Both tenants and landlords rely on rental history reports during the leasing process. For tenants, a clean rental history can be the key to securing a desired property, while landlords use these reports to screen potential renters. Here’s a concise guide on how both parties can approach rental history reports, address any inaccuracies, and maintain a positive rental relationship.
What's Included in a Rental History Report?
- Payment history: Rent payment records, including late or unpaid balances.
- Lease agreements: Key terms and conditions of your leases.
- Evictions: Any eviction records impacting future renting opportunities.
- Property damage: Any damage caused during tenancies.
- Lease changes: Documents on renewals, terminations, or reasons for lease endings.
Understanding Rental History Reports
As a tenant, your rental history report is a crucial document that can significantly influence your ability to secure new rental properties. This report typically includes your rent payment history, the dates of your occupancy at previous residences, and feedback from your past landlords.
A positive rental history can make it easier to rent in the future, while any negative entries could be a stumbling block.
Request a Rental History Report
You can request a report from consumer reporting companies such as Experian RentBureau or TransUnion SmartMove to review your rental history. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you’re entitled to one free report every 12 months [1] .
In addition to obtaining a report from these agencies, you can self-report by compiling your rental screening documents. This might include:
- Eviction History: Gather records of past evictions, including court documents or settlement records, to provide context if needed.
- Criminal Background: Some reports may include your criminal background. It’s important to be upfront about any legal issues.
- Income and Employment: Prepare to provide proof of your income, as landlords will often verify that you can afford the rent.
- Credit History: Your credit history may be included in your rental report. A strong credit history will work in your favor. However, if your credit is limited or poor, positive rental references can still help you secure a lease.
Ensure your potential landlord has your authorization by using a background check authorization form before they run a credit check.
You can also request rental history information directly from your previous landlords or through third-party services that aggregate this data. You may want to request a landlord letter of recommendation.
Review Your Rental History Report
Once you receive your rental history report, carefully review it for accuracy. Check all the details, including past addresses, payment records, and landlord feedback. Ensure everything is correct; even minor errors can impact your rental applications.
Correct Errors in Rental History Reports
If you find any inaccuracies in your rental history report, you must dispute them. Write a dispute letter similar to a credit report dispute letter, clearly explaining the error and providing supporting documents like old leases or payment records. Submit your dispute to the consumer reporting company so the information can be corrected.
Improve Your Rental History Report
To build and maintain a strong rental history, consider the following practices:
- Pay Rent on Time: Consistently paying your rent on time is one of the most critical factors in maintaining an excellent rental history.
- Communicate Effectively with Your Landlord: Good communication can help resolve issues before they escalate and may lead to positive feedback from your landlord.
- Take Care of the Rental Unit: Maintaining the property well can reflect positively on your rental history, showing that you are a responsible tenant.
Additional Factors to Consider
- Rent Reporting Services: You might consider using a rent reporting service like RentTrack to report your on-time rent payments to credit bureaus. This can help boost your credit score and improve your rental history.
- Past Evictions: If you’ve experienced an eviction, be prepared to explain the situation during your rental application process. Providing context can help mitigate any concerns a prospective landlord may have.
Conclusion
A well-maintained and accurate rental history report can greatly enhance your chances of securing the rental property you desire. By proactively managing your rental history, disputing errors, and adopting good tenant habits, you can present yourself as a reliable renter, making the rental process smoother and more successful.
