Credit & Background Check Information

In order to make an informed decision on who we lease to, we need to obtain a credit and background check for all individuals who are interested in leasing.

The cost to obtain your report is $43 – this price is for all types of applicants (single, joint, co-signers). This fee is paid directly to TransUnion when you submit your application. It is non-refundable regardless of whether or not you are accepted as a tenant.

How it Works

In order to begin the process, you must provide email addresses for all applicants to The Williamson. Once this has been received the process generally goes as follows:

  • The Williamson initiates a renter screening request to TransUnion SmartMove using the email address(es) provided by the applicant.
  • Applicant is sent the application request via email and chooses to accept or decline the screening. (If the applicant is new to SmartMove, he or she must create an account in order to accept or decline the request.)
  • By accepting the request, the applicant initiates the release of his or her credit and criminal record information to the landlord through SmartMove. By declining, he or she cancels the rental application. Either way, most personal identifying information such as a Social Security number is not released
  • If the applicant accepts the request, the landlord receives credit and criminal history information and a SmartMove leasing recommendation to assist them in making a decision on whether to accept or decline the applicant.
  • Applicant is notified of The Williamson’s decision

Will this affect my credit score?

No. This is one of the things that makes SmartMove such a valuable tenant screening service. Since the rental applicant initiates the release of his or her own data, the resulting inquiry is considered a “soft inquiry,” which does not impact his or her credit score.

What does The Williamson see?

SmartMove provides landlords with a leasing recommendation based on factors related to a potential tenant’s ability to fulfill lease obligations. In addition, SmartMove offers landlords the option to view a renter’s credit and criminal background data. However, none of these services affect the renter’s credit score and they do not include personal identifying information such as their Social Security number or account numbers.