Your rental history is one of your most crucial records as you navigate the rental market—whether you are renting an apartment or moving into a new home. It shows how well you've adhered to lease agreements, made timely payments, and maintained properties. For landlords, your rental history reflects your reliability, much like a credit score.
Accessing your rental history is more than a formality; it can make or break your chances of securing future housing. In this guide, our team at RiverTown will explain why your rental history matters, the best tools to view it, and how to fix any inaccuracies. Let’s ensure your rental history works for you, not against you.
Your rental history is significant in securing future housing, especially in competitive rental markets. Landlords use rental histories to gauge your reliability as a tenant, looking at factors like whether you’ve consistently paid rent on time, maintained the property, and adhered to lease agreements.
Here’s how your rental history impacts your ability to secure future housing:
Ensuring that your rental history is accurate and up-to-date is critical. Before you apply for your next property, it’s worth checking to see how you appear on paper.
Thanks to the rise of online platforms, viewing your rental history has never been easier. Below are some of the best tools to check your rental records, each with unique pros and cons.
Experian RentBureau gathers rental payment data directly from property management companies and includes it in tenants’ credit reports. If your previous landlords report rent payments to Experian, this tool can provide a comprehensive snapshot of your rental history.
While RentBureau is a valuable tool for tracking rent payment consistency, it’s not foolproof. One drawback is that not all landlords report rent payments to credit bureaus, meaning your history might be incomplete. However, if your landlord does report, this tool provides a quick and easy way to view your payment behavior alongside your credit score.
Equifax includes rental payment data in credit reports for tenants if their landlords or property managers report rent payments. This makes Equifax a convenient option for viewing rental payment history and your overall credit profile.
The downside to Equifax is similar to that of Experian—if your landlord hasn’t reported your rent payments, this data won’t be available. Despite this, it’s still a helpful platform for getting a broad overview of your financial and rental history if your landlord participates.
SmartMove, offered by TransUnion, is a popular tenant screening tool landlords use to check rental history, credit scores, and criminal records. You can request your personalized report through SmartMove to get a complete picture of what landlords might see.
One of the critical advantages of SmartMove is its comprehensive reports, which include credit scores, rental history, and background checks. However, SmartMove is primarily intended for landlords, meaning you might need to request the report from a property manager or landlord rather than accessing it directly.
MyRental is a tenant screening service that allows property owners to run background checks on potential tenants. It includes a detailed rental history report, eviction records, and credit reports.
For tenants, MyRental provides a complete picture of rental history and financial behavior. One drawback is that accessing the report yourself may come with a fee, which can vary based on the level of detail you require.
Tenant Background Search is another widely used tool for landlords that offers a range of reports, including rental history, criminal background checks, and credit reports. Tenants can also request their rental records for personal review.
This platform is fantastic for capturing a snapshot of what landlords look at when they screen tenants. The only downside is that you’ll likely need to pay for access to your entire report, but it offers valuable insights into your rental background.
Credit Karma is a free tool that primarily offers credit reports and credit scores but may also show rental history if your landlord reports rent payments to credit bureaus. It’s a great option for tenants looking to monitor their financial standing without paying for access to a full report.
While Credit Karma is designed primarily for credit reports, it may not offer a complete rental history unless rent payments are reported. It’s a practical, no-cost option but could be limited regarding rental data.
Accessing your rental history is straightforward, especially with many platforms offering easy-to-use online tools. Below is a step-by-step guide for viewing your rental records using the most common services, such as Experian and Equifax.
Once you’ve reviewed and saved your rental history, you’re in a strong position to apply for your next rental with confidence.
Inaccuracies in your rental history can cause problems when applying for housing, but fortunately, you can take steps to fix them. Here’s what to do if you spot any incorrect information:
Suppose you notice an error, such as a payment you made being listed as late or an incorrect eviction, contact the service that provided the report (e.g., Experian, Equifax). They typically have a dispute process for correcting errors.
Collect documents that prove the information is inaccurate, such as lease agreements, payment receipts, or letters from your previous landlord. This will help you make your case during the dispute process.
Follow the platform’s instructions for filing a dispute. Most will require you to submit your claim through their website or by mail. Be prepared to provide any documentation that supports your case.
The agency has 30 days to investigate and resolve your dispute. During this time, check in periodically to see if any action has been taken. You'll receive a notice once the investigation is complete indicating whether the error has been corrected.
If the error originates from a landlord's reporting mistake, reach out to them directly. Politely request they correct the record with the reporting agency and provide any supporting documents that may help.
Your rental history is more than just a record—it’s a critical factor in securing your next home. Regularly checking your rental history and ensuring it’s accurate can improve your chances of getting approved for the property you want. Whether using tools like Experian, Equifax, or MyRental, staying informed about your rental record is crucial.
At RiverTown Realty, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of property management and tenant screening. Don’t wait until it's too late—view your rental history now and improve your chances of securing your next home!