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What screening reports include
- Credit history: payment history, collections, debts, sometimes a score
- Eviction records: court filings and judgments
- Criminal records: subject to FCRA time limits and state and local fair chance laws
- Rental payment history: from landlords or property management databases
- Identity verification
Some companies provide a score or recommendation; landlords should still apply their own written criteria.
Your rights under the FCRA
- Adverse action notice: if a landlord denies you, requires a co-signer or higher deposit, or raises rent based on a report, they must tell you and give the company’s contact information.
- Free report: you can get a free copy within 60 days of the notice.
- Annual free reports: from nationwide specialty consumer reporting agencies (including many tenant screening companies) and from the three credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.
- Disputes: companies must investigate disputes, usually within 30 days, and correct or delete inaccurate or unverifiable information.
- Time limits: most negative information older than seven years (and arrests older than seven years) can’t be reported; convictions have no federal time limit.
- Accuracy: reports must use reasonable procedures to ensure maximum possible accuracy—mismatched identities and incomplete court outcomes are common errors.
How to dispute an error
- Get the report and circle each error.
- Gather proof (dismissal orders, payment receipts, ID showing a mismatch).
- Send a written dispute to the screening company (and the source, such as a court or landlord).
- Keep copies and proof of delivery.
- If not fixed, file a complaint with the CFPB and consider a consumer attorney.
Improve your chances
- Ask for screening criteria before paying fees.
- Check your reports first and fix errors.
- Provide context: a short letter explaining past issues and what has changed.
- Offer references from landlords, employers, and caseworkers.
- Offer a co-signer or larger deposit where legal. See co-signers and guarantors.
- Consider landlords that use individualized review rather than automatic cutoffs.
Local protections
Some states and cities:
- Require landlords to accept portable screening reports
- Limit application fees
- Restrict use of eviction filings, criminal records, or credit scores for voucher holders
- Ban consideration of sealed records
Discrimination concerns
Screening policies that treat applicants differently because of race, national origin, disability, or other protected characteristics are illegal. See housing discrimination.
How to request your screening reports
- Identify the companies landlords in your area use (ask landlords, check adverse action notices, or see the CFPB’s list of consumer reporting companies).
- Request your free annual file online, by phone, or by mail.
- Provide identity verification as required.
- Review everything: names, addresses, court cases, balances, and dates.
Sample dispute letter
I am disputing the following information in my tenant screening report [report or file number]: [describe the item]. This information is [inaccurate/incomplete] because [explain—for example, the case was dismissed on DATE, or this record belongs to another person]. I have enclosed [court order, receipt, ID]. Please investigate and correct or delete this information and send me an updated copy of my report.
Send by a trackable method and keep copies.
Credit-building steps before you apply
- Pay every bill on time; set up autopay for minimums.
- Keep credit card balances low relative to limits.
- Consider a secured credit card or credit-builder loan.
- Ask your current landlord whether they report rent payments.
- Don’t open multiple new accounts right before applying.
- Negotiate or set up payment plans for collections; get agreements in writing.
Screening for voucher holders
Some jurisdictions limit how landlords use credit scores for voucher holders, recognizing that most rent is paid by the housing agency. Ask landlords to consider your rental payment history and your share of the rent.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see my tenant screening report before applying?
Yes. Under federal law you can request your file from nationwide specialty consumer reporting agencies, including major tenant screening companies, once a year for free. The CFPB publishes a list of companies.
Will a landlord see my eviction case if I won?
Possibly, unless it’s sealed. Screening companies must report accurately; a filing reported without its dismissal or tenant win can be disputed as incomplete or misleading.
Does paying rent on time build credit?
Only if it’s reported. Some landlords and third-party services report rent payments to credit bureaus; some public housing agencies and programs offer this too. Ask.
Can a landlord deny me for medical debt?
The major credit bureaus have removed paid medical collections and those under $500 from credit reports. Screening practices vary, and some states restrict use of medical debt.
Sources and verification
Use these sources to check program rules. Funding, openings, and local procedures must be confirmed with the agency handling your application.
- Review your rental background checkConsumer Financial Protection Bureau
- What is a tenant screening report?Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- What should I do if my rental application is denied because of a tenant screening report?Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- Free credit reportsAnnualCreditReport.com (authorized by federal law)
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