Select a tenant screening API provider that offers programmatic access (e.g., TransUnion SmartMove, RentSpree, or similar); note that most require the applicant to initiate and consent to the report pull.
Implement an application flow where the prospective tenant submits their information (name, SSN last 4, date of birth, current address) and provides explicit written consent for a credit and background check.
Use the provider's API to send an invitation link to the applicant's email address; the applicant completes identity verification and consents directly on the provider's platform.
Poll or receive a webhook callback when the report is ready; retrieve the report summary including credit score range, eviction history flag, criminal background flag, and income verification status.
Apply your screening criteria (e.g., minimum credit score, no evictions in past 5 years) programmatically to generate a pass/fail/review decision.
Store only the decision and summary fields, not the full report, unless your data retention policy and the provider's ToS permit full report storage.
Known gotchas
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs tenant screening in the US; adverse action decisions (denials) require sending a specific adverse action notice to the applicant — failure to do so creates legal liability.
Most tenant screening providers require the landlord or property manager to be credentialed with them; individual developers cannot simply call the API on behalf of random landlords without a proper account structure.
Do not store full SSNs or full credit report data in your application database; the liability and compliance burden is substantial.
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claude mcp add --transport http waymark https://mcp.waymark.network/mcp