Thoughts, news, and tips from the RentSpree team

Tenant background check in New York

A New York tenant background check works differently from one run almost anywhere else. State law caps screening fees at $20, bars landlords from denying an applicant over a past housing court case, and seals many older convictions automatically. New York City requires a conditional offer before criminal history can be reviewed at all. That leaves credit and verified income carrying most of the weight in a New York decision. This guide covers the rules at each stage, how to read what you receive, and how RentSpree handles New York screening from application to decision.

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Kimberly Mingo

Tenant placement services: what they do, what they cost, and whether you need one

Tenant placement services typically charge 50% to 100% of one month's rent to handle the leasing process from vacancy to move-in. But much of what these services offer is now available to landlords through free tenant screening software. With these tools, landlords can list and market a unit, manage applications, screen tenants, and verify income on their own. Whether you hire a service, work with an agent, or manage the process yourself, the most important thing is making sure the screening is thorough and you’re getting bank-verified income to confirm what the tenant actually earns.

Kimberly Mingo

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What to know about rental fraud

Rental fraud is at an all-time high, with scammers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting renters. Before signing your name on your next lease, learn how rental scams work and how to protect yourself from potential bad actors.

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The best way to collect rent as a landlord

With RentSpree Rent Payment, landlords can simplify the rent collection process and make managing their rental properties a seamless, secure experience.

How to break your lease early

Life happens and sometimes you just need to break your lease early before the end of your original agreement. In this article, we'll explain how renters can break their lease early, what penalties might come with an early termination, and how to minimize those consequences.

Company

Sharing our gratitude for all we’ve achieved in 2023

This holiday season, the RentSpree team is taking a moment to look back on all we've achieved this year and give thanks to all of our customers and partners.

What is the Renter’s Bill of Rights?

Understand the renter's bill of rights and how it aims to protect tenants by outlining their key housing protections and guarantees.

What to know about rent control

If it feels like everyone's talking about rent control, you're not alone. In this article, we'll dive into what rent control is as well as its advantages and disadvantages.

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Nadja Brandt

PR Director

Homes for heroes: How landlords can support veteran tenants

Military veterans comprise a large percentage of our nation's homelessness population. To address this issue, veterans need the support and tools to help them secure and stay in quality, affordable homes.

The renter's guide on how to pay rent

From paper checks in the mail to digital payment portals, there are a number of ways renters can pay their rent on the first of each month. We'll go over five different rent payment options to help you determine which method is the best for you.