LeasingDesk Resident Screening Frequently Asked Questions

How does the LeasingDesk Resident Screening process work?

LeasingDesk Resident Screening accesses a variety of public databases, including credit information (the best credit bureau—Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion—for each area of the country is selected automatically), non-sufficient funds check data, eviction, rental history, terrorist/fugitive data, sex offender and criminal information (an optional feature). A rental recommendation is determined by LeasingDesk Resident Screening’s complex scoring algorithm, which is designed to fit each site’s unique needs, and returned in less than 15 seconds. Some results may take longer depending on the amount of criminal information requested.

How can LeasingDesk Resident Screening provide a recommendation so quickly without making calls to creditors employers or landlords?

As technology has evolved, so too has the timeliness and quality of resident screening data. With LeasingDesk Resident Screening has online access to credit information from the major credit bureaus. With the information gathered by LeasingDesk Resident Screening, managers avoid the time-consuming and often subjective process of manually verifying rental and employment information.

What are the benefits of using LeasingDesk Resident Screening versus having on-site personnel manually process the applications?

LeasingDesk Resident Screening provides fast, accurate, and consistent rental decisions, reduces operating and opportunity cost, increases revenue from better rental decisions, and reduces fair housing discrimination exposure. Because they are using the most comprehensive source of rental history information in the multifamily industry, your site personnel are free for more productive activities such as renting available units and providing quality customer service to existing residents rather than engaging in time-consuming verifications.

How will LeasingDesk Resident Screening accommodate the unique needs of my portfolio?

LeasingDesk Resident Screening uses a proven empirical engine that provides a single statistically derived score. Score thresholds can be set to meet the unique needs of each apartment community. Additionally, advanced scoring logic can be applied to filter out certain types of credit such as medical collections.

Does the LeasingDesk Resident Screening system comply with fair credit, fair housing, and other applicable laws?

With LeasingDesk Resident Screening, decisions are accurate, consistent, and automated. They’re simple to understand and explain. As a result, your fair housing discrimination exposure is significantly reduced. Furthermore, as a leading credit reporting agency, RealPage’s support staff is trained and ready to meet all of its regulatory obligations outlined in fair credit laws.

What happens when LeasingDesk Resident Screening recommends declining an applicant?

LeasingDesk Resident Screening walks users through the process of declining applicants. It automatically generates “adverse action” letters informing declined applicants of the reasons for the adverse action and makes them aware of their rights under fair credit laws. LeasingDesk Resident Screening offers leasing professionals the ability to print or email these letters. Apartment managers can be confident that any recommendation to decline an applicant is based on scoring parameters that are protected under fair housing and fair credit laws.

What information do I need to perform the criminal and sex offender search?

The full name and date of birth of the applicant are required.

Do I need the applicant’s permission to run a criminal and sex offender search?

The rental application should include language stating that a criminal search will be run. When the applicant signs the application, permission will be granted. Be sure to check with your own attorney to fully understand any local laws or regulations concerning the access and use of criminal records (just to be safe).

Is it possible for my properties and on-site personnel to receive copies of applicants’ credit reports for their records?

Yes. LeasingDesk Resident Screening provides a detailed or summarized credit and information profile at no extra cost. The management company can deactivate this feature if this comprehensive information is not desired.

Will LeasingDesk Resident Screening be available when I need it?

Except for occasional system maintenance, which is scheduled when most apartment leasing offices are not open for business, LeasingDesk Resident Screening is available for use over the internet 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What is the cost of LeasingDesk Resident Screening?

LeasingDesk Resident Screening is generally about 25–40% less expensive than similar web-based resident screening systems. It is available for a flat monthly fee, saving property managers from the hassles associated with budget accuracy and monthly transactional reconciliation.

What software do I need to run LeasingDesk Resident Screening?

LeasingDesk Resident Screening requires Internet access using Microsoft Internet Explorer (version 6.0 or greater) and Windows 2000, Windows NT, or Windows XP. Please see the LeasingDesk Resident Screening technical requirements for more information

Can any size property use this service?

Regardless of the size of your portfolio, LeasingDesk Resident Screening is a cost-effective applicant screening solution for any management company.

Why should I trust the results of LeasingDesk Resident Screening?

RealPage has more than 20 years experience providing apartment managers with accurate and reliable rental recommendations. LeasingDesk Resident Screening uses advanced web-based technology and extensive security protocols to deliver comprehensive real-time information that is accurate, secure, and confidential, helping property managers evaluate leasing applications quickly, efficiently, and accurately.