The most frequently asked questions and answers regarding our products and services have been provided for your convenience. You are encouraged to call us for assistance at anytime, just visit our contact us page. We always enjoy hearing from current and future clients.

The AAC Web Site

Getting Started

Applicant Screening Tools

The Screening Process

Credit Reports

Support


 

The AAC Web Site:

Q: Your website has changed, has your service changed too?

A: We have recently completed a data integration with the nation’s leading provider of tenant screening services so you have access to the most up-to-date and reliable information available in the rental industry.

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Q: Is your registration and order processing secure?

A: Yes, all orders, registrations and data involving personal billing and identity information are encrypted and protected with a 256-bit SSL Certificate. However, it is also for important for our customers to protect their own computers and connections by using anti-viral software and private networks as opposed to public WIFI and computers.

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Getting Started

Q: I heard there are new credit bureau requirements. Can I still screen my tenants?

A: AAC has kept up-to-date with the latest regulations and partnered with the leading tenant screening network to make sure you have the tools necessary to make the best decision possible.

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Q: Which account should I sign up for?

A: Most users sign up for a standard account because professional accounts are only for those who operate their property management business from a commercial location such as an office. Home-based landlords are not permitted to setup professional accounts.

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Q: Do standard accounts require an onsite inspection?

A: No, setting up a standard account is fast, east and free and it’s all done online. Only professional accounts require a one-time inspection.

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Q: What special access do you offer property management companies?

A: First of all, pricing is heavily discounted for professionals versus our standard account holders. Secondly, instant online access is provided 24/7 so tenants scan be screened any time of the day or week.

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Q: How do standard accounts work?

A: Standard accounts require only the clear authorization of the tenant in the form of a rental application or consent form. Reports provide a summary of the applicant’s payment history by highlighting both negative and positive tradelines from each category such as mortgages, auto loans and credit cards. We also include the official FICO score range and make note of any bankruptcy, judgment or collection history. We also offer several other screening reports including eviction records and criminal records if you wish to expand your search.

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Q: Can I see a sample of a standard tenant screening report?

A: Absolutely, view a sample report.

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Q: How do I get started?

A: Start by visiting our tenant screening page to decide between standard or professional accounts. From there you can choose which registration form to complete. For standard accounts it’s an entirely online process and as soon as you click on submit to create an account, you’ll be given the option to place your first screening or even create your very own custom rental application sand lease agreement. Professional accounts require you to print out the registration agreement so you can complete it and provide requested documents to be returned by fax.

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Q: Is there a monthly quota required?

A: Neither account option requires a minimum number of orders to be placed.

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Kinds of Screening Information Available

Q: Can I see my applicant’s full credit report?

A: In 2006, the three major credit bureaus imposed very strict guidelines for the entire credit report  industry regarding unrestricted access to an applicant’s full credit report. Only professional account holders can qualify for such an option. However, standard account holders receive reports based on the same information, the only difference is that some of the data is redacted to protect the consumer. Our standard report is actually much easier to read and provides highlights of some of the most important aspects of an applicant’s credit worthiness including delinquencies and statistical probability of future delinquency. Plus, all account holders are  encouraged to call our toll-free assistance line to speak to a live specialist regarding any questions about their results and different scenarios. You hire us not just for a report, but our service is what really stands out.

Q: What does the standard tenant credit check include?

A: Each standard tenant credit check includes name, address, employment and ssn matching to make sure what the tenant provided to you matches up against what has been reported before. It will then look for bankruptcies, judgments, liens and collection accounts. Next, there will be an assessment of the payment history for various accounts under each of the following categories: Revolving Credit (credit cards), Installment Accounts (auto loans) and Mortgages. Finally, the applicant’s credit score range will be revealed and graded for tenancy.

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Q: What does a criminal record check include?

A: Criminal record checks typically focus on felony convictions, but often include misdemeanor offenses such as driving infractions in some states like California.

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Q: What is included in an eviction report?

A: Eviction records are typically searched by name and then one of our processors will look for address information within the record to confirm a hit. if we do not find a similar address to what has been reported for the applicant previously, then we will let you know (especially if searching a common name such as John Smith) that it may not be your applicant.

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Q: What is included in the criminal record report?

A: Criminal records usually contain the name, DOB and sometimes identifiers such as height, weight and eye color. In addition, the type of offense, date it occurred, the jurisdiction, case number and sentencing will also be included.

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Q: Why do criminal records sometimes show multiple names?

A: Criminal records are usually searched by name and date of birth. The SSN is typically not included in the record so if there are name variations (especially common names like Chuck, Charles, Mike, Michael, etc.) there could be several results which may or may not be your applicant. We prefer to be cautious and release all of the information we think may be relative, but this does not mean it is definitively your applicant. If we suspect a serious offense that we are not sure was committed by your applicant, we will advise you accordingly and sometimes suggest doing an onsite county search at no additional cost – it just takes a couple of days to accomplish. This is when it pays to be a client of ours…

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The Screening Process

Q: What happens after I place an order?

A: Our automated systems will verify your order is okay to be processed as you click on submit. Your account is verified and billing information is approved.

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Q: How do I provide you with the signed rental application or consent form?

A: The original form should be kept for 5 years. Copies may be provided to us by email (pdf preferred file format, if possible) or fax.

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Q: Do you offer paperless tenant screening?

A: There is an industry product available that is paperless which requires no applicant documents or ink signatures. To learn more about it, please call us. Those types of results rely upon the input of the tenant online.

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Q: How fast are results delivered?

A: Results are typically delivered (on average) in one hour Monday-Saturday. Live telephone support is Mon-Fri from 9am-5pm Eastern.

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Q: What is the CVV code found under billing information?

A: The CVV code is the three digit security code found on the back of your VISA or MasterCard.

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Credit Report Specifics

Q: What is the FCRA?

A: The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that regulates how consumer reporting agencies collect and share your information.

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Q: How can I see what’s on my own credit report?

A: The law allows all consumers to obtain a free copy of their credit report from each credit bureau by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com or calling 1.877.322.8228. Be careful not to succumb to offers to pay for credit scores (even on annualcreditreport.com, they are usually not FICO score models, they’re the bureaus’ own calculations that most lenders don’t use).

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Support

Q: What are your hours of operation?

A: Order processing is now 24 hours/7days per week online. Customer service is available Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.

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Q: How do I get support?

A: Just contact us during our normal hours.

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