By Louis Jones When it comes to finding a new place to live, your rental history report can play a significant role in the decision-making process for landlords. But what does rental history show exactly is included in this report? Understanding its contents might be the key to securing your next rental.
What Is a Rental History Report?
Think of a rental history report as your “résumé” for housing. Landlords and property managers use it to evaluate whether you’re a reliable tenant. These reports are typically compiled by tenant screening companies that pull data from various sources.
Knowing what landlords see can help you prepare for success or identify potential issues you may need to address.
Key Elements of a Rental History Report
- Your Personal Information
Your rental history report includes basic identifying details, like your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. This helps ensure the information collected pertains to you and not another individual with the same or a similar name.
- Past Renting Addresses
Every property you’ve legally rented (or applied for) is listed. This includes the duration of your stay, making it easy for landlords to spot frequent moves or long-term stays.
- Payment History
Timely rent payments reflect positively on your report, while late fees or unpaid rent send red flags to future landlords. Missed payments may stay on your record for several years, so maintaining on-time payments is crucial.
- Eviction History
Evictions are a significant factor in rental screening. If you’ve been evicted from a property, it will likely appear on your report. This includes the date of eviction, reasons, and landlords’ records associated with the incident.
According to national data, nearly 1 in 20 renters has faced eviction proceedings in the U.S., making it an important consideration in tenant screenings.
- Criminal Background and Credit Checks
Rental history reports often connect to credit and possibly criminal background reports. A poor credit score or negative activity such as bankruptcy can indicate financial risk.
Additionally, criminal records may appear depending on the landlord’s screening guidelines and local laws. However, certain regulations limit how much weight landlords can place on this information.
- Lease Violations
Did you break a lease early without proper notice? Or were there multiple noise complaints filed against you? Rule-breaking reports made by past landlords can show up here and potentially impact future housing opportunities.
- Court Records and Debt
If you’ve been taken to court over unpaid rent, supplies, or damages exceeding your security deposit, this legal history could appear in the report. Outstanding debts flagged in this section might discourage landlords.
- References and Reviews
Finally, reports sometimes include information provided by former landlords or recommendations. Did previous property managers describe you as a quiet, clean tenant? Those positive comments could make a big difference to future landlords.
How to Ensure a Better Report?
Reviewing your rental history in advance can help you avoid surprises. If you notice inaccuracies—whether it’s a payment mistakenly listed as late or an address never rented—promptly dispute them with the tenant screening company.
And remember, developing good habits like paying rent on time, following lease agreements, and maintaining clear communication with landlords will set you up for long-term success.
Understanding what appears on your rental history report empowers you, putting you in a stronger position to find your next home.