Step 1: Approve the Background Check Request
Soon after you pay the screening fee (typically after completing the application and payment), you will be prompted to approve the background and credit check request.
Click the Approve Request button to authorize this request.
This authorization allows the credit bureau to securely process your information and share your screening report with the landlord.
If you bypass the step after paying the fee, and the landlord requests your screening report at a later time, you will receive an email notification and see a prompt within your TurboTenant account to complete the identity verification.
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Step 2: Enter Your Social Security Number (SSN)
Provide your SSN or ITIN as requested.
Your SSN or ITIN is only accessible by the credit bureau - TurboTenant and the landlord will not see it. This is encrypted information and is not shared to the landlord or TurboTenant employees.
Enter your SSN and then confirm it by entering it again.
If you don’t have an SSN, select the option “What if I don’t have a SSN?” for guidance.
Click Next to continue.
If you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN), you may input an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
Answer a series of questions from the credit bureau.
These questions help prevent identity theft and ensure accuracy in your screening.
Troubleshooting Errors:
Unable to verify your identity: One or more of the questions provided by the credit bureau was answered incorrectly. Please try again.
Unable to connect to TransUnion: There was an issue communicating with TransUnion's system. Please try again. Contact TurboTenant support if the issue persists.
Understanding Identity Verification Questions on Your Screening Report
TransUnion uses unique, “out-of-wallet” questions during screening to confirm your identity and protect your personal information, such as credit, criminal, and rental history. These questions come from your credit file or public records (like past addresses or loan details) to ensure only authorized individuals can access your report. This helps prevent identity theft and ensures landlords receive accurate information to make informed decisions.
Why You Might Have Trouble Verifying Your Identity:
TransUnion’s data may contain outdated or incorrect information.
Limited credit history (common for young adults or recent immigrants) can make matching harder.
Input errors on your application (e.g., misspelled name or wrong SSN).
Credit freezes block data access until temporarily lifted.
Rarely, identity theft or mismatched records can cause problems.
Complex or hyphenated names might not be recognized correctly.
How to Fix Verification Issues:
Double-check all your application details for accuracy.
Contact TransUnion for manual identity verification if needed.
Temporarily lift any credit freeze you have in place.
Be patient - verification issues are common and usually resolvable within 48 hours.
When a Thin Credit File Occurs
If you have a thin credit file, TransUnion may require secondary identity verification documents to confirm your identity. You'll know if TransUnion requires additional information when you contact their support team. The accepted documents include:
Recent bank statements (checking, savings, deposit, or hassle-free accounts)
Welcome letters from banks for new accounts
Utility bills such as gas, electricity, water/sewer, or trash/recycling
To be accepted, these documents must:
Show your full name and current address
Include a company logo, letterhead, or watermark
Be dated within the last 60 days