Overall Summary
Screenshot of TransUnion Smartmove
SmartMove is designed specifically for independent landlords and small property managers. Tenants complete the application themselves (you send a link), pay the screening fee directly to TransUnion (so you stay FCRA-compliant and avoid handling sensitive data), and you receive a clear, easy-to-read report in minutes. It’s widely trusted because it pulls directly from TransUnion’s massive database and uses ResidentScore, which TransUnion claims is 15% more predictive of rental eviction risk than traditional credit scores.
Pricing
- Income Insights: $25–$28 per applicant
- Credit + Criminal Background: $38–$40 per applicant
- Full SmartMove (Credit, Criminal, Eviction History + ResidentScore): $40–$47 per applicant Applicants pay the fee (not the landlord). Landlords pay nothing unless you use the “Landlord Pays” option (rarely needed).
Feature Highlights
- Full TransUnion credit report (with score)
- ResidentScore (specialized rental score)
- Nationwide criminal search (370M+ records) + sex offender registry
- National eviction history report
- No SSN required in many cases (uses name/address matching)
- Applicant pays the fee and enters their own info (keeps you compliant)
- Instant recommendations (Approve / Conditional / Decline)
- Mobile-friendly applicant experience
- Reports delivered in minutes
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Trusted big-three credit bureau data
- ResidentScore is proven to predict eviction risk better than FICO
- Applicants pay — no cost to landlord
- No site inspection or membership required
- Extremely fast turnaround (often under 5 minutes)
- Clear, landlord-friendly report format with decision recommendations
- Excellent customer support for landlords
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than some budget screening services
- No built-in rental application (you still need a lease/application form first)
- Some applicants dislike paying the fee upfront (though most expect it now)
- Criminal records can occasionally pull false positives (common to all background checks)
