E-Renter Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the questions people most often ask about E-Renter tenant and employee screening services are listed below. Click on a question to see the answer. If you have other questions, please feel free to contact us. We're always happy to help!
The E-Renter Web Site
Getting Started
- How can I screen tenants if I don't meet the new Credit Bureau requirements?
- How do I know which account I should have, or for which account I qualify?
- Will I need an on-site inspection if I have an Individual Account?
- What services do you offer to a tenant-screening or property management company?
- How does the Tenant Screening service for Individual Landlords work?
- Can I see a sample report before I sign up?
- How do I use your service?
- Is there a membership fee when I sign up for your service?
Kinds of Screening Information Available
- Can I see my tenant's full credit report?
- What does the Tenant Credit Check for Individual Landlords include?
- What does a Tenant Background Check include?
- What is included in an Evictions Report?
- What is included in the Criminal Report?
- Why does the Criminal Report I received show information on multiple people?
The Screening Process
- What happens after I place an order with E-Renter for a Tenant Credit and Background Check?
- What is the tenant's consent, and how do I provide that to you?
- How does paperless tenant consent work, and what is the advantage?
- How quickly can I get my reports after I place an order?
- When I make a payment with my credit card, I'm asked for the Security Code. What is that?
Credit Report Specifics
E-Renter Hours and Contact Information
The E-Renter Web Site:
Q: Your website has changed, has your service changed also?
A: We have recently added new services! Of particular note is our new Rent Check Advisor, which will provide you with a fast recommendation as to whether or not you should accept checks from your tenant. We have also added the ability for you to pay for your report with your PayPal account.
A: Yes, this website is secured with a 256-bit SSL Web Server Certificate. All information you provide, and payments you make, are encrypted by this certificate. We are also scanned daily by McAfee Secure to guard against hackers and other server intrusions. We cannot guarantee privacy and security on the user's end. Please do not enter sensitive information from a public computer or public location (such as using a cell phone at the grocery store). We also highly recommend performing virus scans on your computer before typing in Social Security numbers or credit card information. Many excellent virus scanners are available for download for free.
Getting Started
Q: How can I screen tenants if I don't meet the new Credit Bureau regulations?
A: By using E-Renter's Patent Pending Process, you will still be able to confirm that an applicant meets your credit requirements (based on their credit report). Please note that you will not receive an actual copy of the credit report or the actual credit score. You will receive a Tenant Background Check Report (view samples).
Q: How do I know which account I should have, or for which account I qualify?
A: To qualify for a Commercial Account you must meet the requirements listed below, and have an on-site inspection:If you meet all of those requirements, you can apply for an E-Renter Commercial Account. Before E-Renter can provide a Commercial Account to you, we are required to perform an on-site inspection of your business office.
- Your business must include tenant screening activities
- You must have a business license
- You must have a publicly-listed business telephone line
- You must have a business checking account
- You must have a separate and secure business office
Q: Will I need an on-site inspection if I have an Individual Account?
A: No, as an individual landlord, an on-site inspection is not required to use our Patent Pending Process to screen your tenant. If you qualify for our E-Renter Commercial Account, the requirements are different.
Q: What services do you offer to a tenant-screening or property management company?
A: We have many services to meet your needs with an E-Renter Commercial Account. You get instant 24/7 access to full credit reports, as well as many other reports, through E-Renter. We also offer customized report solutions and discount pricing.
Q: How does the Tenant Screening service for Individual Landlords work?
A: The E-Renter Tenant Screening service has been designed especially for Individual Landlords to be able to screen tenants based on a minimum credit criteria (or grade) that you choose for each property. Your choice of credit grade is based on a system which includes the applicant's FICO score, bankruptcies, judgments, and collections. We also offer several other screening tools, including eviction records, criminal records, Social Security number validation, OFAC/Patriot Search, and liens.
Q: Can I see a sample report before I sign up?
A: Of course: you'll find links to sample reports from the Services & Samples section of this web site. Also, please feel free to email or call with your questions. We're happy to help.
A: Getting started with E-Renter is simple:
- Start by signing up for a free E-Renter account
- Enter your property data
- Choose the type of reports you want to receive
- Place your first order
Q: Is there a membership fee when I sign up for your service?
A: No. E-Renter has no membership fee, no registration fee, and no monthly or yearly fees. You pay only for the reports you order.
Kinds of Screening Information Available
Q: Can I see my tenant's full credit report?
A: There were changes to our services based on changes in credit bureau regulations effective January 1, 2007. At that time, the Credit Bureau guidelines changed and if you are an individual landlord, you probably cannot obtain full copies of credit reports or credit scores any longer. (For detailed information, view TenantScreeningBlog.com.) However, we DO offer a credit check that allows us to tell you if a tenant meets or exceeds credit criteria that you choose.
Q: What does the Tenant Credit Check for Individual Landlords include?
A: The Tenant Credit Check will show either a congratulatory message if your tenant has met or exceeded the credit criteria you chose when placing your order, or will simply indicate the credit check was completed. The credit check is based on (but does not include) the applicant's credit score, number of collections, number of judgments, and more.
Q: What does a Tenant Background Check include?
A: Depending on the level of report you choose, an E-Renter Tenant Background Check includes information about:Please note that not all information is available in all states; click this link for information.
- Bankruptcies
- Evictions
- Criminal records
- Sex offender records
- Social Security Number Validation
- OFAC/Patriot Searches
- Liens
- Judgments
- Previous addresses
- Identity check (including Social Security Death Index)
Q: What is included in an Evictions Report?
A: The E-Renter Evictions Report includes all court-reported evictions for all 50 states, and the information is based on first name and last name. A more complete report is available using variations of the name.
Q: What is included in the Criminal Report?
A: An E-Renter Criminal Report includes felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and incarcerations. The information in a Criminal Report comes from State records, Court records, and Departments of Correction records. Searches are made using first name, last name, and date of birth.
Please note that not all information is available in all areas; click this link for information.
Q: Why does the Criminal Report I received show information on multiple people?
A: The criminal searches that make up an E-Renter Criminal Report come from county court house level throughout the country and use first name, last name, and date of birth. Information will sometimes appear on the Criminal Report that is for a person other than your applying tenant if the names are the same.
The Screening Process
Q: What happens after I place an order with E-Renter for a Tenant Credit and Background Check?
A: The E-Renter order process is very easy, and you get results fast. For a look at the steps in the process for Individual Accounts, please read E-Renter's Simple Tenant Screening Process. A Commercial Account has direct 24/7 access to all reports.
Q: What is the tenant's consent, and how do I provide that to you?
A: Tenant consent is required by law, so that individuals are more involved when their personal information is released. There is usually a tenant consent on printed rental applications. You should be sure that the consent mentions the release of their information. You can give E-Renter the tenant consent in one of three ways:
- Fax it
- Scan and email it as an attachment
- Paperless (see more information about paperless tenant consent below)
Q: How does paperless tenant consent work, and what is the advantage?
A: By completing a few extra steps when you sign up for E-Renter services, you'll save time and effort because you won't have to fax or scan tenant consents. You'll also receive your results more quickly, because we won't be waiting to receive the faxed or emailed tenant consents. To sign up, just follow these easy steps when you place an order (all future orders will also be eligible for paperless consent):
- Complete an online form providing more of your information, so that we can verify your identity.
- Agree to keep tenant consents in your file for 5 years.
Q: How quickly can I get my reports after I place an order?
A: E-Renter offers one-hour service during our business hours (Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm Pacific time). Evenings and weekends, we provide same-day service for all reports other than the Tenant Credit Check. That portion will appear immediately following your tenant's application online.
Q: When I make a payment with my credit card, I'm asked for the Security Code. What is that?
A: On a MasterCard or Visa, the 3-digit Security Code shows on the back of the card, usually at the end (or near) the signature line. On an American Express card, it is a 4-digit number on the front of the card (separate from the card number itself).
Credit Report Specifics
A: FCRA is the Fair Credit Reporting Act. It is Federal law regulating the collection, use, and distribution of consumer credit information. FCRA was enacted in 1970, and substantially amended in the late 1990s and in 2003, and forms the basis for all consumer credit rights. The law is intended to ensure privacy and accuracy of credit reports. FCRA regulates activities by consumer reporting agencies, by any person or company providing information to those consumer reporting agencies, and by any person or company using the information for credit, employment, or insurance purposes. FCRA also provides consumers the right to periodically review and have errors corrected in their credit records. The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 allows consumers to have easier access to view their reports and dispute incorrect items.
Q: How do I get my own credit report?
A: You can get a copy of your own credit report, free of charge, by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com or calling 1.877.322.8228.
E-Renter Hours and Contact Information
A: Our business hours are Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm Pacific Time.
A: You can phone us at 1.877.332.0078 (toll-free) or 1.360.332.0078. Our fax numbers are 1.866.614.1444 or 1.360.933.8928. You may also .