Help :: FAQ's

What is RentPredict.com?

RentPredict.com is the first and only service providing reports to rental property owners and managers showing an apartment applicant’s likelihood of paying rent and fulfilling his or her lease obligations, as well as their rental payment history. RentBureau created RentPredict.com with its predictive score based on actual apartment rental histories in response to frequent requests from property owners and managers to use its data for an “answer” as to whether applicants will pay their rent. RentPredict.com has access to millions of rental histories updated daily, directly from apartment owners and managers throughout the U.S.

Why shouldn’t I just keep calling the community where the resident lived before?

Well, Eddie, besides the time it takes to make resident screening calls – getting rental history answers can be potentially inaccurate if the person does not know or cannot share important data about the apartment applicant.  RentPredict.com will provide an answer right away.  Plus, the report data can show you other properties the applicant may have rented from but left off their application.  It will also show any rental collection information that the applicant may fail to mention.

When should I use RentPredict.com?

RentPredict.com is used by the multifamily industry to make better leasing decisions about prospective residents. It is used to identify risky residents before they sign leases and helps good residents secure apartments. RentPredict.com allows owners and managers to reduce the losses caused by residents who skip, write bad checks, or leave significant property damage. Owners and managers of any property size can supplement their current screening efforts by making RentPredict.com one of the key steps they take in evaluating applicants.

RentPredict.com is the best way to verify an applicant’s rental information. RentPredict.com is available online, 24 hours a day, seven days a week – so there is no waiting to talk to the right person or for a return phone call to get important information.

RentPredict.com has accurate and current information – so there is no guessing if an applicant’s status has changed since the last credit report, or if the information provided on their application is true.

RentPredict.com is also the best way to provide rental verification when contacted by another property. Directing callers to RentPredict.com eliminates legal risk from providing informal, subjective information and saves valuable time.

RentPredict.com is used by apartment owners, managers, and leasing agents across the nation – from the owners of a handful of rental units to the largest companies managing tens of thousands of units. Properties of all sizes now have access to the same valuable information that is only available from RentPredict.com
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OK, sounds good, but who else uses this?

Good question, Eddie.  We work with respected companies, large and small, including Equity Residential, Post Properties, BRE Properties, Mid America, Fairfield, Legacy, Waterton, McKinley and many more.  Our team and board are made of apartment industry veterans and respected leaders.  We have over half a million resident rental records in more than 45 states and can help you, like them, save significant dollars due to losses from risky renters while helping you identify good ones.

What is the score in a RentPredict.com Report? How do I read the score?

The three digit score in a RentPredict.com Report is a predictor of an apartment applicant’s likelihood of paying his or her rent successfully. RentPredict.com Report scores range from 0 to 999; the higher the score, the higher the likelihood that an applicant will pay rent as agreed.

The RentPredict.com Report score indicates the percentage likelihood that the applicant will pay rent. For example, a RentPredict.com Report score of 920 means that an applicant is 92.0% likely to pay rent over the life of a lease, or 8% likely not to pay rent.

The categories of the score (Risky, Fair, Good, Quality and Best) indicate how an applicant’s score compares to all other apartment applicants. Each category represents 20% of all applicants. With these categories, you can easily compare each applicant to the entire population of applicants. Reason codes are provided.

• RentPredict.com Report score above 965 = Best
• RentPredict.com Report score 941-965 = Quality
• RentPredict.com Report score 906-940 = Good
• RentPredict.com Report score 851-905 = Fair
• RentPredict.com Report score below 850 = Risky

Interesting, but what can I do with that to stop deadbeats from ripping me off?

Whoa, Eddie, sorry you are frustrated by what sounds like some lousy experiences. Let’s keep it civil. There are lots of good people and great renters out, there and yes there are others that can result in lost money, time and stress. However, RentPredict.com can help you decide not only whether to rent or not, but how. For example, if an applicant scores an 850 or below – we’ll give you reason codes (e.g. outstanding collections) and you will know they should be avoided. If someone scores 965 or better, you should feel comfortable renting to them. If they score in the Quality range, you could ask for less than your normal deposit to entice a good renter to live at your property. For good applicants you should use your normal deposit and fair applicants perhaps should be asked for more of a deposit than normal. The RentPredict.com score allows you to better negotiate with your applicant, since you will both know what kind of renter they are based on their past rental behavior. 

How is the RentPredict.com score calculated?

By Using a Proven Scientific Method…

The RentPredict.com score is individually created for each applicant by using a mathematical method called statistical regression that results in a rent prediction algorithm. Statistical regression is a scientific method for creating algorithms that determine an individual’s likelihood to behave in a certain way based on past behaviors.

RentPredict.com’s algorithm was built by taking millions of past rental leases (whether good or bad) collected directly from RentBureau’s member apartment companies nationwide and applying data inputs such as rental payment behaviors, utility payment history and other payment/credit history data - that delivers a predictive score indicating the likelihood rental income will be paid as agreed or the potential for a default. The score literally indicates the percentage likelihood that an applicant will pay their lease as agreed. E.g. a 970 indicates there is a 97% likelihood this lease will be paid as agreed.

…That is Highly Accurate.

All algorithms and their related input data use a Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) measure, to determine their predictive accuracy. Credit scoring, financial services, insurance and other demanding industries require KS’s in the high 20’s. RentPredict.com’s KS is far higher at 45. This means you are getting results using a sophisticated mathematical model that is extremely predictive, greater than traditional benchmarking.

Each RentPredict.com score is customized and targeted for the applicant, identifying risky renters before you rent to them and great renters that are more likely to pay. This translates into lower losses and higher occupancy of quality residents and corresponding improvement of the bottom line.

How is RentPredict.com able to be so accurate (have a high KS)?

It’s in the Data Statistical Regression...

The RentPredict.com score is created using statistacl regression. In order for it to be highly accurate, it requires detailed outcome and past behavior data, such as RentBureau's rental data which shows how people have behaved in the past. This detailed outcome data statistically quantifies what information from the past will best predict future behavior. Unlike others, RentPredict.com has access to the largest database of outcome behavioral data, as well as past behavior data. RentBureau’s millions of nationwide resident records are provided directly from apartment companies so they are accurate. This data allowed RentPredict.com to build the highly accurate algorithm, the RentPredict.com score, using statistical regression, for predicting how someone will pay their rent. Each RentPredict.com score is based on your specific applicant’s past behaviors and therefore predicts how they will pay as a renter..

How is a RentPredict.com Report score determined?

An individual RentPredict.com Report score is produced for every applicant based on past rental performance - both positive and negative - and other related consumer data. This data is used in a proven formula to predict how an applicant with a unique rental and credit history will pay rent.

How often is the RentPredict.com information updated?

RentBureau seamlessly collects data from apartment owners and managers every 24 hours. As a result, every RentPredict.com Report provides the most recent and most accurate information available.

Every 24 hours? Come on.

It’s true. RentBureau designed the capture of data to match the needs of the apartment industry. Eddie, we know it does you no good to find out 30, 90 or even 180 days later if someone owed money or skipped out. By then they have already rented from you and maybe even have skipped again. You operate in days and the data included in RentPredict.com from RentBureau does too.

How is a RentPredict.com Report different from other reports and scores available to the multifamily industry?

RentBureau collects detailed rental data directly from apartment owners and managers. That means only RentBureau can provide a predictive score based on this critical information. RentPredict.com is the only report that includes an applicant’s actual rental history and has the only score based on millions of rental records.

So I should still check their backgrounds?

Yes, Eddie. Someone may be a great renter, but may have other issues that credit, background checks and other data may surface. That’s why we suggest you look at RentPredict.com with that other information. You can access this other data through credit bureaus or one of our screening partners listed below.

Can RentPredict.com replace my current methods of screening applicants?

Our RentPredict.com Report specifically addresses an applicant’s likelihood of fulfill their lease obligations. RentPredict.com Reports enrich the screening process when accompanied by other data sources. It is not recommended as a substitute to replace your current resident screening practice.

Would an applicant’s RentPredict.com Report score change if a lease is longer or shorter than 12 months?

No. The RentPredict.com Report score is formulated for predicting how an applicant will pay a 12 month lease. The score is still predictive and applicable for other lease lengths, longer or shorter.

Would an applicant’s RentPredict.com Report score change based on the rent amount the applicant would be paying?

No. The amount of rent the applicant is applying to pay does not change the outcome of the RentPredict.com Report score.  The score considers how an applicant will be able to fulfill a new lease obligation.

How can I get a RentPredict.com Report on an applicant?

There are two ways to get RentPredict.com Reports– directly from RentPredict.com or through your existing resident screening company.

RentPredict.com Reports can be easily integrated into the applicant reports available from your resident screening service. In order to include RentPredict.com reports in your resident screening service, please email us using the contact form and a RentBureau representative will call you.

RentBureau’s resident screening partners include:

• On-Site.com
• Resident Check
• RentGrow
• RHR Information Services
• CsS Services

Or, you can register at www.RentPredict.com and access the reports directly and immediately.

Are the companies above the ones you were referring to about getting other data on applicants besides a RentPredict.com report?

Yes. 

I provide rental histories to RentBureau as a member. Can I use RentPredict.com?

Yes, RentBureau members can access applicant information at RentPredict.com, but you may not need to do so. RentBureau members automatically and seamlessly receive tradeline and collection data available on RentPredict.com in their resident screening service reports if they use a RentBureau resident screening partner. To start receiving the RentPredict.com Report score integrated into your resident screening reports, please email us using the contact form and a RentBureau representative will call you.

RentPredict.com reports are offered at a discount rate for RentBureau furnishing members.

Whoa, you mean I can provide data to you too?

Eddie, we are already have many companies doing so, that is why our RentPredict.com reports are so powerful. Contact us if you are interested in participating. RentPredict.com reports are offered at a discount rate for RentBureau furnishing members.

What happens if I get a “No Data Found” response to my RentPredict.com request?

That response may be the result of a number of factors. The information you provided may not match the information for the applicant; you might check for typing or data errors.

If you are still receiving the response, this indicates that there is not enough information about an applicant in the RentBureau database to develop an accurate and reliable RentPredict.com Report.

If you receive a "No Data Found" response for any reason, you will not be charged for the inquiry.

Oh sure, you won’t charge me if there is no report available on my applicant. Yeah right.

Eddie, we will not charge you if we do not provide you a RentPredict.com report. Sometimes there is just not enough information to give you and accurate score and we don’t guess. That means you can inquire about anyone anytime that is a potential renter, and if there’s no match, there’s no charge. That simple.

How can I use the report to help applicants?

RentPredict.com Reports can do more than identify risky residents. They can help you help your applicants. Hard-working residents are eager to pay off their obligations. By seeing the collection information on a RentPredict.com Report, many applicants immediately pay off their debts – helping to improve their credit.

How do I create a RentPredict.com account?

Registering for RentPredict.com is easy and quick. Just click here to register.

Once you register, you will receive an email from RentBureau sent to the email address you provided. It includes a link for you to activate your account. You can then access RentPredict.com right away.

Are you going to ask me a bunch of impossible questions and then make me wait?

No Eddie. All we need is some basic information about you and your company. You will receive a confirmation email immediately and you’re off, running RentPredict,com reports on prospective renters. Do you think we want to make people like you wait? [smile]

Do I need to register each time I want a RentPredict.com Report?

No. Once you have created an account, you will use your email address and custom password to log in for that account for all your RentPredict.com Report requests.

How do I pay for a RentPredict.com Report?

When registering for RentPredict.com, you will be asked for credit card information.
RentPredict.com has a monthly billing cycle. RentBureau will charge your card on or about the first of the month for all inquires made during the previous month. All inquires are billed at a rate of $9.95 per search match. RentBureau will email you a detailed billing receipt on or about the first of the month to the email address you provided for your account.

You will not be charged for the any inquiry with a “No Data Found” response.

If you are a furnishing RentBureau member, please email us using the contact form and a RentBureau representative will call you. RentPredict.com is included in RentBureau membership.

Once a month only, after I’ve run the reports?

That’s right Eddie. We know you are busy and we don’t want to bombard you each time you run a RentPredict.com report. So we only do it monthly and email you a confirmation. There is no work on your part.

What if I have questions about my bill?

RentPredict.com does its absolute best to ensure that each bill is correct. If you have any questions about your monthly bill, please email RentBureau by using the contact form. A RentBureau representative will immediately get in contact with you.

Can I create a company RentPredict.com account for multiple users?

RentPredict.com does allow company accounts. Company accounts are useful for billing and security purposes. With a company account you have the ability to create multiple users with different log in ID’s that are bundled under one billed account. The billing for all the users will be charged to one card with company accounts. Also, for security purposes, if a user is no longer with the company, you are able to disable their account. Check under "My Profile" once logged in to use this option.

How can I provide rental histories from my property to be used on RentPredict.com?

RentBureau seamlessly collects rental histories from its members every 24 hours. That information is immediately incorporated into RentBureau’s national database and used as the basis for RentPredict.com Reports. Information can be collected through most property management systems with minimal set-up and no disruption to existing operations.

For more information about becoming a RentBureau member, please email us using the contact form and a RentBureau representative will call you.

How can I make a product suggestion?

RentBureau continuously works to improve both its product offerings and the data that it provides to the apartment industry. We are very focused on listening to our customers.

If you would like to make a product suggestion or are interested in product or report customization, please email us using the contact form and a RentBureau representative will call you.

You want MY ideas?

Absolutely Eddie. Suggestions from you and the other million property managers who can use RentPredict.com will make it better. If you have a suggestion, a new idea or a great story feel free to write us anytime. We are here to serve.

Uh, Thanks.

You're welcome.

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