How to See Your Rental History and Reports
Gain clarity on your rental history. This guide shows you how to find, review, and correct your tenancy records.
Rental history is a record of past tenancy, detailing residency and rent payment patterns. It also includes eviction filings or other reported issues. For tenants, understanding this history is important for housing applications, while landlords use it as a screening tool to evaluate applicants.
Accessing Official Tenant Screening Reports
Tenant screening reports are compiled by agencies to help landlords assess renters. These reports include details such as eviction records, previous addresses, and reported payment histories or lease violations. Prominent tenant screening bureaus include CoreLogic SafeRent, TransUnion SmartMove, and Experian RentBureau.
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), consumers can request a free copy of their tenant screening report from these agencies. This right applies if an adverse action, such as a rental denial, was taken against them based on the report. Requesting these reports requires providing personal information like your full name, addresses, date of birth, and Social Security Number for identity verification.
To obtain a report from CoreLogic SafeRent, you can typically call their toll-free number or complete a Consumer Disclosure Request Form available on their website and email it. For TransUnion SmartMove, the process often involves a landlord initiating a request, after which the prospective tenant receives an email invitation to authorize the release of their information. Experian RentBureau often receives data directly from property management companies that use their services, and individuals can typically request their report through Experian’s consumer services.
When requesting your report, be prepared with all necessary personal details. After submitting your request, the report is usually delivered electronically or by mail within a few business days. Reviewing this report allows you to see the same information landlords use when making leasing decisions.
Reviewing Your Credit Report for Rental Data
Your credit report can contain rental history information, though not all rental payments are automatically reported. Some landlords or third-party services submit this data to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. These services may report on-time payments, which can help build credit, and late payments, which can negatively impact your score.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act grants you a free copy of your credit report from each of the three nationwide credit reporting agencies once every 12 months. Since October 2023, weekly free reports have also been made permanently available. Access these reports through AnnualCreditReport.com, the only federally authorized website for this purpose.
To request your reports, visit AnnualCreditReport.com and follow the prompts. You will need to provide personal information to verify your identity. The website will guide you through a series of security questions unique to your credit file to confirm your identity.
Once you access your credit reports, look for “tradelines” from rental payment services or collection accounts related to unpaid rent. These entries detail the reporting company, account status, and payment history, including delinquencies. Identifying these items helps you understand how your rental payments are reflected in your credit file.
Compiling Personal Rental Records
Maintaining personal rental records provides a clear picture of your tenancy history. These records serve as direct proof of residency and payment habits, supplementing formal reports. Useful documents include signed lease agreements, which outline the terms and duration of your tenancy, and rent receipts or canceled checks, which demonstrate consistent payment.
Bank statements showing rent payments can verify your financial responsibility, as can utility bills in your name at the rental address, confirming your occupancy. Keeping an organized file of these documents can be beneficial for future rental applications or in case of discrepancies.
You can contact previous landlords or property management companies to request a written reference or verification of tenancy. When doing so, ask them to confirm dates of residency, the monthly rent amount, your payment history, and the condition of the property upon your move-out. Obtaining such a reference provides valuable insights into your past tenancy.
Addressing Inaccuracies in Your Rental History
If you discover inaccurate information on your tenant screening or credit report, you have the right to dispute it under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Identify the inaccurate item and gather supporting documentation, such as rent receipts, lease agreements, or bank statements, to prove the error. This evidence strengthens your claim.
Contact the reporting agency directly, whether a credit or tenant screening bureau, to initiate a formal dispute. Explain the inaccuracy and provide your supporting documents. The agency is required to investigate your dispute within 30 days, though this period can extend to 45 days.
During the investigation, the reporting agency verifies the information with the original provider, such as a landlord or collection agency. If the information is inaccurate or cannot be verified, it must be corrected or removed from your report. Keep a detailed record of all correspondence related to your dispute, including dates, names, and copies of all documents sent and received.