Renters: Protect Your Personal Information
ClearScreening’s SmartScreen gives renters the ability to apply for a rental while protecting personal information. SmartScreen provides a direct gateway to TransUnion’s secure consumer site, where you enter sensitive information such as your SSN and date of birth.
This process means you do not have to provide your SSN and date of birth directly to an unknown landlord or third party. SmartScreen also removes your credit report, criminal report, and personal information from the system 30 days from the day the report was posted.
Bottom line: SmartScreen is designed to make tenant screening easier for renters while reducing the need to share sensitive information directly with a landlord.
You enter SSN and DOB through the secure TransUnion step.
The renter-initiated workflow is designed to avoid hurting your credit score.
Reports and personal information are removed from the system after 30 days.
Protect Your Information
When your prospective landlord uses SmartScreen to check your credit and criminal background information, you will not need to write down your SSN or date of birth. Instead, this information is entered directly through TransUnion’s secure process.
Neither the landlord nor SmartScreen receives your SSN or date of birth from the TransUnion entry step. Reports provided to the landlord through SmartScreen do not contain personally identifiable information such as your SSN, date of birth, or account numbers.
Direct entry
You enter sensitive information through the secure identity step rather than handing it to the landlord.
Identity verification
TransUnion verifies your identity against information they have on file before sending reports to the landlord.
Reduced exposure
The process helps reduce unnecessary handling of your SSN, DOB, and account-level information.
Clearer process
The email request includes the property address so you can confirm the screening request is valid.
Protect Your Credit Score
SmartScreen helps safeguard your credit because the applicant enters information directly through the TransUnion process. Since the release of information is renter-initiated, it is treated as a soft inquiry and does not impact your credit score.
- ✓ A renter-initiated screening process helps protect your score from a hard inquiry.
- ✓ Credit reports are formatted for tenant screening, not for a loan or credit card application.
- ✓ You can review your own credit report separately through official consumer resources.
How SmartScreen Works for Renters
Your landlord starts the screening request. After that, you complete the secure applicant steps.
Give your email address to the landlord
Your landlord only needs your email address to start the SmartScreen process.
Watch for the SmartScreen email
You will receive an email showing the property address tied to the request, so you can confirm the request is valid.
Click the secure link
The email link directs you to the secure process where you enter required information and verify your identity.
Answer identity questions
You may be asked questions to confirm your identity before reports are sent to the requesting landlord.
The landlord reviews the reports
Once the process is complete, your landlord is notified and can review the screening information for a rental decision.
Step-by-Step Renter Instructions
Use the official renter instructions if you want to see the full SmartScreen process before completing the screening request.
Renter Instructions PDF
Review the SmartScreen renter instructions and follow the steps after your landlord sends a request.
Tell Your Landlord
If your landlord is not using SmartScreen yet, share the landlord page so they can review the process.
Helpful Renter Resources
These resources help renters understand tenant screening, credit reports, background checks, and consumer rights.
Frequently Asked Questions for Renters
Do I give my SSN and date of birth to the landlord?
No. With SmartScreen, you enter sensitive information through the secure TransUnion process rather than writing it down for the landlord.
Does SmartScreen hurt my credit score?
No. Since you initiate the release of your information through TransUnion, the inquiry is treated as a soft inquiry and does not impact your credit score.
How do I know the request is valid?
The email you receive should include the address of the property you applied for. That helps you confirm that the screening request is tied to your rental application.
What happens after I answer the identity questions?
After you complete the identity verification steps, your reports are sent to the requesting landlord. The landlord is notified and can review the information.
How long does SmartScreen keep my report information?
Your credit report, criminal report, and personal information are removed from the system 30 days from the day the report was posted.
What should I do if I want my landlord to use SmartScreen?
Talk to your landlord before releasing sensitive information and direct them to the SmartScreen landlord page or have them contact SmartScreen support.
Need help completing your renter screening?
Review the instructions or contact SmartScreen support before entering sensitive information.