Clara vs. Go4Rent: The Best Tenant Screening Tool for Small Landlords
Finding a good tenant is essential for your rental property's safety and your peace of mind. A reliable tenant screening tool isn't just helpful; it's necessary to avoid costly problems. As independent landlords, we need efficient tools that can quickly identify fake income or potential fraudsters.
So, let's compare Clara and Go4Rent, two popular tenant screening services designed for landlords. We'll look at their features, pricing, and overall ease of use. Whether your priority is accurate income verification, mobile access, or clear pricing, this guide will help you choose the best service for your needs.
Overview of Clara and Go4Rent
Clara: Mobile-First Screening
Go4Rent's Traditional Workflow
Clara is a modern tenant screening platform designed specifically for independent landlords who need quick, reliable tenant verification. Its standout features include real-time income verification through Argyle integration, comprehensive background checks, and a user-friendly approach that works seamlessly on smartphones and tablets.
Go4Rent positions itself as a broader property management solution with tenant screening as one component of its service. The platform includes property listing tools, marketing features, and tenant screening capabilities in a more comprehensive package.
Clara focuses exclusively on tenant screening with a straightforward pricing model - a single flat fee per screening with no monthly subscriptions or hidden costs. The platform emphasizes speed and accuracy, delivering comprehensive reports within hours rather than days.
Go4Rent's screening process relies more heavily on traditional document collection methods, including manual review of pay stubs and employment verification. The platform operates on a subscription model with additional per-screening fees, making it more suitable for property managers handling larger portfolios.
Application Process & User Experience
Clara's Streamlined Approach
Go4Rent: Property-Centric Platform
Clara simplifies the tenant screening process with a user-friendly design that works equally well for landlords and applicants. The application flow begins with a simple invitation sent directly to potential tenants, eliminating the need for complex account setups or email exchanges.
Go4Rent positions itself as a broader property management solution with tenant screening as one component of its service. The platform includes property listing tools, marketing features, and tenant screening capabilities in a more comprehensive package.
Tenants receive a message with a secure link that opens a mobile-optimized application form. This approach achieves an impressive 90% completion rate compared to traditional email-based systems. The entire process is designed to be completed on a smartphone in under 10 minutes.
Document collection relies heavily on manual uploads of pay stubs, bank statements, and identification. This approach can extend the application timeline, with many landlords reporting 24-48 hours for complete submission compared to Clara's same-day completion rates.
For landlords, initiating a screening request takes just seconds—enter the applicant's email address, and Clara handles the rest. The platform sends automated reminders to applicants who haven't completed their forms, saving landlords the hassle of follow-up communications.
Go4Rent's screening process relies more heavily on traditional document collection methods, including manual review of pay stubs and employment verification. The platform operates on a subscription model with additional per-screening fees, making it more suitable for property managers handling larger portfolios.
Experience Clara's Streamlined Application Process
See how easy it is to screen tenants with Clara's mobile-first approach. No complex setup required.
The Critical Difference: Real-Time vs. Manual Verification
Income verification represents perhaps the most significant difference between these platforms. Accurate income verification is crucial for landlords to ensure tenants can afford the rent and maintain payments throughout the lease term.
Clara's Instant Verification
Go4Rent's Manual Review
Clara has revolutionized income verification through its integration with Argyle, a secure financial data platform used by major banks and financial institutions. This integration allows tenants to securely connect their payroll provider accounts for real-time income verification.
Go4Rent relies on traditional document collection methods for income verification. Tenants must manually upload pay stubs, bank statements, or employment verification letters, which are then reviewed by either the landlord or Go4Rent's team.
Key advantages of Clara's approach include:
Direct verification of income and employment status from employers
Elimination of falsified pay stubs or income statements
Verifies employer, status, job title, hire date, and more
Verification completion in minutes rather than days
This system provides landlords with significantly higher confidence in the accuracy of reported income while simplifying the process for honest applicants.
Limitations of this approach include:
Vulnerability to falsified documents
Time-consuming manual review process
Inconsistent verification standards
Limited visibility into irregular income patterns
Delays in processing incomplete documentation
While this method has been the industry standard for years, it lacks the security and efficiency of Clara's automated verification system.
"After switching to Clara, I discovered that nearly 15% of applicants had been inflating their income on previous applications. The real-time verification has saved me from at least two potentially problematic tenancies."
— Michael R., Phoenix landlord with 8 rental units
Credit and Background Checks
Both Clara and Go4Rent provide comprehensive background checks that include credit history, criminal records, and eviction reports. However, there are notable differences in depth, presentation, and turnaround time.
Clara's Comprehensive Screening
Go4Rent's Screening Reports
Clara partners with major credit bureaus and background check providers to deliver detailed reports that include:
Full credit reports with FICO scores from all three major bureaus
Nationwide criminal background checks covering federal, state, and county records
Comprehensive eviction history search across all 50 states
Sex offender registry checks
Identity verification through multiple data points
Clara's reports are delivered within minutes in most cases, with clear highlighting of potential red flags. The platform also provides customizable screening criteria that allow landlords to set specific thresholds for approval.
Go4Rent offers similar background check components but with some key differences:
Credit reports are typically from a single bureau
Criminal background checks that may have more limited county coverage
Basic eviction history that sometimes misses out-of-state records
Standard identity verification
Limited customization of screening criteria
Go4Rent's reports generally take 24–48 hours to complete, and some landlords report occasional gaps in coverage, particularly for applicants who have moved frequently between states.
Report Presentation and Usability
How screening data is presented significantly impacts a landlord's ability to make informed decisions quickly.
Clara's Actionable Insights
Go4Rent's Traditional Reports
Clara presents screening results in a clean, mobile-friendly format with color-coded indicators for quick assessment.
The platform includes:
Comprehensive renter profiles with easy-to-review summaries
Risk scoring based on multiple factors
Detailed reports for deeper investigation when needed
Go4Rent delivers more traditional PDF-style reports that require more careful reading.
Their format includes:
Standard credit report layout
Separate sections for different background components
Less visual guidance for quick decision-making
Limited mobile optimization for on-the-go review
Pricing and Transparency
Pricing structure is a critical consideration for independent landlords who need to manage costs efficiently while ensuring thorough tenant screening.
Feature
Clara
Go4Rent
Base Pricing
$49 flat fee per screening
$19.95/month subscription + $35/screening
Subscription Required
No
Yes
Income Verification
Included (Plaid integration)
Basic included, advanced is $12 extra
Credit Reports
All three bureaus included
Single bureau included
Criminal Background
Nationwide included
Basic included, county-level extra
Eviction History
Comprehensive included
Basic included
Who Pays
Applicant option
Primarily landlord
Annual Cost (10 screenings)
$0 for landlords
$589.40 ($239.40 subscription + $350 screening)
Clara's Transparent Pricing
Go4Rent's Traditional Reports
Clara employs a straightforward pricing model with a single flat fee of $49 per screening.
This all-inclusive price covers:
Complete credit reports from TransUnion
Nationwide criminal background checks
Comprehensive eviction history
Real-time income verification via Argyle/Plaid
Identity verification
With no subscription requirements or hidden fees, Clara's pricing is particularly advantageous for independent landlords with variable screening needs. The platform also offers the flexibility to either absorb the screening cost or pass it to applicants.
Go4Rent delivers more traditional PDF-style reports that require more careful reading.
Their format includes:
Monthly subscription: $19.95
Basic screening fee: $35 per applicant
Advanced income verification: $12 additional
County-level criminal checks: Varies by location
Additional bureau credit reports: $10 each
This tiered approach can lead to unpredictable costs, especially when additional verification is needed. For landlords with sporadic screening needs, the subscription requirement represents an ongoing cost regardless of activity level.
Mobile Accessibility and Support
For busy independent landlords who are often on the go between properties, mobile accessibility isn't just a convenience—it's essential for efficient property management.
Clara's Mobile-First Design
Go4Rent's Desktop Focus
Clara was built from the ground up with mobile users in mind.
The platform offers:
Fully responsive web interface that works on any device
One-tap screening initiation
Notifications for screening updates
Mobile-optimized report viewing
Ability to approve/deny applications from your phone
This mobile-centric approach allows landlords to manage the entire screening process from anywhere, whether showing a property, commuting, or handling other business.
While Go4Rent does offer mobile compatibility, its platform is primarily designed for desktop use:
No dedicated mobile app
A responsive website that can be challenging on smaller screens
PDF reports that require zooming and scrolling on mobile
Limited mobile functionality for initiating new screenings
Email-based notifications rather than push alerts
Many landlords report needing to wait until they're back at their computer to effectively review Go4Rent screening results or initiate new requests.
Customer Support Comparison
Responsive support is crucial when dealing with time-sensitive tenant screening decisions.
Clara's Support Options
Go4Rent's Support Structure
Clara provides multiple support channels designed for quick resolution:
In-app chat support available 7 days a week
Direct phone support during extended business hours
Email support with a same-day response guarantee
Comprehensive knowledge base
Dedicated account representatives for frequent users
Go4Rent offers more traditional support options:
Email support with 24–48 hour response times
Phone support during standard business hours
Basic FAQ section
Limited weekend support availability
No in-app support options
"I was showing a property when I received a screening report notification from Clara. I was able to review the applicant's information right there on my phone, discuss it with them in person, and move forward with the application process immediately. That efficiency helped me secure a great tenant before they found another rental."
— Sarah T., Chicago landlord with 6 rental units
Pros and Cons Summary
✓ Clara Advantages
Real-time income verification through secure Argyle integration
No subscription required—pay only when you screen
Comprehensive reports delivered instantly
Mobile-first design with dedicated apps
All-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees
Superior fraud detection capabilities
Tenant-friendly application process with 90% completion rate
Responsive support across multiple channels
Customizable screening criteria
Clear, actionable reporting format
✗ Go4Rent Limitations
Subscription requirement adds cost for infrequent users
Manual income verification is vulnerable to document falsification
Longer turnaround times (24-48 hours for complete reports)
Limited mobile functionality
Additional fees for comprehensive verification
More complex application process for tenants
Property listing requirements before screening
Less intuitive report format
Limited weekend support options
Desktop-oriented user experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use these tenant screening tools without listing my property on their platforms?
Clara: Yes, Clara is designed specifically for direct tenant screening without requiring property listings. You can use the platform solely for verification purposes without advertising your property.
Go4Rent: No, Go4Rent requires you to create a property listing within their system before you can initiate tenant screening. This is part of their integrated property management approach, but adds an extra step for landlords who just need screening services.
How quickly are tenant screening results available?
Clara: Most Clara screening reports are delivered instantly after the applicant completes their portion. Real-time income verification through Argyle typically available immediately.
Go4Rent: Go4Rent screening reports generally take 24–48 hours to complete, depending on the thoroughness of the applicant's document submissions and the time required for manual verification steps.
What happens if a tenant has no credit history or is new to the country?
Clara: Clara offers alternative verification methods for applicants with limited credit history, including expanded income verification, international credit checks where available, and rental history verification. The platform's Argyle integration is particularly valuable for verifying income when traditional credit history is unavailable.
Go4Rent: Go4Rent relies more heavily on traditional credit reports, which can be limiting for applicants with no established U.S. credit history. Their system offers fewer alternative verification pathways, potentially excluding qualified applicants with non-traditional financial backgrounds.
Conclusion: The Best Tenant Screening Tool for Independent Landlords
After comparing Clara and Go4Rent, Clara is the better choice for independent landlords with 5-10 rental units. It's simply a superior tenant screening tool.
Clara has key advantages. Its real-time income verification is a major benefit, as it removes the guesswork of fake pay stubs. Its user-friendly design means you can screen tenants from anywhere, making it convenient for busy landlords. Also, Clara's flat-fee pricing, with no subscriptions, can save you money, especially if you don't always need to screen new tenants. You pay only for what you use.
Go4Rent offers more general property management features. However, if your main goal is efficient and accurate tenant screening, Go4Rent's subscription model, manual verification steps, and desktop-focused design are less ideal for landlords who are often on the go and concerned about fraud.
For landlords who want to avoid problems, keep things simple, and get quick results, Clara offers a good balance of thoroughness and efficiency. Its easy-to-use application.
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