The screening process consists of two main reports:
TransUnion Full Credit Report
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 and Employment Verification Report as an optional add-on to any screening. The applicant's involvement varies depending on the report type.
The $49 Complete Background Check Package is a comprehensive option that includes both credit and criminal background checks, requiring direct applicant participation for identity verification.
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. Communications to the applicant are sent from the email address hello@tenant.stessa.com, providing a secure portal link. After entering their personal information, if the applicant receives a "manual verification required" message during the screening process, they need to call TransUnion at 833-458-6338 for phone verification before proceeding.
Applicant Steps:
Provide Personal Information
The applicant enters their full name, date of birth, current address, and SSN/ITIN.
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.
Make Payment (If Applicable)
If the applicant is responsible for payment, they will be prompted for payment.
Receive Confirmation Email - Once identity verification is successful, the applicant receives a confirmation email validating the process has been completed.
Once these steps are completed, the TransUnion credit report is generated and ready to view. If the applicant encounters a manual verification message, they must call TransUnion and follow the steps to verify their identity as outlined above.
RentPrep Background Check (Standalone or Bundled)
The background check is conducted by FCRA-certified screeners at RentPrep. These screeners manually compile the RentPrep Background Check, ensuring the accuracy and compliance of the report.
Standalone
No applicant involvement is required.
Completed within 1-2 business hours.
The landlord provides the applicants name, date of birth, social security number and address during the ordering process.
Bundled:
The Screening Team will not begin processing until the applicant has completed their identity verification for the TransUnion Credit Report.
Completed within 1-2 business hours once applicants have verified their identity.
No need for the landlord to enter the applicant’s information—it’s automatically pulled from the TransUnion verification process.
Income Verification Report (Add-On Only)
The Income Verification Report requires applicant involvement. The applicant will complete this process through Stessa's Resident Portal.
Applicant Steps:
Connect
The applicant securely logs in to their bank account using their online banking username and password.
Confirm
The applicant chooses which accounts they would like to connect (Checking, Savings, etc)
Submit
The applicant clicks Submits, 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.
Employment Verification Report (Add-On Only Available with Income Verification)
The Employment Verification Report requires applicant involvement. The applicant will complete this process through Stessa's Resident Portal.
Applicant Steps:
Connect
The applicant securely logs in to their payroll account using their payroll or HR system username and password.
Confirm
The applicant confirms the account they would like to connect.
Submit
The applicant clicks Submits, making the report available in the landlords account.
This process takes just a few minutes and ensures verified employment data—eliminating the risk of fake pay stubs.
Note: If the applicant cannot connect their bank account or payroll/HR system account, they will be prompted to upload paystubs and/or W2s. These documents will go through an authenticity scan for fraud detection and you will be provided with an authenticity summary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a background screening take?
Background Check Only: Typically completed within 1-2 business hours.
Combined Credit Report + Background Check: Depends on the applicant's speed of submitting their personal information and verifying their identity, with the background check completed within 1-2 business hours afterward.