How to Get a Rental History Report

A rental history report provides an overview of an individual’s past rental experiences, offering insights into their behavior as a tenant. This document is a tool landlords often use during the tenant screening process to evaluate potential applicants. It helps them assess an applicant’s reliability and suitability for a property before entering into a lease agreement. By reviewing this report, landlords can make more informed decisions about who they approve to rent their properties.

Understanding Your Rental History Report

A rental history report consolidates details about past tenancies. It includes previous addresses and dates of occupancy, establishing a clear timeline of residential history.

The report provides rental payment history (on-time, late, or missed). It also includes details about eviction actions and their outcomes. Information on lease compliance, such as violations or broken leases, may also be present.

Landlords look for information on property maintenance and potential damages. The report may also list contact information for past landlords or property managers, including recommendations or notes. This overview helps assess an applicant’s past behavior and financial responsibility.

Primary Sources for Obtaining a Report

Several entities compile and provide rental history reports. Tenant screening companies are a prominent source, specializing in gathering data for landlord evaluations. These companies often combine rental history with credit and criminal background checks.

Credit bureaus collect and integrate rental payment data into credit reports. Some specialized credit reporting services include direct rental payment information. Previous landlords or property management companies can also directly provide tenancy information. They maintain records of payment history, lease compliance, and property condition for former tenants.

These sources collect data from rental applications, landlord references, and public records. Tenant screening services compile this data into a structured report, including eviction history, rental payments, and lease specifics.

Steps to Request Your Report

To obtain your rental history report, the process varies by source. If seeking a report from a tenant screening company, identify which companies landlords commonly use. Many allow online requests through consumer access portals. You must provide personal identifying information, such as your name, addresses, date of birth, and Social Security number, to verify identity.

Some tenant screening companies charge a small fee, though some offer one free report annually. After submitting your request and verifying identity, the report is delivered electronically within days or by mail within weeks. If a landlord used a report to deny housing, federal law requires them to provide contact information for the reporting company, entitling you to a free copy if requested within 60 days of denial.

When requesting information directly from a previous landlord or property management company, the process is less formalized. Contact them via phone or email to inquire about providing rental verification or tenancy records. Provide dates of residency and previous address to help them locate records. While not legally obligated to provide a full report, many landlords provide a letter or verification of tenancy, including payment history.

Reviewing and Disputing Report Information

After obtaining your rental history report, review for accuracy. Examine previous addresses, dates of occupancy, and landlord contact information for discrepancies. Pay close attention to the payment history section, verifying rent payments are correctly recorded as on-time, and no late or missed payments are erroneously listed.

Check for inaccuracies in eviction records or reported lease violations. If information is incorrect, outdated, or incomplete, you have the right to dispute it. To initiate a dispute, contact the reporting agency or the landlord who provided the information. Provide supporting documentation, such as rent payment receipts, lease agreements, or court documents, to substantiate your claim.

The reporting agency is required to investigate your dispute within about 30 days and correct inaccurate information. Regularly checking your rental history report helps ensure its accuracy and address errors promptly. This proactive approach helps maintain a positive rental history for future housing applications.