What Shows Up on a Rental History Report?
Gain insight into your rental history report. Understand the information landlords consider, how it's sourced, and steps to access your own record.
A rental history report provides a comprehensive overview of an individual’s past behavior as a renter. Landlords and property managers commonly use these reports during the tenant screening process to assess a prospective tenant’s reliability and suitability for a rental property. This compiled record is a significant factor in the housing market, helping property owners make informed decisions about who to rent to. Understanding what these reports contain and how they are compiled can assist individuals in navigating the rental application process effectively.
Specific Information on Rental History Reports
A rental history report details various aspects of an applicant’s tenancy. Personal identifying information, such as full name, date of birth, Social Security Number, and previous addresses, forms the foundational data of the report. This information establishes the individual’s identity and provides a historical trail of their residences.
The report includes past rental addresses and specific dates of tenancy. This offers a clear timeline of an applicant’s residential stability. Payment history indicates whether rent payments were consistently on-time, if there were any late payments, or instances of unpaid rent. Information regarding collection accounts for rent-related debts can also appear, reflecting financial responsibility or potential issues.
Eviction records detail any eviction filings, judgments, or dismissals from court records. These entries provide insight into past legal disputes concerning tenancy. Lease violations, if documented, may also be included. Such violations can encompass issues like unauthorized pets, property damage, or noise complaints. Financial judgments or liens against the tenant might also be listed.
Credit history is often integrated into tenant screening reports. This includes an applicant’s credit score, bankruptcies, outstanding debts, and payment patterns. Criminal background information is often included. This screening helps landlords assess potential risks and make decisions about an applicant’s overall suitability.
Sources of Rental History Data
Landlords use various entities and methods to compile rental history information. Major tenant screening companies gather and aggregate data from multiple sources. Companies like TransUnion SmartMove, Experian RentBureau, and CoreLogic SafeRent provide reports to landlords. These services often combine credit, criminal, and eviction history into a single report.
Traditional credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—contribute credit history information to tenant screenings. While rent payments are not always reported directly to these bureaus by landlords, collection accounts for unpaid rent can appear on credit reports. This financial data helps landlords assess an applicant’s ability to meet rental obligations.
Public records are another primary source of data for rental history reports. Court databases are searched for eviction filings and judgments. Criminal background databases are also accessed for criminal history. This access to public records ensures a thorough background check.
Direct contact with previous landlords provides anecdotal or specific tenancy details not always captured by automated reports. Landlord references can provide insights into a tenant’s behavior, maintenance of the property, and adherence to lease terms. Landlords often use a combination of these sources to build a complete tenant profile.
Obtaining Your Own Rental History
Reviewing your own rental history report for accuracy and completeness before applying for rentals is a proactive step. Identifying and addressing any inaccuracies can prevent potential issues during the application process. Errors or outdated information can unfairly impact your ability to secure housing.
To obtain a copy of your rental history report, you can request it directly from major tenant screening bureaus. Companies like Experian RentBureau, CoreLogic SafeRent, and TransUnion SmartMove offer ways for individuals to request their own reports. These services may charge a fee, typically ranging from $20 to $50, depending on the report’s depth.
You can also access your free annual credit reports from the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) via AnnualCreditReport.com. While full rental payment history might not always appear on standard credit reports unless specifically reported by a landlord or through a rent-reporting service, eviction records or unpaid rent sent to collections can be present. Regularly checking these reports helps maintain financial health and identifies potential discrepancies.
If you discover inaccuracies on any of these reports, you have the right to dispute the information. The general process involves contacting the reporting agency directly and providing documentation to support your claim. The agency is typically required to investigate your dispute within 30 days. Eviction records can remain on tenant screening reports for up to seven years, and bankruptcies can stay on reports for up to ten years, though criminal convictions may have no time limit under federal law.