Landlords and property managers often run a credit report, a tenant screening report, or both. Tenant screening companies are consumer reporting agencies under the FCRA, which means you have rights to see what they report, dispute errors, and get notice if a report is used against you.
Key takeaways
- Landlords may check credit reports and specialty tenant screening reports.
- Screening reports can include rental history and court records depending on the company and state law.
- If you're denied or charged more because of a report, you're entitled to an adverse action notice naming the company.
- You can get a free copy of that report within 60 days and dispute errors.
- Check all three credit reports before you apply, and fix errors early.
What landlords look at
Depending on the landlord and state, screening can include a credit report or score, rental payment history, eviction court records, criminal records, and income or identity verification. The CFPB lists tenant screening companies among the specialty consumer reporting companies whose reports you can request (CFPB list).
A landlord needs a permissible purpose to get your consumer report, which a rental application you submit provides (15 U.S.C. § 1681b).
If you're denied: adverse action rights
If a landlord takes adverse action, like denying your application, requiring a larger deposit, or requiring a co-signer, based in whole or in part on a consumer report, the FCRA requires it to give you notice, including the name and contact information of the reporting company, a statement that the company didn't make the decision, and your right to get a free copy of the report within 60 days and to dispute its accuracy (15 U.S.C. § 1681m).
- 1Ask for the adverse action notice if you didn't receive one.
- 2Request your free report from the named company within 60 days.
- 3Review it for errors: wrong evictions, records belonging to someone else, outdated items, wrong balances.
- 4Dispute errors with the screening company and, where relevant, the source. The same FCRA dispute rights apply (dispute guide).
- 5Tell the landlord if an error is corrected and ask whether they'll reconsider.
Tenant screening companies are consumer reporting agencies
Many landlords use tenant screening companies instead of, or in addition to, a credit bureau report. Those companies are consumer reporting agencies under the FCRA, so the same accuracy and dispute rights apply. Many are nationwide specialty consumer reporting companies, which must give you a free copy of your report once every 12 months on request. The CFPB keeps a list of consumer reporting companies with contact information.
- Screening reports can include credit information, eviction records, and rental history.
- Eviction records are a common source of errors, such as a case that was dismissed or belongs to someone with a similar name.
- If a record isn't yours or is reported incorrectly, dispute it with the screening company that produced the report.
Ways to strengthen an application
- Bring proof of income and recent pay stubs.
- Offer references from past landlords.
- Explain past problems briefly and honestly, with proof of how they were resolved.
- Ask whether a larger security deposit or a co-signer is an option, if local rules allow.
- Lower your card balances before you apply; utilization changes can show quickly.
Preparing before you apply
- Pull your three credit reports and fix errors at least 30 to 60 days ahead if you can.
- Lower card balances before your statement dates.
- Lift any freezes at the bureaus the landlord or screening company uses.
- Have documents ready: proof of income, references, and explanations for any past issues.
- Ask the landlord which screening company and criteria they use, and what application fees cover.
Ask about screening before you pay a fee
- Which screening company does the landlord use, and what will it check (credit, evictions, criminal records, rental history)?
- What are the approval criteria, if the landlord will share them?
- How much is the application or screening fee, and is it refundable? Some states and cities limit these fees.
- Can you provide your own recent report? Some landlords accept it; many don't.
Knowing which company will screen you lets you request your file from it in advance and fix errors before you apply.
If you have an eviction record
Eviction filings can appear on screening reports even when a case was dismissed or settled, and records sometimes get attached to the wrong person. If a record is inaccurate or incomplete, such as missing a dismissal, dispute it with the screening company and include court documents. Rules about sealed or older records vary by state.
If your credit is thin or bruised
Options vary by landlord: a co-signer or guarantor, a larger deposit where legal, proof of steady income and savings, or references from past landlords. Building positive history over time helps your next application. See building credit from scratch.
After you move in
Rent usually doesn't build credit unless your landlord or a service reports it. If you want rent to count, ask whether your landlord offers rent reporting and which bureaus receive it, and check any fees. Pay on time either way: unpaid rent can be sent to collections, and a collection can appear on your credit reports and future screening reports.
Prefer help with the legwork? CreditGod reads all three reports, flags items that may be inaccurate, and drafts disputes for your approval. You can always dispute for free on your own.
Frequently asked questions
Do landlords check all three credit bureaus?
Usually not. Many pull one credit report or use a tenant screening company. You often won't know which in advance, so check all three.
Can I dispute an error on a tenant screening report?
Yes. Tenant screening companies are consumer reporting agencies under the FCRA, so you can dispute inaccurate or incomplete information with them.
What should a landlord give me if I'm denied because of my report?
An adverse action notice with the reporting company's name and contact information, a statement that the company didn't make the decision, and your rights to a free copy within 60 days and to dispute it.
Does an apartment credit check hurt my score?
It depends on how the report is pulled. Some screening checks are recorded as inquiries. Ask the landlord, and try to apply to several places within a short period.
Can I get a free copy of my tenant screening report?
Often, yes. Many tenant screening companies are nationwide specialty consumer reporting companies that must provide a free report every 12 months on request, and you're entitled to a free copy if a landlord denies you based on the report.
Can a landlord check my credit without my permission?
A landlord needs a permissible purpose under the FCRA, and applying for a rental generally provides one. Most applications include an authorization for the screening.
Will a landlord see my credit score or my full report?
It depends on the screening product. Some landlords receive a score or a recommendation; others see report details. Ask the landlord what they review.
Can I rent with no credit history?
Often, yes. Landlords may accept proof of income, references, a co-signer, or a larger deposit where allowed. Ask about options before you apply.
How long is a tenant screening report valid?
Landlords set their own rules, and many run a new screening for each application. If you're applying to several places, ask whether a recent report can be reused.
Sources and further reading
This guide is general educational information, not legal or financial advice, and CreditGod is not a law firm. You can dispute inaccurate information with the credit bureaus yourself, for free. Only inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information can be disputed; results vary. Rules change, so check the CFPB, FTC, or a qualified professional about your situation. Read our editorial standards.