Tenant Screening Services and Your Rights
Finding a place to live often requires more than just filling out an application. Most landlords and property managers use tenant screening services to evaluate applicants before approving them for rental housing. While these checks are meant to protect property owners, they can sometimes contain errors, outdated information, or unfair assessments that cost tenants a place to live.
At Sanders Law Group, we help renters understand their rights, dispute inaccuracies in tenant screening reports, and fight back when screening services violate federal law.
What Are Tenant Screening Services?
Tenant screening services are third-party companies that compile background information on rental applicants. These reports may include:
- Credit history and credit scores
- Criminal background checks
- Eviction history
- Rental payment records
- Employment and income verification
Landlords use this information to decide whether to approve or deny applications, set security deposits, or impose additional requirements.
Common Issues with Tenant Screening Reports
While screening services can provide useful information, they are not always accurate. Errors may include:
- Reporting someone else’s criminal or eviction history under your name
- Listing debts or judgments that were already resolved
- Including outdated or irrelevant information
- Failing to reflect positive rental payment history
These mistakes can unfairly block tenants from securing housing, even when they are financially responsible and qualified.
Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Tenant screening companies are considered consumer reporting agencies, which means they are subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This law gives you important rights, including:
1. The Right to Access Your Report: You can request a copy of your tenant screening report.
2. The Right to Dispute Errors: Inaccurate information must be corrected within 30 days of your dispute.
3. The Right to Accurate Reporting: Screening companies must take steps to ensure reports are correct and up to date.
4. The Right to Legal Remedies: If errors cause you harm and aren’t corrected, you may be entitled to compensation.
How to Handle Errors in Tenant Screening Reports
If you suspect your rental application was denied due to incorrect information:
1. Request a copy of the tenant screening report.
2. Review for inaccuracies such as mistaken identity, outdated records, or false claims.
3. Submit a written dispute to the tenant screening company with supporting documents.
4. Contact an attorney if errors persist or your rights under the FCRA are violated.
How Sanders Law Group Can Help
At Sanders Law Group, we stand up for tenants whose housing opportunities are unfairly limited by inaccurate reports. Our team will:
- Investigate errors in tenant screening reports
- File disputes on your behalf
- Hold tenant screening companies accountable under the FCRA
- Pursue legal action if violations impact your ability to secure housing