Frequently asked questions about tenant screening through YieldShield

Question 1

Is it really free for landlords?

Accepted Answer

Yes, completely. You can send screening requests, view reports, and use the notice tooling at no cost. The applicant pays $38 once for the screen, plus any sales tax that applies.

Question 2

How long does a screen take?

Accepted Answer

Once the applicant has finished their part, TransUnion's report reaches the property owner usually within minutes, and the owner gets a notification when it is ready. If the applicant also connects a bank account for a Plaid Check bank income report, that report arrives separately and the owner is notified when it is ready.

Question 3

Who sends the notice when I decline an applicant?

Accepted Answer

Any notice about the decision comes from the property owner, not from YieldShield. When an owner records a decision to decline, we put the template TransUnion publishes for that notice, TransUnion's contact details (and Plaid Check's too, if the owner opened the applicant's bank income report), and a link to each report in one place. YieldShield does not send the notice, or anything about the decision, to the applicant.

Question 4

Can I get a page for my property?

Accepted Answer

Property pages are open to landlords now, and they come free with the account. Each page shows the details you enter, your own tenant selection criteria, and a link to apply. The page is public, so search engines can find it, and you can share it wherever you like. We do not list your property on Zillow, Apartments.com or the MLS.

Question 5

Do I need the applicant's permission?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The applicant gives written authorization themselves as part of the application, and nothing runs without it. The owner separately confirms they have a legitimate rental reason for screening, which is required before a request can go out at all.

Question 6

Where does the data come from?

Accepted Answer

TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions prepares the screening report. It includes the TransUnion credit report, ResidentScore (TransUnion's rental-performance score, which is not a credit score, and which YieldShield does not calculate, retain, evaluate or use), criminal records and eviction records. The Criminal Report and Eviction Related Proceedings Report are subject to federal, state, and local laws that may limit or restrict the ability to return some records. Certain jurisdictions may limit what records are eligible for return. On some properties, the applicant may also connect a bank account so that Plaid Check, a separate consumer reporting agency, can prepare a bank income report. Connecting a bank account is optional.

Question 7

Can an applicant share a bank income report?

Accepted Answer

On properties where the owner offers it, yes, if the applicant chooses. They connect a bank account, and Plaid Check, a consumer reporting agency, prepares a bank income report that the owner sees exactly as Plaid Check prepared it. It is optional, the application goes forward either way, and YieldShield does not evaluate it.