Grand Rapids Tenant Screening

for Landlords & Real Estate Agents

Tenant Screening in Grand Rapids, MI…

Finding the right tenants in Grand Rapids starts with proper screening. Provide the applicant’s name and email, and we’ll handle the identity verification, obtain consent, and generate a full credit report along with a multi-state criminal background check.

No monthly fees – pay as you go.

Why Choose RealSerious.com

From historic homes in Heritage Hill to modern apartments in Downtown and family-friendly neighborhoods like East Grand Rapids, RealSerious.com provides landlords with critical insights to help make informed rental decisions.

Where Our Services Can Help

Whether you’re managing student rentals near Grand Valley State University or single-family homes in Wyoming (MI), we provide the tools to evaluate prospective tenants efficiently.


Areas & Neighborhoods We Serve

Downtown – A high-demand area attracting young professionals and students.

Heritage Hill – Home to historic residences that often appeal to long-term renters.

East Grand Rapids – A sought-after suburb known for top-rated schools and family-oriented tenants.

Alger Heights – A quiet neighborhood attracting renters seeking affordability and convenience.

Wyoming (MI) – A growing community near Grand Rapids with a mix of single-family homes and apartments.

Creston – One of the city’s largest neighborhoods, offering a blend of historic and modern rental properties.

What Valuable Details are Included?

Each report provides valuable details to help landlords assess applicants effectively. Reports include the following, 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.

24/7: Most reports are available within seconds after identity verification. Some screenings may take up to 1–2 days due to common names, record matches, or local reporting delays.

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.

Grand Rapids Tenant Screening FAQs

Contact us anytime for assistance. Note: We are unable to offer legal advice. For specific landlord-tenant matters, please consult an attorney.

Are application fees allowed in Grand Rapids?

Michigan law does not cap rental application fees, but they must be reasonable and reflect the actual cost of screening. Laws, especially local ordinances are subject to change, so landlords should check for any new local restrictions.

Can landlords in Grand Rapids deny applicants due to criminal records?

Landlords in Grand Rapids can conduct criminal background checks, but they must comply with federal Fair Housing laws. Blanket policies that reject all applicants with criminal records may violate HUD guidelines. It’s best practice to consider factors like the severity of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and whether it affects the tenant’s ability to rent responsibly.

Grand Rapids Landlord Resources

For statewide information, visit the Michigan tenant screening page.

63rd District Court

1950 East Beltline NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

https://www.accesskent.com/Courts/63dc/default.htm

Handles small claims, evictions, and other landlord-tenant disputes.

Grand Rapids Housing Commission

https://www.grhousing.org

Offers landlord assistance programs and affordable housing initiatives.

Grand Rapids Association of REALTORS®

https://www.grar.com

Provides property management resources, training, and networking for landlords.

Grand Rapids Code Compliance Division

https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Government/Departments/Code-Compliance

Helps landlords ensure properties meet local rental housing standards.