- Rental histories include details about your renting behavior, such as past residences, your period of occupancy, the rent you paid, and any outstanding issues during your rental term.
- Apartment and property managers assess your rental history to decide if you’d be a good tenant.
- Reviewing your rental history can help you identify potential red flags and be proactive about explaining them to a new property manager.
Applying for an apartment, house, or other rental property often involves providing information about your past, including your rental history and financial background. When you find a great apartment in the neighborhood you want to live in, you want to know that the report the property manager sees reflects your accurate history. Have you ever wondered what is a rental history report, what shows up on this history, and how it works? Find out exactly what this document says.
What is a rental history report?
A rental history report is a detailed description of what you are like as a renter compiled by a private consumer reporting company. It shows whether you usually stay in one place for a long time or you like to move around frequently. It also clues property managers into any issues during your past rental agreements and patterns of problem behavior.
What information is on my rental history report?
A rental history report includes the following details:
- A list of all the previous properties you rented
- Information about the property manager at each rental property
- How long you lived at each location
- How much you paid in rent
- Any issues that occurred during the term of your rental agreement (evictions, late rent payments, or broken leases, etc.)
- Positive or negative recommendations from former property managers
How your rental history report is used
Apartment and property managers use rental reports to determine whether they want to rent to you or not. They use the rental report to learn about whether you have been a good renter in the past. The information in the report may also help them write relevant questions for a renter interview.
The benefits of knowing your rental history
When you know what information landlords can review in your rental history, you can get ahead of any potential red flags and clarify items that may raise questions. For example, if you have an eviction on your history, you can talk to the potential landlord to explain the situation prior to submitting your application. If you struggled with your credit in the past, you may be able to take steps to rebuild and improve the number before you apply. Having an open and honest conversation about your rental history can help you clear up problem areas and avoid a rejection.
What’s most important when looking at your own rental history is making sure that the information is correct. You can’t get ahead of issues that you aren’t aware of, and what landlords are reviewing about you should accurately reflect what you would be like as a renter in their unit.
The process used for checking your rental history
When you fill out an application for a house, apartment, or other rental property, you typically give consent for the landlord or property management company to run a background check on you, which may include the details they need to make a decision about whether to rent to you. You may have to provide your own written rental history, although most landlords will request their own history to make sure they get the most accurate information.
If you ever wonder, “how do landlords look up rental history?”, it’s helpful to understand the process that most will follow. Some landlords will request a rental history report from a private consumer reporting agency. A report from this provider will often compile information from multiple sources, including credit reporting agencies and background check providers. Although many agencies offer rental history reports, only a few of the companies are approved by the Consumer Finance Protection Board.
Some landlords request the information from the applicant as part of the application process. If you are providing the details yourself, make sure to include all the information requested to avoid your application being rejected due to inaccurate details. Many landlords will follow up with your previous landlords or property management companies to get a sense of what you would be like as a renter of their property. Dishonesty on your rental history is a big red flag that will make landlords wonder what else you might be hiding.
How to check your rental history report
Follow these steps when checking your rental history report
- Contact tenant screening agencies
There are several tenant screening agencies that compile rental history reports. Some well-known agencies include Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Get in touch with these agencies to request a copy of your rental history report.
- Online platforms and rental websites
Some online platforms offer services that allow individuals to access their rental history reports online. These platforms may require you to provide personal information and consent to the retrieval of your rental history data. Always do your research to confirm the validity of the site and do not provide any personal information like your social security number without verifying the company.
- Reach out to previous landlords or property managers
It’s advisable to maintain a good relationship with your previous landlords or property managers. In case you face difficulty obtaining your rental history report through other means, contacting your former landlords directly might provide you with the necessary information.
Securing an apartment when you don’t have a rental history
If you don’t have a rental history, you may face some challenges when applying for an apartment, as landlords often use this information to assess your reliability as a tenant. However, there are several strategies you can use to strengthen your rental application:
1. Provide references
- Offer personal or professional references to vouch for your character and responsibility.
- If you have any previous landlords, even if it’s not from a formal lease, ask if they would be willing to provide a reference.
2. Use a co-signer or guarantor
- If possible, consider having a co-signer or guarantor with a strong financial and rental history. This person agrees to take responsibility for the lease if you fail to meet your obligations.
3. Provide proof of income
- Demonstrate a stable income by providing pay stubs, employment verification, or tax returns. This helps assure landlords that you can afford the rent.
4. Offer a higher security deposit
- To alleviate concerns about your lack of rental history, you could offer to pay a higher security deposit. This shows the landlord that you are committed to taking care of the property.
5. Explain your situation
- Write a cover letter or include a note with your application explaining why you don’t have a rental history. If it’s due to personal circumstances, be honest and transparent.
6. Show good credit
- A strong credit score can help offset the absence of rental history. Make sure your credit report is accurate and highlight your good credit standing.
7. Be flexible with lease terms
- Consider being flexible with the lease terms. Offering to sign a shorter lease initially or paying a few months in advance may make your application more attractive.
8. Offer automatic payments
- If you can, set up automatic rent payments to show your commitment and responsibility.
9. Provide a rental resume
- Create a rental resume that includes personal information, employment history, and any other relevant details that can showcase your responsibility as a tenant.
10. Visit smaller landlord
- Smaller landlords or individual property owners may be more flexible and willing to consider your application based on personal interactions rather than strict criteria.
Remember, each landlord or property management company has its own policies and preferences, so it’s crucial to communicate effectively and present yourself as a reliable and responsible tenant.
FAQs: Rental history report
No, if you have never rented a property before, you won’t have a rental history. However, you can still establish a positive rental history by ensuring timely payment of bills and demonstrating financial responsibility in other areas.
While some tenant screening agencies may offer free access to your rental history report, most agencies charge a fee for providing this information. It’s important to review the terms and costs associated with obtaining your rental history report before proceeding.
If you discover any errors or discrepancies in your rental history report, you should immediately contact the tenant screening agency that provided the report. Provide them with the correct information and any supporting documentation to rectify the inaccuracies as soon as possible.
Your rental history does not directly impact your credit score. However, late rental payments or evictions can result in collection efforts, which may subsequently affect your credit score if they are reported to credit bureaus. It’s important to prioritize timely rent payments to maintain a positive rental history and protect your credit standing.
A negative rental history report can make it more challenging to secure a lease, as landlords and property managers consider rental history when evaluating potential tenants. However, it’s not an absolute barrier. You can still present other positive aspects, such as stable employment, good references, or an explanation for past issues, to enhance your chances of renting a new property.
Apartment and property managers look for your previous residences, past evictions, previous rental rates, and details about your income and credit history. If you have no evictions, you will likely be a trustworthy renter who can make payments on time and follow rental rules. If other property managers would recommend you as a renter, you’ll likely continue being a model renter for a new property manager.
Being a good renter is the best way to have an excellent rental history. Consistently paying your rent in full and on time, keeping the property neat, and following the terms of your rental agreement should help you maintain a clean report. Respecting your property manager can encourage the individual to recommend you as a renter.
Rent payments can appear on your credit report, however it’s not very common. Rental payment history will only show on your credit report if your landlord submits this information.
By understanding your rental history report and taking steps to rectify any discrepancies or negative records, you can present yourself as a responsible and reliable tenant to future landlords, increasing your chances of securing a desirable rental property.
Remember, each tenant screening agency may have its own process for accessing rental history reports. Make sure you ask about the screening process before you submit your application.
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