The Best 8 Tenant Screening Tools for Chicago Landlords in 2025

In the dynamic Chicago rental market, protecting your investment is paramount. With eviction costs averaging $3,500 and the process often taking 3-4 months, skipping thorough tenant screening is simply not an option. Chicago's complex tenant laws and extensive documentation requirements make a robust screening process not just beneficial, but absolutely necessary. Whether you’re a first-time landlord or managing multiple properties, having a reliable tenant screening program—or even using two complementary ones—can save you time, money, and stress. Below is an in-depth analysis of the top tenant screening tools for landlords in 2025 to help you find the best fit for your needs.

In-Depth Analysis of Tenant Screening Tools

Stessa

Stessa is a comprehensive property management platform that integrates tenant screening into its suite of financial tracking and reporting tools. Designed for landlords who want an all-in-one solution, Stessa simplifies the process of managing properties while ensuring you have access to essential tenant data. This is my top choice because its the program I personally use for my rentals. 

• Main Points

1. Integrated with property management and financial tracking tools.
2. Offers credit reports, criminal background checks, and eviction history.
3. Pricing: $30-$40 per applicant. 

• Pros: All-in-one solution for property management and screening; excellent for landlords managing multiple properties.
• Cons: May be more robust than necessary for landlords with only one or two properties.

Baselane

Baselane stands out as a cutting-edge tenant screening tool with advanced fraud protection features. It’s particularly appealing to landlords who prioritize security and want detailed insights into potential tenants. Its three-way ID verification using government-issued IDs and facial recognition ensures that applicants are who they claim to be.

• Main Points

1. Advanced fraud protection with three-way ID verification.
2. Full Equifax credit reports with payment history.
3. Criminal background checks and eviction history.
4. Free for landlords; tenants pay a lower fee compared to other platforms.

• Pros: Strong fraud prevention tools, comprehensive reports, fast turnaround times.
• Cons: Newer platform with a shorter track record compared to established competitors.

TurboTenant

TurboTenant is an all-in-one platform designed for independent landlords. It combines tenant screening with property management features like lease agreements, rental advertising, and online rent collection. TurboTenant’s user-friendly interface makes it ideal for landlords who want simplicity without sacrificing functionality.

• Main Points

1. Credit reports, criminal background checks, eviction records, and income verification.
2. Rental advertising, lease agreements, and online rent collection.
3. Pricing: Free for landlords; tenants pay $45-$55 per screening. Premium plan available at $149/year.

• Pros: User-friendly platform; combines tenant screening with property management tools.
• Cons: Higher tenant fees may deter some applicants.

TransUnion SmartMove

SmartMove by TransUnion leverages the credibility of one of the largest credit bureaus in the U.S. It provides unique features like ResidentScore®, which assesses rental-specific risk factors. This tool is perfect for landlords who want reliable data backed by a trusted name in credit reporting.

• Main Points

1. ResidentScore®, credit reports, criminal background checks, eviction records, and income insights.
2. Identity verification and leasing recommendations tailored to your property.
3. Pricing: Basic plans start at $25; Premium plans cost up to $47 per screening.

• Pros: Reliable data from a major credit bureau; tailored leasing recommendations.
• Cons: Higher-end pricing for premium reports.

RentPrep

RentPrep offers flexible screening options tailored to landlords’ needs. Unlike fully automated platforms, RentPrep employs FCRA-certified screeners to manually review applications for added accuracy. This human touch makes it ideal for landlords who want detailed insights.

• Main Points

1. Nationwide criminal background checks, evictions, bankruptcies, and liens.
2. Bulk pricing discounts for landlords managing multiple properties.
3. Landlord-paid or tenant-paid options available.
4. Pricing: Basic reports start at $21; full reports cost $38.

• Pros: Customizable options; human-reviewed reports; bulk discounts available.
• Cons: Basic plan doesn’t include credit checks.

Zillow Rental Manager

Zillow Rental Manager integrates tenant screening with its widely used listing platform. Landlords can advertise their properties while also accessing basic tenant screening services like credit reports and background checks.

• Main Points

1. Credit reports and background checks integrated with Zillow’s listing platform.
2. Fixed price of $35 per applicant (paid by tenants).

• Pros: Simple pricing model; wide reach through Zillow’s platform.
• Cons: Less comprehensive compared to other platforms.

MyRental by CoreLogic

MyRental simplifies the tenant screening process by offering a unique SafeRent score that combines credit and background data into one easy-to-read metric. This makes it particularly useful for landlords who want quick decision-making without diving into detailed reports.

• Main Points

1. Credit reports, eviction history, criminal records, and SafeRent score analysis.
2. Easy-to-read summaries that combine credit and background data into one score.
3. Pricing: Basic plans start at $24.99; Premium plans cost $34.99 per applicant.

• Pros: Simplified scoring system for quick evaluations; affordable pricing tiers.
• Cons: Basic package doesn’t include full credit report.

RentRedi

RentRedi is an affordable option that combines tenant screening with other landlord tools like pre-screening questionnaires and online rent collection. It’s especially appealing to small-scale landlords looking for cost-effective solutions.

• Main Points

1. Credit reports, criminal background checks, eviction history via TransUnion data.
2. Pre-screening questionnaires to filter applicants early in the process.
3. Pricing: Monthly subscription starts at $12/month; tenant screenings cost $39.99 per report.

• Pros: Affordable pricing; useful pre-screening features save time during the application process.
• Cons: Subscription model may require longer commitment than pay-per-use platforms.

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