Renting in Philadelphia can be rewarding, but it comes with risks. Whether you’re a landlord managing one property or several, screening tenants is not just a step—it’s the backbone of smart property management. Using the right Philadelphia tenant screening services: platforms & pricing ensures peace of mind, reduces costly evictions, and protects your rental investments.
Why Tenant Screening Is Critical in Philadelphia
Philadelphia has a unique rental market. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 48% of the city’s population are renters. That’s a high ratio compared to the national average. With such a renter-heavy population, landlords face both opportunity and risk.
Tenant screening helps landlords:
- Prevent income loss due to non-payment.
- Avoid property damage from irresponsible tenants.
- Reduce tenant turnover.
- Ensure safety and community standards.
A 2023 TransUnion Rental Screening report revealed that property managers who used tenant screening tools reported a 50% lower eviction rate. It’s not just about background checks—it’s about making data-backed decisions.
What to Look for in a Tenant Screening Platform
When evaluating Philadelphia tenant screening services: platforms & pricing, landlords should consider:
- Credit Checks – Does the platform offer a comprehensive credit history with FICO scores?
- Criminal & Eviction Reports – Can you access national and local criminal records and eviction history?
- Rental History Verification – Is there a process to verify past landlord experiences?
- Income & Employment Verification – Are current income and employment statuses verified?
- Pricing Structure – Is it pay-per-report, subscription-based, or tenant-paid?
Not all platforms offer these equally. And price doesn’t always reflect quality.
Top Platforms for Philadelphia Tenant Screening in 2025
Here’s a breakdown of the most trusted platforms offering Philadelphia tenant screening services: platforms & pricing:
1. TenantCloud
- Price: $25 – $55 per screening package
- Features: Credit check, criminal history, eviction reports, and income insights.
- Pros: Affordable, intuitive dashboard, integrates with rental listings.
- Cons: Limited local court data in some PA counties.
TenantCloud appeals to small landlords who need an all-in-one rental management tool. Their customizable reports are excellent for local rentals.
2. TransUnion SmartMove
- Price: $40 per screening, tenant-paid option available
- Features: Full credit report, income insights, eviction, and criminal background checks.
- Pros: Backed by TransUnion’s data, trustworthy, easy setup.
- Cons: No custom add-ons.
SmartMove is widely used by Philadelphia landlords because of its solid data and seamless tenant invitation feature. According to Forbes Home, it’s ranked among the most accurate tenant screening services in 2024.
3. RentPrep
- Price: $21 to $40 per report (add-ons available)
- Features: Background check, address history, SSN verification, manual checks.
- Pros: Human-reviewed reports, no membership required.
- Cons: Credit report not included in basic plan.
RentPrep offers personalized service. It’s ideal for landlords who want a real person verifying records instead of relying on automated systems.
4. MyRental (by CoreLogic)
- Price: $19.99 to $39.99
- Features: Credit report, criminal search, eviction check, leasing recommendation.
- Pros: Deep database access, nationwide data.
- Cons: Interface feels outdated.
MyRental provides layered reports. Its leasing recommendation tool can be valuable when comparing applicants.
5. TurboTenant
- Price: Free for landlords, $55 tenant-paid fee
- Features: Full credit, criminal, eviction checks
- Pros: Cost-effective for landlords, built-in rental marketing
- Cons: No customization of screening package
TurboTenant is favored by first-time landlords. The hands-off approach—where tenants pay—lowers entry barriers. Discover When is the Best Time to Sell Your House?
Cost Comparison: What You Should Expect to Pay
Philadelphia tenant screening services: platforms & pricing vary depending on the level of detail and the payer. Here’s a pricing snapshot:
| Platform | Landlord Pays | Tenant Pays | Credit Check | Eviction History | Income Verification |
| TenantCloud | Yes | Optional | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SmartMove | Optional | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| RentPrep | Yes | No | Add-on | Yes | Manual Option |
| MyRental | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| TurboTenant | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
As you can see, tenant-paid models help minimize landlord costs. However, this may deter some applicants who aren’t comfortable covering screening fees upfront.
Legal Considerations in Philadelphia
Philadelphia follows both Pennsylvania state and local rental laws. It’s critical that landlords stay compliant. The Philadelphia Fair Housing Commission enforces laws that protect renters from discrimination.
For example:
- Screening practices must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
- You cannot reject tenants based solely on arrest records.
- Landlords must follow Philadelphia’s “Good Cause Eviction” ordinance if considering evictions.
Using a platform that understands local regulations ensures you don’t accidentally break the law.
Real-World Insight: How Landlords Are Winning
Consider James, a West Philadelphia landlord with 12 units. Before using screening platforms, he dealt with three evictions in two years, each costing over $4,000. After switching to RentPrep and SmartMove, he hasn’t had an eviction since 2022.
Similarly, Maya, a South Philly property manager, uses TurboTenant. She appreciates the hands-off setup and tenant-pay model. While she gets fewer applicants, quality and payment consistency have improved dramatically.
Data shows that effective screening directly correlates with rent reliability. The more thorough your process, the fewer surprises down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tenant screening legal in Philadelphia?
Yes, but landlords must follow local and federal fair housing laws. Always get written consent before screening.
Can I pass screening costs to tenants?
Yes. Platforms like SmartMove and TurboTenant allow tenant-paid options, but disclose it upfront.
What is the best free screening service?
TurboTenant offers a free landlord option, but charges tenants. For no-cost landlord tools, it’s top-rated.
How long does a tenant screening report take?
Most platforms deliver instant or same-day reports. Manual checks, like with RentPrep, may take 1-2 days.
What’s included in a full tenant screening?
A full report includes credit history, criminal background, eviction records, and income/employment checks.
Can I customize screening criteria?
Some platforms allow custom filters or recommendations. SmartMove, for instance, offers an “Income Insights” tool.
Is it worth paying more for premium reports?
Yes, especially if managing multiple units. Avoiding one bad tenant can save thousands.
Final Thought
Philadelphia’s rental market continues to grow, making tenant screening more essential than ever. Choosing the right Philadelphia tenant screening services: platforms & pricing is a decision that affects your income, property, and peace of mind. From budget-friendly solutions to premium packages, there’s an option for every landlord.
The key is to align your choice with your management style, tenant expectations, and local compliance. With the right platform and insights, you’ll attract better tenants, reduce risk, and grow your rental business confidently.
