Do you take Buyers out for a day without a pre-qual?  Don't touch renters without a credit check first.  I learned this the hard way, as well.  Next!

Wow! Now you have to wait for the check to clear before you get the credit check. Tell them their is a 10 day waiting period, if they say no. Then tell them there is only a 7 day waiting period for a gun. Their choice. - LOL

We don't deal with renters here on PEI.  That's a whole different ballgame.

A lot of the management companies now have electronic check processing . . . just like when you go to WalMart etc and they run your check right on the spot, then process it and give the actual check back to you. It's not expensive and if I did property management I would think it worth it (under 1k)

You can get that type of software using the PROMAS system http://promas.com   (check reader module)

and I'm sure there are others.

We actually handle a fair amount of rentals here in upstate ny. Our team now will only accept 1.) money orders or 2.) bank check -also, we have the luxury of informing our prospective tenants that the credit report we run is only the property of the company doing the check, and that only a verbal report will be issued to the tenant. Our credit management division of our company owns the paper report, so, no one is expecting to get something for nothing. Try requiring money orders or bank checks only.

I have over 100 rentals and learned the hard way. Only take money orders, or casheirs checks for credit reports. I also only show rentals after running the credit so I know what I am dealing with. You know when you see it if you can get them in a place or not.

I don't charge for credit checks.  I ask for them to save me time and effort and to head off potential problems.  Get them approved first, show homes second.  Tri-merges run 19 dollars, what are you doing charging 50?

Realtor, Columbus Ga