Vet every applicant before they sign

Either side can. You can pass the cost along as part of the application fee, or cover it yourself, whichever fits how you run your properties.

A full report covers credit history, bankruptcies, national criminal background checks, and eviction records, along with income verification pulled directly from bank or payroll data.

Cost depends on which reports you run. You can build it into your application fee to break even, or set your own price, subject to your state's rules on tenant screening fees.

In many states you can set your own application fee, but rules on this vary by location. Check your state and local laws before charging more than the report costs.

Reports are generated through screening partners in line with standard credit reporting requirements. You're still responsible for applying your screening criteria consistently across all applicants to stay compliant with fair housing law.