A Bad Tenant Screening Report Can Cost You an Apartment: Check Yours for Free

Why this matters for renters right now

When you apply for an apartment, most landlords run a tenant screening report. That report can include your rental history, credit, and public records. If it has mistakes, you could be turned down for a home you can afford.

The Federal Trade Commission recently announced action against RentGrow, a tenant screening company. The FTC said the company failed to use reasonable procedures to make sure its reports were accurate, including reporting duplicate records and not properly disclosing where its data came from.

That case is a reminder that these reports are not always right. And errors on your report can quietly cost you an apartment without you ever knowing why.

You have the right to see and fix your report

Tenant screening companies are consumer reporting agencies. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), that means you have real rights.

You can get a copy of your report. You can dispute information you believe is wrong. And the company must investigate your dispute, usually at no charge to you.

If a landlord denies your application based on a screening report, they must tell you which company provided it. That is called an adverse action notice. It gives you the name and contact information you need to get your report and challenge any errors.

How to fix errors without paying anyone

Checking and disputing your report is free. You do not need to hire a company or pay a service to do it for you. Be cautious of anyone who promises to clean up your record for a fee.

Read your report carefully. Look for accounts that are not yours, duplicate records, old information that should have dropped off, or records that belong to someone with a similar name.

If you find a mistake, file a dispute directly with the screening company. Keep copies of anything you send. The company must look into it and correct or remove information it cannot verify.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost money to see my tenant screening report?

No. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you can request your report and dispute errors for free. Be careful of any service that charges to fix your record.

How do I know which company screened me?

If a landlord denies you based on a report, they must give you an adverse action notice that names the screening company and how to contact them.

What happens after I dispute a mistake?

The screening company must investigate your dispute. If it cannot verify the information, it must correct or remove it. Keep copies of everything you send.

What if the company will not fix a clear error?

You can report the problem to the FTC. Filing a complaint is free.