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Local Landlords Name the 5 Best Tenant Screening Services in Portland
Finding the perfect tenant isn’t always easy, but it can be a whole lot easier with the right screening service in your corner.
So, we hit up Portland landlords and got the inside scoop on their go-to tenant screening companies – the ones that have made renting smooth, safe, and stress-free!
But here’s the best part: we only reviewed the companies that Portland landlords raved about. That means you’re getting the real deal – no filler, just the top picks for every good thing you’re looking for.
If you want to attract quality tenants, these are who you need to reach out to.
| How much do tenant screening services cost in Portland? The cost of tenant screening service in Portland ranges from $35 to $50 per tenant report. The cost, however, may vary depending on vacancy, type of property, and turnaround time. |
1. Ziprent
Location: 10260 SW Greenburg Rd
Contact: +1 971-717-0323
Opening Hours: Available 24/7
We were impressed by Ziprent’s tenant screening services, particularly for the value for money they offer. For a flat fee of $1,250 per vacancy, they provide a full-service tenant placement solution along with many useful features.
They also earned our favor for speed and efficiency. This was made possible by their on-demand showings and instant application processing, which means landlords can have a tenant secured within just 24 to 48 hours.
One feature we appreciated was their professional photography service, including Matterport 3D tours and floor plans. These high-quality visuals not only showcase properties beautifully but also help expedite the tenant search.
In fact, several clients we interviewed mentioned that properties listed with these features attracted tenants much faster than standard listings.
We were also impressed by their partnerships with over 20 prominent listing sites, such as Zillow and Realtor.com. Additionally, by partnering with credit, income, and background data providers, Ziprent offers near-instant verification of prospective tenants.
However, one downside is the lack of flexibility when it comes to packages. Though with what they’re currently offering right now, we see how sufficient everything is for a full-service, hands-off approach to tenant screening.
Helpful and responsive
“My new home uses Ziprent for property management, and it’s been a great experience so far. Every staff person I’ve spoken to has been friendly, helpful, and responsive. They are also available at basically any hour as far as I can tell. The portal is also user-friendly.”
— Azaleah Goose | Google Reviews
Highly recommended
“We were very pleased with the whole process with ziprent. They provided us with an analysis report so we knew how to price our duplexes. The self showing of the property worked very smoothly and I think most people would prefer to view the property on their own. They were very informative sending updates on inquiries, applications, viewings, deposits etc etc. The website is very easy to use and tracks everything you need. I highly recommend them.”
— Annette Harmon | Google Reviews
2. illume Property Partners
Location: 525 3rd St Suite 321, Lake Oswego
Contact: +1 503-462-1749
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
After visiting Illume Property Partners, we found their tenant screening services to be thorough and thoughtful. They prioritize securing the “right tenant” over simply filling vacancies quickly, which is appealing for landlords wanting stability and long-term tenants.
Their screening process covers a wide range of criteria, including credit checks, debt-to-income ratios, and employment verification. They also dive into criminal history, and eviction records, and even conduct calls to previous landlords.
This attention to detail earned our favor, as it offers comprehensive insights into each applicant’s background.
We also liked that Illume provides a free rental analysis for Portland property owners. This helps clients understand current market conditions and potential cash flow before securing tenants.
Illume offers two service packages: their “Tenant Solicitation and Placement” option is ideal for landlords who prefer managing daily operations but need assistance with marketing, showing, and lease preparation.
Their “Worry-Free Full-Service Rental Management” takes this a step further by managing ongoing tenant interactions that come with their full property management services.
We like that there are two comprehensive options for various types of landlords, as this flexibility usually isn’t present in other companies.
However, a few clients noted issues with slow communication and occasional hidden fees. Although their screening process is thorough, their fee structure and communication practices may require improvement.
One of the best experiences
“I have bought, sold and leased properties for over 30 years and I can honestly say that working with Sally at Illume was one of the best experiences I have ever had! She was prompt, Professional and a sheer delight to work with! I hope I am fortunate enough to work with them again in the future. This company gets full stars from me and Sally gets a Ten! Thank you Illume for a wonderful experience!”
— Cindi Romania | Google Reviews
Involved and caring
“Illume is amazing ….they are not only professionals at what they do: Helping you watch over your properties or adding onto your home or making updates to your home, they are also very community involved. They care about the communities that they are situated within. This is a gift that many companies don’t offer. Thanks for being involved and CARING.”
— Betty Campbell | Google Reviews
3. Clark Group Property Management
Location: 7504 SW Bridgeport Rd
Contact: +1 503-810-3295
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
One of the strongest aspects we observed at Clark Group is their meticulous screening criteria, which minimizes risks for landlords by thoroughly checking credit, rental history, and criminal background.
Additionally, they have an accessible owner portal that gives property owners consistent access to detailed reports. We found this highly beneficial for tracking property performance and ensuring quality tenants are retained.
For small-time landlords, a big highlight is their results guarantee, which ensures clients only pay after tenant placement. Additionally, they have a rent deposit guarantee that assures landlords receive payments promptly, earning them a spot in our books.
We also appreciated their dedication to regular property inspections, including detailed move-in and move-out assessments and bi-annual checks. In fact, the clients we spoke to noted Clark Group’s responsiveness to questions, particularly with property maintenance.
This is a plus for us as it ensures that the properties are well-maintained, attracting more potential renters in the process.
However, one recurring issue we noted was communication challenges. Some clients reported difficulty reaching the staff and were frustrated by the lack of direct contact options beyond an online form.
Fortunately, the issue is being addressed at the moment, and they’re more reachable via phone as of late.
5-star experience
“We use Clark Group for our rental property and they have been wonderful! Liz is our property manager and she is professional and helpful. We are also happy with the quality of tenants that Clark Group has screened for our property. 5 stars!”
— Bethany Willet | Google Reviews
Excellent work
“I have been most impressed with the Clark groups professionalism. I feel comfortable knowing my tenants maintenance needs are met in a timely fashion. Joe goes out of his way to help tenants while avoiding unnecessary maintenance fees when able. Excellent work Clark group”!
— Sheena Rolston | Google Reviews
4. The Garcia Group
Location: 4710 S Kelly Ave
Contact: +1 503-595-4747
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
The Garcia Group stood out to us for its fair, consistent, and thorough tenant evaluations. They place a strong emphasis on fostering relationships with prospective tenants, which often results in quality, long-term tenants.
In particular, they look for “good tenants” – those who pay on time, respect the property, and communicate effectively.
Like most companies, their screening process includes background checks, pet screenings, and move-in inspections, which offers peace of mind for landlords.
We like that their services adhere to Portland’s FAIR Ordinance, which ensures compliance with city regulations and protects landlords from potential legal issues. It’s important to note though, that most management providers do adhere to these rules.
In line with finding good tenants, they also offer a comprehensive move-in process, from collecting deposits to tenant orientation. We noted this with high marks as it ensures that both landlord and tenant expectations are clear.
However, one downside is the slightly slower maintenance follow-ups compared to larger apartment complexes. This can frustrate tenants, which may discourage them from renting the property in the long run.
We recommend keeping in touch constantly to deal with issues promptly.
Great communication
“I’ve been extremely happy with The Garcia Group as my property manager. They’re fair and ethical, ensuring that my duplex gets all needed repairs and fixups for tenants. Communication has been great, they always respond, and with all the changes in landlord tenant laws they somehow keep track of how to handle it all. My duplex has been in great hands, and my tenants are treated well.”
— Lesa Dixon-Gray | Google Reviews
Handles everything
“Not all property managers are created equal. Ron and his team are dedicated to the homeowner. They know that tenants can make or break a property and ownership experience and do everything they can to help all parties get along. They have systems in place to handle everything from emergencies to routine maintenance. Their experience and dedication show in their low turnover and low vacancy rates.”
— Andrew McCabe | Google Reviews
5. RipCity Property Management LLC
Location: 866 N Columbia Blvd Ste A22
Contact: +1 971-806-1896
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
RipCity Property Management earned a spot on our list for their detailed review process. This includes previous landlord references and criminal history checks, as well as the standard process for credit checks and employment verification.
Clients we interviewed praised RipCity’s efficient rent collection system, which ensures timely deposits into landlords’ accounts. We found this as a great advantage for landlords who want to maximize their ROI fast.
Additionally, their owner portal allows landlords to keep track of financial reports and updates on their properties. This portal offers easily accessible statements, which clients find useful for keeping track of their investments and their tenant retention rates.
Something that caught our eye is RipCity’s results guarantee and tenant placement guarantee. This means that clients don’t have to pay until they find a tenant.
It also means that clients may discontinue services from them at any time with zero penalties. We find this a flexible option for landlords who want to simply try out their services.
Finally, their leasing guarantee ensures that if a tenant doesn’t fulfill 10 months of lease, RipCity will find a new tenant for them for free,
Just take note that their screening process can be slightly slower than average, potentially delaying tenant placement and ROI. Still, it can be a great option for those who prioritize quality tenants.
Professional and outstanding
“Kyle, his knowledge and his personal and professional mannerisms are outstanding! Kyle knows what he is doing and how to work with people. RipCity Management is the company you WANT to use for property management. Communication is outstanding and you won’t be disappointed.”
— Michelle Nipper | Google Reviews
A hidden gem
“I was torn on this review because sometime when you find a hidden gem you want to keep it in your back packet. Kyle is great! He will walk you through the steps, explaining what to expect and is patient with any and all questions…. And I’ve had more than a few. Keep up the great work RipCity Property Management!”
— Jessica Swift | Google Reviews
