, we can only process background checks for renters who have a valid U.S. Social Security number. Please contact the landlord to discuss how he or she wishes to proceed with the application process.

As an applicant, will getting my credit checked impact my credit score?

No. Since the rental applicant initiates the release of his or her own data, the resulting inquiry is considered a “soft inquiry,” which does not impact his or her credit score.

Who has access to my credit and/or criminal record information?

Only those landlords to whom the renter grants permission will have access to the renter’s credit, criminal and eviction record information.

What specifically does a landlord see and what don’t they see?

Landlords are provided with a leasing recommendation based on factors related to a potential tenant’s ability to fulfill lease obligations. In addition, we offer landlords the option to view a renter’s credit, criminal background, and eviction data. However, none of these services affect the renter’s credit score and they do not include personal identifying information such as their Social Security number or account numbers.

Why must the applicants complete an online Identity Authentication quiz?

To verify his/her identity online to ensure the process is secure. This helps prevent fraudulent access to consumer data.

What type of questions are applicants asked?

Potential renters will be presented with three to four questions.  These questions may be derived from the consumer’s credit report and/or demographic information, and will vary by renter.. The following are some examples of questions:

  • In what county do you live in?
  • Which zip code has ever been part of your address?

 

As an applicant, what if I don’t have any established credit and I’m not being presented with questions. How do I proceed with the Identity Verification?

You can call 866-775-0961 for assistance with completing the verification over the phone or you can manually send in documentation.

 

As an applicant, will I be able to complete this process if I have a Security Freeze on my credit?

No, you will not be able to complete this process until you manually request a temporary security freeze lift or permanent removal of any freeze in place with TransUnion. We cannot release your credit information until a security freeze has been at least temporarily lifted.

How do I remove a Security Freeze with TransUnion?

 

Call the TU Security Freeze line at 888-909-8872 or access the TU Security Freeze Page at http://www.transunion.com/personal-credit/credit-disputes/credit-freezes.page#6. When calling, you will be presented with two options:

  1. Third Party Lift
  2. Global Lift

Select global lift and be ready with your SSN, DOB, Security Freeze PIN, lift type, start/end dates and the payment method to be used to pay the fee if applicable. It can take up to 15 minutes to lift the freeze.

How long does a landlord have access to applicant background and credit information?

The landlord has access to the applicant’s credit and criminal record information for 60 days.

How does an applicant dispute inaccurate information on credit reports?

If a consumer would like to dispute any incorrect or inaccurate information contained in the report, he/she can contact TransUnion Customer Support at 866.775.0961 or TransUnion directly at 800-916-8800.

A dispute can also be filed by mail:
TransUnion Consumer Solutions
PO BOX 2000
Chester, PA. 19022

A dispute may take up to 30 days to investigate whether the information reported is accurate.

When is a charge incurred?

The background fee charge is incurred when the renter initiates the background request and their information is sent to TransUnion.  At this point, TransUnion charges for the background request.  Renters who cannot pass the identity authorization or who abandon the process are still charged as the record has been initiated and opened.  

Who do I contact about a refund?

Please contact Rent Marketplace Customer Support at 888-973-0971. We will issue the credit within 24 hours. The purchaser’s bank may take up to seven business days to reflect the refund in the online summary of the credit card.

What browsers and mobile devices are recommended and supported?
  • IE10 & Up
  • Safari 7 & Up (Desktop)
  • Chrome 40 & Up
  • Firefox 34 & Up
  • iPhone 5S & Up (iOS 8)
  • Samsung Galaxy S3 & Up (Jelly Bean, Kit-Kat & Lollipop OS)
  • iPad 3 & Up (iOS 8)

Lease Document FAQ’s

How are the leases drafted?

The leases are drafted and reviewed by legal practitioners and lawyers with several years of landlord tenant experience.  

How is the lease configured for my specific state and circumstance?

Each lease is specific to the state the rental property resides in.  We start with a foundational state-specific proprietary lease and overlay on top of that questions that you, as the landlord, can answer to configure the lease to your specific needs.  On top of that, you can create and insert your own clause(s), if desired, for particularly unique situations.

What are some of the ways I can configure my lease?

There are two categories of lease configuration questions we ask that result in a lease template configured just for your property:

  1. General questions that would apply to the majority of landlords:  For example, do you want to allow a month-to-month term upon initial expiration of the original term, who pays for utilities, whether you require renters insurance, and so on
  2. State-specific questions:  States have their own landlord tenant statutes, and we help you stay compliant with these questions.  For example, in Georgia, a landlord is required to disclose if a property has flooded more than 3 times in the past 5 years.  
How do I populate my lease?

We help enable any process you want!

If you’ve used Rent Marketplace start to finish, much of the information is already pulled in from the account creation or application process. Where additional information is necessary, we prompt you for it and populate the lease to complete it for preview and signature. This information is saved for your lease renewal or the next time you want to generate a lease for this property.

If you haven’t used Rent Marketplace start to finish, you can print the lease or type all the fields in for a paperless process.  

What if I have a really unique clause that I like to add into my leases?

No problem. You can preview your lease at any time and add in special clauses that have not yet been covered at the end of the lease configuration process. Simply type in the verbiage that you want presented, as you want it presented.  

For example, one client provides lawn and gardening tools to the renters to help maintain the yard.  The landlord created specific verbiage that those tools are property of the landlord’s and should remain at the premises at the end of the lease.  This suits the landlord and tenant’s specific needs for that property, but is not likely to be relevant to most leases.  

Do I have to use e-sign?

No.  If you want to print and float the lease for wet signatures, you can do that too.  No extra charge one way or the other.

E-Signature allows for easy and legal document signature, plus it captures meta-data like timestamps, IP addresses and so forth. Additionally, then the final legally binding document is available for both you and your renters in your respective Documents folder.  No more awkward looking up the lease or having your renters ask you to send the lease.  

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