Rental History Reports
& Tenant Screens
A rental screening report is a type of specialty consumer report covered by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). It’s used by landlords, property managers, or screening companies to evaluate rental applicants.
Information Included in a Rental History Report
​A rental history report may include:
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Credit history (from one or more of the “Big 3” bureaus or specialty tenant-screening agencies).
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Eviction records (past filings, judgments, or possession orders).
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Criminal background information (depending on local law limits).
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Rental history (prior landlord references, payment history, lease violations).
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Employment and income verification.
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These reports are often prepared by tenant-screening agencies such as CoreLogic, TransUnion SmartMove, Experian RentBureau, or smaller local screening companies.
Why Accuracy Matters with a Rental Screening
Just like credit reports, rental history reports often contain errors. These mistakes can result in:
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Wrongful denials of rental housing
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Inflated security deposits or higher rent
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Reputational harm from inaccurate eviction or criminal records
Errors can happen for many reasons: mixed-up identities, outdated records, or failure to properly update a resolved eviction case.
Your Legal Rights
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) protects you when a rental screening report is used. Key rights include:
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Consent Required – A landlord must have your permission before obtaining your report.
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Adverse Action Notice – If your application is denied or your rent/deposit is increased based on the report, you must receive a written notice explaining why.
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Right to Dispute Errors – If the report is inaccurate, you can file a dispute with the screening company. They must investigate, usually within 30 days.
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Free Annual Report – You can request one free copy of your tenant-screening report every year from each specialty reporting agency.
How Wells Law - Chicago can Help
If you’ve been unfairly denied housing due to errors in a rental screening report, you don’t have to face it alone. Wells Law – Chicago has over 20 years of experience helping consumers nationwide fight back against inaccurate consumer reports. We know how to hold tenant-screening companies accountable and how to protect your rights under the FCRA.
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Be Informed. Be Empowered. Be Protected. Contact us today. ​​
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