Boston Tenant Screening

for Landlords & Real Estate Agents

Tenant Screening in Boston, MA…

Screening prospective tenants is easy. Provide the applicant’s name and email, and we’ll handle identity verification, obtain consent, and retrieve an official credit report alongside a multi-state criminal background check.

No monthly fees – pay as you go.

Careful Tenant Selection Tools

Boston’s diverse rental market, from historic brownstones in Beacon Hill to modern apartments in Seaport, requires a careful tenant selection process. At RealSerious.com, our tenant screening services provide the insights needed to help you find renters more likely to meet their lease terms and tenancy.

Serving Boston and Neighboring Areas

Boston is home to a vibrant mix of neighborhoods, each with its own character. RealSerious.com ensures that landlords across the city have access to tenant screening services suited to their unique rental properties.


Popular Neighborhoods

Beacon Hill: Known for historic charm and cobblestone streets, ideal for high-end rental properties.

Back Bay: Popular for luxury apartments and brownstones, appealing to professionals.

Seaport District: A growing hub for upscale rentals near the waterfront and entertainment.

South Boston (Southie): Offers a mix of family homes and apartments, attracting long-term tenants.

Jamaica Plain: A diverse neighborhood with a strong sense of community, ideal for family-friendly rentals.

Allston-Brighton: Attracts students and young professionals due to its proximity to Boston University and Boston College.

What Types of Data are Included?

Our tenant screening reports include detailed applicant information, enabling landlords to make informed decisions. The following details are included, where available:

• Credit Score & Factors (ResidentScore®)
• Reported Addresses & Employment
• Credit Card & Loan Payments
• Ch 7 & 13 Bankruptcy Remarks
• Returned Check Collection Accts
• Unpaid Utility & Landlord Collections
• Foreclosures & Repossessions
• Multi-State Criminal Records*
• National Sex Offender Registry
• Global Sanctions

See a sample report here.

Fast Delivery: Reports are typically available within seconds after identity verification, but certain factors such as common names or local jurisdiction delays may extend the process by up to 1–2 days.

tenant credit report

*DISCLAIMER: No tenant criminal background check is 100% complete. Coverage for our standard tenant screening report may vary due to (1) jurisdictions limiting what records are eligible to return and (2) TransUnion and/or its partners limiting records that do not meet their data quality standards. Learn more about tenant criminal records.

Boston Tenant Screening FAQs

Contact us if you have additional questions. Note: We are unable to provide legal advice. For specific landlord-tenant matters, please consult a local attorney or expert.

Are Boston landlords allowed to charge application fees?

Massachusetts law restricts application fees to those that cover actual screening costs. Landlords should be transparent about fees and ensure compliance with the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186.

How are criminal records considered in tenant screenings?

Landlords can review criminal records, but they must comply with Massachusetts fair housing laws to avoid discriminatory practices. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) provides guidance on handling criminal records during tenant screenings.

Boston Landlord Resources

For statewide information, visit the Massachusetts tenant screening page.

Boston Housing Authority (BHA)

https://www.bostonhousing.org

 Provides information on tenant rights, housing programs, and rental assistance.

Boston Inspectional Services Department

https://www.boston.gov/departments/inspectional-services

Oversees housing code enforcement and rental property standards.

Boston Bar Association – Lawyer Referral Service

https://bostonbarlawyer.org

Connects landlords with legal professionals specializing in landlord-tenant law.

Eastern Housing Court – Boston Session

https://www.mass.gov/locations/eastern-housing-court-boston-session

Handles landlord-tenant disputes, including eviction cases.

Greater Boston Association of REALTORS®

https://www.gbreb.com

Offers resources, education, and networking opportunities for property managers.