Where Can I Check My Rental History for Free?
Empower yourself by learning how to access your rental history report for free, understanding its contents, and ensuring its accuracy for your housing future.
A rental history report compiles information about a tenant’s past housing experiences, helping landlords assess an applicant’s reliability and suitability. Understanding how to access and review your own rental history is important, as you can obtain this information without charge.
What is a Rental History Report
A rental history report consolidates details about an individual’s tenancy. It often includes previous addresses, dates of occupancy, and landlord contact information. The report may also highlight any eviction filings.
Payment history is another component, noting instances of late rent payments or bounced checks. Additionally, it can detail lease violations, such as property damage or noise complaints. While distinct from a credit report, a rental history report can include some financial data related to housing, like collection accounts from previous landlords.
How to Obtain Your Free Reports
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) grants consumers the right to obtain a free copy of their consumer report from each consumer reporting agency once every 12 months. This provision extends to agencies specializing in rental history, allowing individuals to review the information landlords use for screening purposes.
You can request your free rental history report from several agencies. Some common rental history reporting agencies include Experian RentBureau, TransUnion SmartMove, CoreLogic SafeRent, and LexisNexis. Each agency provides a dedicated online portal or mailing address for report requests.
When requesting your report, provide identifying information. This includes your full name, current and previous addresses, date of birth, and Social Security Number. These details are used to verify your identity and ensure you receive the correct report.
Reviewing and Correcting Your Report
Once you have received your rental history report, examine all the information for accuracy. Look for any discrepancies, such as incorrect addresses, inaccurate dates of tenancy, or misreported payment statuses. Even minor errors could potentially affect future housing applications.
If you discover any inaccuracies, you have the right under the FCRA to dispute the information with the reporting agency. To initiate a dispute, send a written notification to the agency outlining the errors you have identified. Including any supporting documentation, like rent receipts or lease agreements, can strengthen your claim.
The reporting agency is then obligated to investigate your dispute within 30 days of receiving your notification. If their investigation confirms the information is inaccurate or cannot be verified, they must correct or remove it from your report. This process helps ensure your rental history accurately reflects your tenancy record.