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with professionals who can
help interpret report information
or to answer your questions.
855-244-2400 9am - 6pm EST
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Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question for us? We are glad to help.
Please call USREIA at 1-855-244-2400
Q) How long has your organization provided these resources?
A) We have been providing background screening services to landlords, realtors, brokers, property managers, apartment complexes and businesses for over 16 years.
Q) Why do I need to fax a copy of my driver’s license and realtor/broker license or proof of property ownership with the application to become a member?
A) Due to the sensitivity of the information we are sending our members and the rise of identity theft we need both a copy of your Realtor’s license or proof of ownership and a state issued ID (driver's license) on file with your membership application. We do verify prospective member information before accounts are established in accordance with credit bureau compliance.
Q) Why do I need to join the association to pull reports on my prospective tenants?
A) As a member of USREIA you receive consortium pricing that is based on the combined volume of our members. These competitive rates are unavailable to individual organizations. In addition, we provide all of the documentation and compliance required to pull confidential applicant information to protect our members.
Q) Do I need to have the applicant sign the authorization form supplied by USREIA if they have already signed a rental agreement?
A) Every time you run a report on an applicant they must sign the authorization form regardless if the report is processed via fax or online. It is against the law to run a credit check on an applicant without their signed consent. Should an applicant ever dispute a report as being run without their permission this supporting documentation will prove their authorization to release their history.
Signed Applications need to be filed in a secure location such as a locked filing cabinent for five years from time of release.
Q) Why would I need to request the more costly County Criminal Report when I can just request a State or Nationwide Criminal Report?
A) For rural counties and applicants with very common names (i.e. Charlie Brown) we recommend County Criminal checks for the most accurate verification. Some rural counties do not report at the state or national level local prosecutions and minor offenses. In addition common names could create a situation for a false positive, since these checks are run based on the name and address supplied by the applicant.
Q) How do I run reports afterhours and on weekends?
A) We can set you up with a secure online account to submit and pull reports 24/7 at no additional cost. To request online access please call 855-244-2400 or email us at Info@TenantReports.org.
Q) What do I do with the signed original of the authorization form once I have faxed the information or submitted it online to USREIA?
A) All members must file signed authorization forms for 5 years from the date of submittal.
Q) My applicant is claiming discrepancies in their report and would like a copy of the report for their reference; do I need to supply them with a copy?
A) All reports requested through USREIA are for our members to review to make a rental decision or new hire decision only. These reports are NOT available to distribute to the applicant. Applicants can get a free annual credit report through the Fair Credit Reporting Act once a year by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com. At this site they can dispute all discrepencies with the three bureaus and have the ability to make a permenant change to their credit report.
Q) We have an office with multiple agents and would like to work with your association for screening prospective tenants. Is the $10 annual fee applied to each end-user pulling reports and how do we sort who requested reports in our office?
A) The annual membership fee is applied annually to your business not each end-user. In addition, we supply detailed billing on all reports to properly sort and chargeback pulled applications to the requestor. In your membership packet there is an online access form where you can designate multiple authorized users to pull reports under the principal membership number.
Q) How do I qualify for volume discounts on screening products?
A) Volume discounts are available once an account averages 40 or more requests per month. Once your account has been established and your volume level has been assessed we can change your pricing structure based on your volume for all future requests. Once approved your pricing will remain at that pricing structure however these revised rates are not retro-active.
Q) Now that I am a member and I am pulling reports how do I interpret the information to make the right decision on a tenant?
Each situation is unique and whom you decide to select as a tenant is entirely your decision to make. We do include a tutorial in each member packet to help interpret the requested information and we are available to answer any questions you may have on the returned report. In addition we offer Tenant ScoreCard™ which takes into consideration your benchmarks as far as what the minimum requirements are to qualify for your rentals. Once this criteria is established we will then apply a “Pass” or “Fail” rating to each application if requested. Please call 855-244-2400 or email us at info@tenantreports.com to learn more about Tenant ScoreCard™.
Q) I do not want my reports faxed to me; can you just send me the information by email?
A) It is against the law to email reports. If you are looking for an alternative to faxed reports we can mail you the report findings or you can sign-up for online access which will allow you to run reports on your applicants over the web 24/7 with instant results at no additional cost through a credit bureau certified secure site. Please request an online access form by calling 855-244-2400 or email info@tenantreports.org. Please be sure to reference your member ID # when requesting online access.
Q) I want to view specific credit report information but all I am getting is a pass or fail?
A) In order to view full report data you must comply with bureau standards of compliance by having an onsite inspection of your office which can be scheduled with an approved inspector. Please call 855-244-2400 for more information.
Q) I like your available screening packages, can I mix or match my own services?
A) Yes you can! Build your own custom package and we will apply a bundle discount. This can be done over the phone and added to your online account the same day. Please give us a call at 855-244-2400 to set up your own custom package.