Key takeaways
- Self-managing landlords in Australia can access TICA, NTD, and Equifax tenant screening services directly without needing a real estate agent.
- A TICA database check plus identity verification is the minimum recommended screening for most landlords.
- Screening costs range from $15 to $60 per check depending on report depth, with basic tenancy database checks at the lower end and full credit reports at the higher end.
- No screening service guarantees a perfect tenant, as a clean report only means no recorded issues exist, not that none will arise.
- For landlords who screen infrequently, pay-per-check services are more cost-effective than platform subscriptions.
A bad tenant can cost you thousands in unpaid rent, property damage, and tribunal proceedings. Good tenant screening does not guarantee a perfect tenancy, but it significantly reduces the risk. For a step-by-step process, see our guide on how to screen tenants in Australia. The challenge for self-managing landlords is knowing which screening services to use and what information they actually provide.
In Australia, tenant screening typically involves checking a tenant's identity, rental history, and whether they appear on any tenancy databases for previous defaults or tribunal orders. Some services go further with employment verification, income checks, and reference automation.
This guide reviews five tenant screening options available to Australian landlords. A note on transparency: propkt does not currently offer tenant screening. It is not on our near-term roadmap. If screening is a priority for you, the tools below are what to consider.
1. TICA (Tenancy Information Centre of Australasia)
Best for: Comprehensive tenancy database checks used by both agents and self-managing landlords
Pricing: Varies by report type. Typically $20 to $40 per check. Membership may be required.
TICA is the largest tenancy database in Australasia. It is used by most real estate agencies and an increasing number of self-managing landlords. When you run a TICA check, you are searching their database for any records of tenancy defaults, tribunal orders, or property damage claims against the applicant.
TICA is not just a database check. Landlords and agents can also list tenants who have defaulted on rent, caused damage, or been the subject of tribunal orders. This means the database grows over time and provides increasingly comprehensive coverage.
For self-managing landlords, TICA offers direct access. You can register as a landlord, run checks on prospective tenants, and receive reports. The reports show whether the applicant has any listings in the TICA database, along with details of any recorded defaults.
Pros:
- Largest tenancy database in Australia and New Zealand
- Used by most real estate agencies, so comprehensive coverage
- Direct access available for self-managing landlords
- Reports include details of defaults, tribunal orders, and damage claims
Cons:
- Only shows tenants who have been listed by a previous landlord or agent
- A clean TICA check does not guarantee a good tenant (first-time renters will not appear)
- Membership and per-check costs add up
- Interface can feel dated
Best if you want the most widely recognised tenancy database check in Australia. TICA is the industry standard and the first check most landlords should run.
2. NTD (National Tenancy Database)
Best for: An alternative tenancy database with additional identity and court record checks
Pricing: Varies by report type. Typically $15 to $40 per check.
NTD is Australia's other major tenancy database. Like TICA, it maintains records of tenancy defaults, tribunal orders, and property damage. NTD reports can also include identity verification, court records, and directorship checks, giving you a broader picture of the applicant beyond just their rental history.
NTD positions itself as offering more comprehensive reports than a simple database check. Depending on the report level you choose, you can get identity verification against government records, national court records, bankruptcy searches, and previous address history.
Pros:
- National tenancy database with broad coverage
- Identity verification against government records
- Court record and bankruptcy checks available
- Tiered report options from basic to comprehensive
Cons:
- Less widely used by agents than TICA, so database may have fewer listings
- Per-check pricing without bulk discounts for small landlords
- Some advanced checks may feel excessive for standard residential tenancies
Best if you want more than just a tenancy database check and value identity verification and court record searches as part of the screening process.
3. Equifax (Tenant Check)
Best for: Credit-focused screening with financial risk assessment
Pricing: Varies. Typically $30 to $60 per check depending on report depth.
Equifax is one of Australia's major credit reporting agencies. Their tenant screening product combines a credit check with tenancy database searches and identity verification. The credit check component shows the applicant's credit score, any defaults, court judgments, bankruptcies, and credit enquiry history.
A credit check provides information that tenancy databases alone do not. A tenant may have a clean TICA record but significant unpaid debts, multiple credit defaults, or a pattern of missed payments on other obligations. Equifax's report gives you visibility into the applicant's broader financial reliability.
The trade-off is that credit checks are more intrusive and some tenants may object to them. In some Australian states, there are restrictions on when and how landlords can use credit information in tenancy decisions. Check your state's legislation before relying heavily on credit reports.
Pros:
- Credit score and financial history visibility
- Combined credit, tenancy database, and identity check
- Established, trusted credit reporting agency
- Comprehensive financial risk assessment
Cons:
- More expensive than database-only checks
- Some tenants may object to credit checks
- State legislation may restrict how credit data can be used in tenancy decisions
- Can disadvantage applicants with limited credit history (young renters, new migrants)
Best if you want to assess the overall financial reliability of a prospective tenant beyond their rental history. Useful for higher-value properties where the financial risk of a default is significant.
4. RentBetter (Integrated Screening)
Best for: Self-managing landlords who want screening built into their tenancy management platform
Pricing: Included as part of RentBetter subscription ($29 to $36/month per property). Individual screening reports may have additional costs.
RentBetter is a tenancy management platform that includes integrated tenant screening. When you receive applications through RentBetter, you can run screening checks directly within the platform. The screening integrates with TICA and includes identity verification, so you do not need to use separate services.
The advantage of integrated screening is workflow. You receive the application, review it, run the screening check, and make your decision all within one platform. There is no need to copy applicant details into a separate screening service, and the results are stored alongside the application for your records.
The trade-off is that you need to be a RentBetter subscriber to access the screening, and the per-property subscription cost is significant. If you only need screening once every year or two (when a tenant turns over), paying a monthly subscription year-round may not be the most cost-effective approach.
Pros:
- Screening integrated into the tenancy management workflow
- TICA database check included
- Identity verification
- Results stored alongside application records
Cons:
- Requires RentBetter subscription (per-property pricing)
- Less flexibility than standalone screening services
- May not be cost-effective if you screen infrequently
Best if you already use RentBetter for tenancy management and want screening as a seamless part of that workflow.
5. TenantAssist
Best for: Budget-conscious landlords who want basic screening without a subscription
Pricing: Pay-per-check. Typically $15 to $30 per report.
TenantAssist is a straightforward tenant screening service designed for landlords who want to run occasional checks without subscribing to a platform. You submit the applicant's details, select the report type, and receive results. Report options typically include tenancy database checks, identity verification, and reference checking services.
The appeal is simplicity. There is no subscription, no platform to learn, and no ongoing costs. You pay per check and only when you need one. For landlords with stable, long-term tenants who rarely need to screen, this pay-as-you-go model makes financial sense.
Pros:
- Pay-per-check with no subscription
- Simple process without a complex platform
- Multiple report levels available
- Suitable for infrequent screening needs
Cons:
- Less comprehensive than integrated platforms
- No application management or workflow features
- Manual process for each check
Best if you screen tenants infrequently and want a simple, pay-per-use service without ongoing costs.
A Note on propkt
propkt does not offer tenant screening. Our focus is on the financial and tax side of property management: expense tracking, depreciation schedules, tax package export, and document management. If you need screening, use one of the services above. If you need tax-focused property management, propkt handles that well.
Many landlords use a screening service during tenant turnover and a separate tool like propkt for day-to-day financial management. These are complementary rather than competing needs. For tips on dealing with problem tenants when screening does not catch everything, we have a guide for that too.
What Screening Actually Covers
It helps to understand what each type of check actually reveals:
| Check Type | What It Shows | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Tenancy Database (TICA/NTD) | Previous defaults, tribunal orders, damage claims | Only shows tenants who have been listed |
| Identity Verification | Confirms the applicant is who they claim to be | Does not assess financial reliability |
| Credit Check (Equifax) | Credit score, defaults, bankruptcies, court judgments | May disadvantage young renters or new migrants |
| Reference Check | Feedback from previous landlords or employers | Relies on honest responses from referees |
| Employment Verification | Confirms current employment and income | Does not predict future employment stability |
How We Chose These Services
We evaluated screening services on criteria relevant to Australian self-managing landlords:
- Database coverage: How comprehensive is the tenancy database? How many agents and landlords contribute to it?
- Report depth: Does the report give you enough information to make an informed decision?
- Ease of use: Can a landlord without industry experience run a check and interpret the results?
- Cost-effectiveness: Is the pricing reasonable for the frequency at which most landlords screen?
- Legal compliance: Does the service help you comply with state-specific screening regulations?
Final Thoughts
For most self-managing landlords, the minimum screening should include a TICA database check and identity verification. These two checks catch the most common risks: tenants with a history of defaults and applicants who are not who they claim to be.
If the property is high-value or you want additional assurance, add an Equifax credit check to assess broader financial reliability. Be aware of your state's regulations around how you can use credit information in tenancy decisions.
If you use RentBetter for tenancy management, use its integrated screening for the convenience of a single workflow. If you screen infrequently, a pay-per-check service like TenantAssist keeps costs down.
No screening service guarantees a perfect tenant. A clean report means the applicant has no recorded issues, not that they will never cause any. Screening is one tool in your risk management approach, alongside thorough condition reports, clear lease agreements, appropriate landlord insurance, and knowing how to keep good tenants once you find them.