Comparison
CertRent vs Boom for Chicago renters
Chicago has no rent-reporting mandate — reporting is entirely opt-in, whichever service you choose. Boom is a dedicated reporting service with a past-rent lookback; here is how it compares to CertRent.
| CertRent | Boom | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A verified renter profile + rent-history platform, in Chicago | A dedicated rent-reporting service |
| Bureaus reported to | Tri-bureau (planned, not yet live) | All three (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) |
| Bank-verified | Yes, via Plaid (at launch) | Yes |
| Reports past rent (lookback) | No | Yes, as a paid add-on |
| Shareable profile a landlord can view | Yes — the core product (opens at launch; waitlist now) | No — reporting only shows on your credit file |
| Ownership-checked landlord references | Yes, against Cook County records (at launch) | No — not part of the product |
Competitor details checked 2026-09-24 against their own public websites. Features and prices change, so confirm on their site before you sign up. CertRent accounts are waitlist-only for now: verified profiles, bank verification and rent certificates open at launch, and rent reporting is planned. Guides, templates and building lookups are free today.
When Boom makes sense
If you specifically want a lookback on rent you already paid, Boom does that and CertRent does not.
Where CertRent is the better fit
If you want your ongoing rent verified and a real profile a Chicago landlord can view before you apply, CertRent is built to provide that from one bank connection once accounts open (waitlist now), plus a rent certificate and ownership-checked references.