Your rental history is a crucial aspect of your rental application and can significantly impact landlord decisions. To increase your chances of approval, it's important to have a clear understanding of your rental history. If you're unsure about how to check your rental history, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process and provide valuable insights to ensure that your rental history accurately reflects you as a renter.
Understanding a Rental History Report
A rental history report provides landlords with essential information about your past behavior as a renter. It is compiled by private consumer reporting companies and includes details regarding the duration of your stay, rent payment records, and any potential concerns that may have arisen during your previous tenancies. These reports also feature recommendations or feedback from your previous landlords.
A typical rental history report includes:
- Addresses of previous rentals
- Contact information for each rental record
- Dates of occupancy
- Rent amounts paid
- Any issues encountered during your rental period (e.g., broken leases, late payments, evictions)
- Recommendations or feedback from previous landlords
Caption: Rental History Reports Defined
How to Check Your Rental History Report
Checking your rental history report is crucial to understanding your rental background and ensuring its accuracy. One convenient method is to obtain a copy of the report from a tenant screening company. Companies like TransUnion offer services such as SmartMove, which consolidate the major elements of a tenant screening.
If you prefer to gather the screening documents individually, here's a step-by-step process:
- Obtain a copy of your credit report.
- Compile a list of your previous rental locations, including contact information.
- Note any evictions you may have had. If you're unsure about the legality of any past evictions, consider using an official eviction check service or checking the local court system for free eviction records.
- Request a copy of your criminal record if applicable.
- Keep in mind that prospective landlords may reach out to your previous landlords for additional information.
Caption: Tips for Reviewing Your Rental History Report
Utilizing Your Rental History Report
Now that you know how to check your rental history, it's important to understand how to effectively utilize this information. Before your landlord reviews your rental history, take the time to verify its accuracy. Ensure that all the details, such as addresses, dates of occupancy, and landlord contact information, are correct. If you discover any mistakes, promptly contact the tenant screening company to dispute and correct the information.
Other Factors Considered Besides Rental and Eviction History
In addition to your rental and eviction history, landlords may consider several other factors during the tenant screening process.
Income and Employment
Landlords often seek information regarding your income and employment status to ensure timely rental payments. They may contact your employer directly for confirmation.
Credit History
Apart from your rental payment history, landlords may also review your credit report to evaluate your financial responsibility. Establishing a positive credit history can be advantageous, especially if you lack a rental history.
Consider using rent reporting services to ensure that your on-time rent payments are reflected in your credit history. In some cases, these services are available free or at a reduced rate directly through your landlord.
Criminal Background
Your criminal background can influence your ability to secure a rental apartment. Any outstanding warrants, pending cases, or past misdemeanors/felonies that appear on your criminal background report may raise concerns. It's advisable to address these issues with prospective landlords proactively.
Make Your Move: Start Apartment Hunting
Your rental history plays a significant role in determining your eligibility as a renter. By checking your rental history online for free before landlords review the information, you can rectify any discrepancies and ensure a smooth rental process.
Begin your search for a new apartment today by exploring Apartment List's customized quiz.
Rental History Report FAQs
How Do I Get My Rental History on my Credit Report?
Although your credit report may display certain aspects of your rental history, such as missed payments, you can use a rental reporting service to ensure that all your on-time payments are reported to the major credit reporting agencies.
Can You Rent an Apartment With Bad Credit?
Renting an apartment with bad credit is possible, provided you have a positive rental history to support your application. It's advisable to inform prospective landlords about any negative marks on your credit report before they discover them independently.
Does Good Rental History Help Credit?
Making on-time rental payments can positively impact your credit, especially if you use a rental reporting service to ensure that all major credit reporting agencies are notified of your timely payments.
What's Considered a Good Rental History?
A good rental history comprises consistent on-time rental payments, responsible property maintenance, sufficient income to support monthly rental expenses, and a clean eviction record.
What Do Property Managers Look for on My Rental History Report?
Property managers review several aspects on your rental history report, including your payment consistency, eviction history, criminal background, and red flags like low credit scores and a history of missed payments.
Do You Have a Rental History Report If You Haven't Rented an Apartment Before?
If you've never rented an apartment before, you won't have a rental history report.
What Should You Do If You Have a Bad Rental History Report?
If you possess a negative rental history report, start by ensuring that all the information is accurate. If it is, explain your circumstances to your prospective landlord before submitting your application. Obtain positive referrals from other landlords and provide proof of income to demonstrate your ability to pay. Additionally, offering options such as a short-term or month-to-month lease can help alleviate concerns.
How Can You Ensure You Have an Excellent Rental History Report?
To maintain an excellent rental history report, consistently pay your rent and any associated fees on time, maintain open and transparent communication with your landlord, leave the rental property in good condition, and part ways on amicable terms.
