How Do I Check My Own Rental History?

Rental history is a record of past tenancy, indicating a tenant’s reliability. Understanding and checking your own rental history is important because it directly impacts your ability to secure future housing. Landlords and property managers review these reports to assess payment habits, property care, and lease adherence.

Understanding Rental History

Rental history details an individual’s previous rental experiences. Landlords use this information to gauge a tenant’s suitability, focusing on payment punctuality and responsible property management. This record helps them make informed decisions.

A rental history report typically includes previous addresses, lease start and end dates, and rent payment punctuality, noting late payments or non-payment. Reports may also include records of evictions, lease violations, or property damage. Landlord references can also contribute to this profile.

Accessing Your Rental History Reports

Individuals can access rental history information from major credit bureaus and specialized tenant screening companies. These entities collect data from property management companies and electronic rent payment services, compiling it into reports landlords use for screening.

Major credit bureaus like Experian RentBureau, TransUnion SmartMove, and Equifax offer tenant screening services and hold rental payment data. Experian RentBureau collects history from property owners. TransUnion SmartMove allows renters to share reports directly with landlords, including criminal and eviction histories. Equifax also provides screening services with credit reports, criminal checks, and eviction searches.

To obtain a report, individuals need to provide personal identifying information like their full name, addresses, date of birth, and Social Security Number. Requests can be made through online portals or mail. Experian RentBureau provides one free report every 12 months. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), consumers are entitled to one free credit report annually from each major credit bureau via AnnualCreditReport.com, which may contain rental history data.

Specialized tenant screening companies, such as LexisNexis Resident History, also compile consumer reports including rental history. These reports often contain real estate transaction data, lien, judgment, bankruptcy records, and historical addresses. To request a report from LexisNexis, use their online form; after identity verification, a link will be sent via mail. These reports are free once every 12 months, as mandated by the FCRA.

Reviewing and Correcting Your Rental History

Once you have obtained your rental history reports, review them thoroughly for accuracy. Verify personal details like your name and addresses. Confirm the accuracy of lease start and end dates and pay close attention to payment records for discrepancies.

Identify any eviction records or landlord disputes listed on the report. Common errors include mixed files, where similar names cause incorrect information, or outdated data. If you discover inaccuracies, you have the right to dispute them under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

To dispute inaccuracies, gather supporting documentation like lease agreements, payment receipts, or court documents. Contact the reporting agency (credit bureau or tenant screening company) directly to initiate a dispute. They must investigate within 30 days, or up to 45 days in some cases. If a previous landlord submitted incorrect data, you may also need to contact them. Keep detailed records of all communications, including dates, names, and copies of submitted documents.