TransUnion SmartMove

What TransUnion SmartMove is

TransUnion SmartMove is an online tenant screening service for independent property owners and rental applicants. Depending on the package, screening reports cover criminal background, credit, eviction, income insights, and identity information. SmartCheck Basic and Background Check Basic each cost $25 per screening; SmartCheck Plus costs $40 per screening; SmartCheck Premium costs $49 per screening, plus tax where applicable. There is no subscription: the property owner pays per use or, where permitted, passes the cost to the applicant. If the tenant pays, only the top screening level can be selected. Applicants receive an email, verify their identity, and authorize screening before reports are delivered. Most reports arrive the same day after identity verification. A credit report generates a soft inquiry that does not affect the applicant’s credit score. ResidentScore is a screening score that TransUnion says predicts eviction risk 15% better than traditional credit scores. Laws may restrict which criminal or eviction records are available in some jurisdictions. SmartMove is described as suited to smaller property management groups and independent rental owners who do not need frequent screening.

Who it suits

SmartMove suits independent rental owners and smaller property management groups that screen tenants occasionally. Applicants who want to authorize screening online are also part of its intended audience.

Limits

SmartCheck Basic and Background Check Basic include ResidentScore and criminal background checks. If the tenant pays, only the top screening level is available; plus tax may apply. Laws may limit criminal or eviction records returned in some jurisdictions.

Getting started

1. Visit the SmartMove website.
2. Choose a screening package and review its per-screening price.
3. Arrange payment by the property owner or, where permitted, pass the cost to the applicant.
4. Have the applicant verify their identity and authorize screening after receiving the email.

Verdict

SmartMove offers per-use screening with packages ranging from basic background checks to reports that include credit, eviction, income insights, and identity. Consider the tenant-payment restriction and local record limits when choosing how to screen.