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What Is the Screening Process? Is the Applicant Involved?
What Is the Screening Process? Is the Applicant Involved?

Credit report, background check and income verification process

Chelsea avatar
Written by Chelsea
Updated this week

The screening process consists of two main reports:

  1. TransUnion Full Credit Report

  2. RentPrep Background Check

These reports can be ordered individually or bundled together for a more comprehensive screening package. Additionally, you can add the Income Verification Report as an optional add-on to any screening. The applicant's involvement varies depending on the report type.

TransUnion Full Credit Report (Standalone or Bundled)

The credit screening always requires applicant authorization and identity verification. An email is sent to the applicant with a secure portal link to complete the process.

Applicant Steps:

  1. Provide Personal Information

    • The applicant enters their full name, date of birth, current address, and SSN/ITIN.

  2. Complete IDMA Verification (Identity and Fraud Prevention)

    • The applicant answers "out of wallet" security questions (e.g., "What was the make of your first car?") to confirm their identity.

  3. Make Payment (If Applicable)

    • If the applicant is responsible for payment, they will be prompted for payment.

Once these steps are completed, the TransUnion credit report is generated and ready to view.

RentPrep Background Check (Standalone or Bundled)

The background check is conducted by FCRA-certified screeners at RentPrep.

Standalone

  • No applicant involvement is required.

  • The landlord provides the applicants name, date of birth, social security number and address during the ordering process.

Bundled:

  • Processing begins after the applicant completes the TransUnion identity verification.

    • No need for the landlord to enter the applicant’s information—it’s automatically pulled from the TransUnion verification process.

Reports are typically completed within an hour during business hours. If there are any delays, a RentPrep Screener will notify you.

Income Verification Report (Add-On Only)

The Income Verification Report requires applicant involvement. The applicant receives an email from incomeverification@payscore.com with a secure link.

Applicant Steps:

  1. Connect

    • The applicant securely logs in to their bank account using their online banking username and password.

  2. Confirm

    • The applicant reviews the verified deposit data before submission.

    • They can add an explanation, but cannot alter the report data.

  3. Share

    • The applicant clicks “Share”, making the report available in the landlords account.

This process takes just a few minutes and ensures verified income data—eliminating the risk of fake pay stubs.

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