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Quick answer
Tenant screening reports can contain errors such as evictions that were dismissed, records that belong to someone else, or wrong credit information. If a landlord denies you based on a screening report, they must tell you which company provided it, and you can get a free copy and dispute errors.
What is a tenant screening report?
Many landlords use screening companies to check applicants. These reports can combine credit information, rental and eviction history, and criminal records. Tenant screening companies are covered by the Fair Credit Reporting Act, so the same accuracy and dispute rights apply as with credit reports.
Signs your screening report has an error
Review the report and tick anything you see.
These signs can point to errors in your screening report. An advocate can review it with you, free of charge.
Start a free reviewWhy tenant screening errors happen
Name-only matching
Records are matched to you by name without confirming other details.
Incomplete court records
A filing is reported, but not its outcome, such as a dismissal.
Outdated information
Sealed cases or old records are still in a commercial database.
Credit report errors
Mistakes on your credit report carry over into the screening report.
What the law says
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), landlords who use screening reports have duties when they deny an application.
- Accuracy
- Screening companies must follow reasonable procedures to make sure their reports are as accurate as possible.
- Denial notice
- If a landlord denies you or sets worse terms based on a report, they must give you a notice saying so.
- Notice details
- The notice must name the screening company, explain that it didn’t make the decision, and tell you about your right to a free copy and to dispute.
- Free copy
- You can request a free copy of the report from the screening company within 60 days of the notice.
- Free disputes
- You can dispute errors with the screening company, which generally must investigate within 30 days.
Some states and cities have additional tenant screening rules. This is a general summary of public federal law, not legal advice.
Steps you can take
- Ask for the denial noticeIt should name the screening company that provided the report.
- Request your free reportContact the screening company within 60 days of the notice.
- Gather your proofCourt records showing a dismissal or sealing, receipts or letters from past landlords.
- Dispute directly with the screening companyExplain each error, include copies of your proof and keep records of what you send.
- Check your credit reports tooIf the error comes from your credit report, dispute it with the credit bureau as well.
Denied an apartment over a screening report? We can review it with you.
Common questions about tenant screening
Can I see the tenant screening report a landlord used?
Yes. If you’re denied based on the report, you can request a free copy from the screening company within 60 days of the landlord’s notice.
Can a dismissed eviction show up on my report?
It can happen when a report shows a filing but not its outcome. If the information is inaccurate or incomplete, you can dispute it.
Does the landlord have to tell me why I was denied?
If the denial was based on a screening report, the landlord must give you a notice naming the company that provided it.
Does it cost anything to dispute?
No. Disputing errors with a screening company is free.
Sources
- Federal Trade Commission: Fair Credit Reporting Act
- Federal Trade Commission: Consumer advice
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Submit a complaint
This guide is general information based on public sources. It isn’t legal advice, and Credit Dispute is not a law firm.