How to Check and Obtain Your Rental History Report

Are you considering a move to a new rental? If you’re in the market for a new rental, you’ll likely go through a tenant screening process. Part of this will be a rental history report. Before you apply, you have the option to pull your own report to see what it says and ensure that it’s accurate and up-to-date.

Landlords and property managers want to protect their property and assess your reliability as a tenant. A rental history report allows them to do this in a compliant and fair way. Understanding what these reports consist of and how it can lead to either being approved or rejected matters.

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to check your rental history and its impact.

What is a rental history report?

A rental history report provides details on any previous leases as a tenant. Landlords and property managers use it in the screening process to paint a picture of what kind of renter you’ll be.

Rental history reports include both direct and contextual information, including:

• Payment history (e.g., your rent payment track record, including any late payments or outstanding balances)
• Lease agreements
• Evictions filed against you
• Reports of any damage caused to rental properties during your tenancy
• Lease renewals, terminations, and any issues leading to the end of a lease
• Contact information of your previous landlords
• Addresses of all previous rentals
• Rent amounts
• Length at each rental
• Any issues or problems, including damage to units, late rent payments, broken leases, neighbor complaints, or an eviction notice
• Recommendations from past landlords

Why knowing your rental history is important

Landlords and property managers will use the report to assess if you’re a good fit for the property. As a result, checking your rental history first has several benefits, including:

Spotting errors

Just like your credit report, rental history reports can contain errors. Reviewing your report allows you to identify and dispute any inaccuracies that could influence a landlord’s decision.

Preparing for applications

Being aware of what landlords will see enables you to address any concerns. You’ll be better prepared to present your case effectively during the rental application process.

Building trust with landlords

Proactively finding up your rental history and sharing it with potential landlords demonstrates transparency and may help build trust.

Benefits of having a clean history report

A clean rental history has many of the same benefits as good credit. Businesses see you as a credible consumer who is financially healthy. You’re not a risk to a landlord when your past includes always on-time payments and no reports of damage or disturbances.

In a competitive market with fewer rentals, you can stand out and be an ideal tenant.

How rental history affects lease approvals

Your rental history report showcases your past behavior as a tenant. It sheds light on whether you consistently paid rent on time or faced issues such as late payments. It also details if you maintained the condition of the rental or caused damage during your tenancy.

Other factors impacting approvals are lease violations, such as breaking terms, causing disturbances, eviction records, or neighbor complaints.

If your rental history is exemplary and you have positive recommendations from previous landlords, you’ll be more likely to gain approval.

Factors that impact your rental history

When landlords review your history, these are the things they may see as red flags:

• Imperfect rental payment history
• Reports from previous landlords that include property damage or behavioral issues
• Citations for disturbances or noise complaints
• Conflicts with neighbors
• Not following a lease agreement

How to check your rental history

According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you can get your rental history report for free. You can do so annually via Experian, Transunion, or Equifax. There are other approaches if you don’t want to go through these organizations.

Self-reporting

By self-reporting, you can control the information and highlight positive aspects of your rental history. Compile a comprehensive list of your past addresses, including the duration of your stay and contact information for previous landlords.

Be sure to note any timely payments, responsible property maintenance, and if you had a good relationship with your previous landlords. Self-reporting also allows you to provide additional information beyond what may be included in a standard rental history report, giving landlords a more detailed understanding of your renting experience.

Gathering documentation from landlords and property managers

Having written documentation directly from landlords adds credibility to your report. If you had a trouble-free tenancy, consider contacting your previous landlords to request recommendation letters. A recommendation letter can go a long way in offering valuable insights to potential landlords regarding your reliability and ability to get along with others.

Contact information and rental agreements

Ensure you have up-to-date contact information for all your previous landlords. Having their current details makes it easier for future landlords to request and receive necessary documentation.

In addition, you should collect copies of past rental agreements, lease contracts, or communications about your responsibilities and conduct during your tenancy. These documents can serve as supporting evidence when building your rental history report. Remember to maintain a professional and courteous approach when reaching out to landlords for this information.

Third-party rental history report services

Third-party reporting services track your on-time rent payments, which can boost your credit score. Some services will report up to two years of prior rent payments and allow you to include contact information for past landlords.

You can also provide contextual information on your monthly rent, such as explanations for late rent, evictions, broken leases, or damaged property. You could also include reviews from previous landlords. While these services often come with a fee, they may be worth it, particularly if you have a limited credit history or need to improve it.

How to review and verify information

Once you’ve obtained all the necessary documents, carefully review your rental history report for accuracy and completeness. Verify that all of your occupancy dates, previous addresses, landlord names, and rental rates are correct.

How to correct inaccurate information

If you discover discrepancies in your rental history report, promptly dispute them with the reporting agency. The company will review the dispute and either correct the report or leave it as-is if they believe their information is accurate. If they don’t revise the report, you can append it with a written note with documentation supporting your dispute. This note will be included when others request your report.

Alternatively, if there are accurate negative remarks, some agencies allow you to add a personal statement to your report to explain the situation further.

Common questions about rental history reports

How long does information stay on reports?

It depends on the information. Evictions remain for up to 7 years, as can judgments. Chapter 13 bankruptcy remains for seven years, and Chapter 7 for up to 10 years. Likewise, late payments and collection accounts could also be reportable for up to 7 years. Variations by state apply.

Will checking your rental history affect your credit?

No, it doesn’t impact your credit score because it’s a “soft” pull or inquiry.

Where does the information in your rental history come from?

Third-party services and private consumer reporting agencies create most rental history reports. For example, TransUnion, one of the three major credit bureaus, offers SmartMove, which provides a deep dive into renters' credit, rental history, and criminal background.

Some landlords prefer a hands-on approach to the tenant screening process, taking charge of the rental history verification themselves. In this scenario, applicants provide details such as past addresses and contact information for previous landlords. The landlord will then personally inquire about the applicant's conduct and performance as a tenant in previous rental properties.

Tips for improving your rental history

Getting your rental history report before applying for your next apartment helps ensure you always put your best foot forward. Taking a proactive approach enables you to spot inaccuracies and helps you increase your chances of being accepted as a tenant. To improve your rental history, consider taking the following actions:

Pay your rent and bills on time

If your rent payment history is less than stellar, make sure you pay your rent on time, along with your other financial obligations. You can also use an online payment service like Rent Payment so you never miss another rent payment again.

Maintain open communication

Establish clear and consistent communication with your landlord. Inform them of any potential issues, changes in circumstances, or requests related to the rental property as soon as possible.

Keep relations good with neighbors

Being a considerate and respectful neighbor contributes to a positive rental history. Avoid disturbances, noise complaints, or conflicts that could negatively impact your record.

Follow lease agreements

Adhere to the terms and conditions outlined in your lease agreement. This includes respecting property rules, maintaining the premises, and following any other stipulations specified in the lease.

Address and resolve issues

If any issues arise during your tenancy, promptly address and resolve them. Whether it's a maintenance concern or a dispute with neighbors, taking swift action reflects positively on your tenant record.

How RentSpree can help

You want to present a positive rental history to potential landlords as a renter.

Choosing a reputable property management service empowers you to demonstrate your reliability and responsibility as a tenant.

Research and reviews

Begin by researching different property management services and reviewing feedback from other renters on platforms like Google, Yelp, or rental forums.

Credentials

Make sure the property management service is licensed, accredited, and potentially affiliated with professional property associations, reflecting a commitment to industry standards.

Transparent policies

Opt for a service with clear policies on how they handle and report rental history information, aligning with your privacy expectations.

Technology and services

Choose a service that leverages technology for efficient reporting, offering online portals or apps for tenants to conveniently access and review their rental history reports.

Communication and legal compliance

Evaluate the service's communication style, ensuring responsiveness and clarity. Confirm legal compliance in collecting, storing, and reporting rental history information to protect tenant rights.

A rental history report is an indispensable resource for landlords to vet tenants.

To ensure you never miss a payment and your rental history stays impeccable, you can use a service like RentSpree’s Rent Payment platform. We make rent payments simple, convenient, and secure with multiple payment options.

Take control of your rental history and show future landlords you're a responsible tenant by tackling your rent payments with RentSpree today. Sign up now.

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