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A rental history report shows a person's past tenancies, rent payment record, evictions and screening history. Tenants can request their own free once every 12 months from each tenant screening company that holds a file on them, including Experian RentBureau, SafeRent Solutions and TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions. Landlords order one as part of tenant screening, with the applicant's written consent, and it is a paid report.
Key takeaways
- Every tenant screening company on the CFPB's list must give you one free copy of your own file every 12 months.
- Screening companies hold different data, so the report a landlord sees may not be the one you checked.
- You can dispute inaccurate entries under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and the company has to investigate.
- A landlord needs your written consent before running one, and must tell you if the report is why you were rejected.
- Landlord screening reports are not free. Someone pays, either the applicant or the landlord.
What is a rental history report?
A rental history report is a document that provides a detailed overview of a tenant's past rental behavior. Landlords use it to assess the reliability of potential tenants before making a decision, and tenants can request their own to see what those landlords will be reading.
A rental history report typically includes the following:
- Payment History: The tenant's rent payment track record, including any late payments or outstanding balances. A consistent payment history is a strong indicator of a reliable tenant.
- Lease Agreements: The terms and conditions of previous lease agreements, giving insight into the tenant's commitment to their lease obligations.
- Evictions: Records of any evictions, which can be a red flag. A history of evictions may indicate problematic behavior that could pose risks to the property and income.
- Property Damage: Instances where the tenant caused damage to rental properties during their tenancy.
- Lease Renewals and Terminations: Documentation of lease renewals, terminations, or any issues that led to the end of a lease.
How to check your own rental history report
If you are about to apply for a rental, checking your own file first is the single most useful thing you can do. It is free, and it is the only way to catch an error before a landlord sees it and rejects you for it.
Step 1: work out who holds a file on you
There is no single rental history bureau. Tenant screening is spread across a number of consumer reporting companies, and which ones hold data on you depends on which services your previous landlords and letting agents used. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau publishes the authoritative list, and every company on it under tenant screening provides a free annual report.
| Company | What it holds | Free copy once every 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| Experian RentBureau | Rental payment history reported by participating property managers | Yes. Request online or call (877) 704-4519 |
| SafeRent Solutions | Resident screening records and an applicant risk score, supplied to property managers and landlords | Yes. Request at saferentsolutions.com or call 888-333-2413 |
| TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions | The screening data behind TransUnion SmartMove reports | Yes |
| RentGrow | Screening reports ordered by participating landlords and agents | Yes |
| RealPage (LeasingDesk) | Screening records for the property managers who use RealPage | Yes |
| First Advantage Resident Solutions | Resident screening records | Yes |
| AmRent | Tenant screening records | Yes |
| Contemporary Information Corp. (CIC) | Tenant screening records | Yes |
| Screening Reports, Inc. | Tenant screening records | Yes |
| AppFolio | Screening records for property managers using AppFolio | Yes |
| LexisNexis Risk Solutions | Supplementary consumer report data used in some screening decisions. Listed by the CFPB under supplementary reports rather than tenant screening | Yes |
Every company above appears on the CFPB's list of consumer reporting companies, which is the authoritative source and carries current request details for each one. Where a company must provide a free annual report, it has fifteen days from your request to do so. Go to the CFPB list rather than to a third-party site promising to bundle them.
One thing worth knowing, because older guides still send people to the wrong place: CoreLogic does not appear on the CFPB's tenant screening list. SafeRent Solutions does. If an article tells you to request your rental history from CoreLogic, send your request to SafeRent instead.
Step 2: request your file
You will usually need to supply proof of identity, a current and previous address, and in some cases a Social Security number. Experian RentBureau publishes a direct consumer line on (877) 704-4519 and SafeRent Solutions on 888-333-2413. The CFPB records that each will provide one free copy of your file every 12 months on request, fulfilled within fifteen days.
Step 3: read it properly
Check the addresses, the dates, the payment record and, above all, any eviction entry. Eviction records are the most damaging item on a rental history report and also among the most commonly wrong, because a filing that was dismissed or settled can still appear. Our guide on how to check for evictions explains what those records look like.
Step 4: dispute anything that is wrong
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act you can dispute an inaccurate entry directly with the company that reported it, and it must investigate. Send supporting documents: the lease, payment receipts, bank records, or the court record showing a case was dismissed. Keep a copy of everything you send and note the date.
If a landlord has already rejected you because of a report, they are required to give you an adverse action notice naming the company that supplied it. That notice also entitles you to a free copy of that specific report, separately from your annual one.
Are free rental history reports really free?
This is the most common question on the topic and it deserves a straight answer, because the word gets used loosely.
Yes, if you are the tenant requesting your own file. Federal law entitles you to one free copy every 12 months from each nationwide specialty consumer reporting company, and to an additional free copy after an adverse action. That is a genuine legal right and it costs nothing.
No, if you are a landlord screening an applicant. Those reports are paid. What varies is who pays. Many platforms, Landlord Studio included, let the landlord pass the cost to the applicant, which is what "free for landlords" means when you see it advertised. The report still costs money, the applicant is just the one paying for it. Landlord Studio screening reports cost $45 on the PRO plan or $55 on GO per applicant, and the landlord can absorb that or pass it on.
Be sceptical of any service offering a landlord a genuinely free screening report with no cost to anyone. Consumer reporting data is licensed and someone is paying for it somewhere.
What to look for in a rental history report
A rental history report contains details that help landlords assess reliability and tenants understand how they appear to future property owners. The key elements to focus on include:
Timely Payments
Consistent, on-time rent payments signal financial responsibility. Late or missed payments raise concerns about reliability.
Consistent Address History
A stable record of rental addresses shows long-term commitments. Frequent moves without clear reasons might suggest instability.
Evictions or Legal Actions
Eviction filings, judgments, or disputes are red flags. Landlords use this information to gauge risk, while tenants should verify accuracy to avoid unfair rejection.
Positive Landlord References
Feedback from previous landlords offers valuable insight. Comments on property care, communication, and adherence to lease terms carry significant weight.
Lease Violations
Records of property damage, unauthorized occupants, or repeated complaints can influence a landlord's decision.
For landlords: how to run a rental history check on an applicant
If you are on the other side of this, screening is where a rental history report earns its keep. A poor tenant choice can lead to missed and late rent payments, property damage, or costly and time-consuming evictions. Self-managing landlords need a quick and reliable way to check rental history to make the best decisions for their properties.
You cannot run one without the applicant's written consent, and you cannot use it however you like once you have it. See the legal section below before you start.
Running a screening report with Landlord Studio
1. Create your Landlord Studio account. You can create an account and start using the platform without paying for screening up front.
2. Start a new screening report. Request a tenant screening report from a prospective tenant by entering their name and email address. Landlord Studio integrates with TransUnion to supply the data.
3. The tenant completes it and consents. The applicant receives an email, provides their details, and gives consent for the report to be run. They also pay for the report, unless you choose to cover it yourself.
4. Review the report. You get the credit report and score, rental and eviction history, criminal background, address history, SSN and identity verification, and bankruptcies.
Screening works best as part of a fuller picture. Our guides to tenant credit checks, background checks on renters and tenant screening for DIY landlords cover the rest, and our roundup of the best tenant screening services compares the alternatives.
Legal and Privacy Considerations
When reviewing or requesting a tenant's rental history, both landlords and tenants must follow legal and privacy rules. Using incorrect methods or failing to secure consent can lead to serious compliance issues.
Tenant Consent is Required
Landlords cannot legally run a background or rental history check without the tenant's written permission. Consent forms are often included in rental applications to ensure compliance.
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
The FCRA regulates how consumer information, including rental history, is collected and shared. Key points include:
- Tenants must receive notice if negative information in a report leads to rejection.
- Tenants have the right to dispute inaccuracies.
- Screening companies must maintain accuracy and fairness.
The adverse action step is the one landlords most often miss. If you reject an applicant because of something in a report, you must tell them, name the company that supplied it, and explain their right to a free copy and to dispute it. Our guide on how to legally reject a rental application covers the process.
Data Privacy and Security
Rental reports often contain sensitive personal data such as addresses, birth dates, and financial details. Landlords should:
- Store reports securely.
- Limit access to authorized personnel.
- Avoid sharing reports with unrelated third parties.
State and Local Laws
Some states limit how far back landlords can review eviction records or restrict the use of certain tenant data. Landlords must check local regulations to avoid legal issues.
Additionally, respecting privacy and legal guidelines helps landlords build trust with tenants while ensuring their screening process is fair and compliant.
Landlord-tenant laws vary by state. Read your state's landlord tenant legal guide here.
Best Practices for Landlords When Using Rental History
A rental history report is a valuable tool, but it should be used alongside other screening methods. Landlords who follow best practices reduce risk while treating applicants fairly.
Combine with Other Checks
Rental reports work best when paired with income verification, employment checks, and credit reports. Together, they give a fuller picture of financial stability and reliability.
Use Consistent Screening Criteria
Every applicant should be evaluated using the same standards. This prevents bias and ensures compliance with fair housing laws. Clear policies on late payments, evictions, or income-to-rent ratios help maintain consistency.
Verify Information from Multiple Sources
Cross-check details from the report with references, documents, and public records. This prevents reliance on incomplete or inaccurate data.
Keep Reports Secure and Confidential
Landlords should store rental history reports safely and never share them outside of the leasing process. Mishandling personal data can create legal and trust issues.
Communicate with Tenants
If a decision is based on negative information, explain the findings to the tenant and provide guidance on disputing errors. This builds transparency and reduces disputes.
Final words
A rental history report matters to both sides of a tenancy. If you are renting, check your own file before you apply, because it is free once a year and an error you catch early is an error that never costs you a home. If you are letting, use it as one input among several, get written consent, and follow the adverse action rules if it changes your decision.
Landlord Studio brings rental listings and tenant screening into one place, so applications, reports and lease documents stay together rather than scattered across email.
Rental history report frequently asked questions
How do I check my rental history?
Request your file from the tenant screening companies that hold data on you. Each one on the CFPB's list must give you one free copy every 12 months. Start with Experian RentBureau, SafeRent Solutions and TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions, since those are the most widely used, then add any company named on an adverse action notice you have received. You will need proof of identity and your address history.
Are free rental history reports really free?
For a tenant checking their own file, yes. Federal law gives you one free copy every 12 months from each nationwide specialty consumer reporting company, plus another free copy after an adverse action. For a landlord screening an applicant, no. Those reports are paid, and "free for landlords" usually means the applicant pays instead. Landlord Studio's screening report is $45 on PRO or $55 on GO per applicant.
How long does rental history stay on record?
Most rental history information stays on file for seven years, especially if it involves evictions or court judgments. Some landlord references may be kept longer, depending on the screening service used.
Can tenants remove an eviction from their rental history?
If the eviction was filed in error or resolved in the tenant's favor, it can be disputed and removed. Otherwise, valid evictions usually remain part of the record for several years.
Do all landlords report to rental history databases?
No. Many small landlords do not report to databases. This means some tenancies may not appear unless verified directly through references or documents.
How do I fix mistakes in my rental history report?
Tenants can file a dispute with the reporting agency under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Supporting documents like leases, receipts, or court records help correct errors. The company must investigate, and if it cannot verify the entry it has to remove it.
What is the difference between a rental history report and a credit report?
A rental history report focuses on past housing records, while a credit report covers financial accounts such as loans, credit cards, and payment history. Landlords often use both for a complete view.
Sources
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, List of Consumer Reporting Companies, 2024. Source for the tenant screening companies named above and for the free annual report entitlement. consumerfinance.gov
- CFPB company pages for Experian RentBureau and SafeRent Solutions. Source for the consumer lines (877) 704-4519 and 888-333-2413, the one free report every 12 months, and the fifteen-day fulfilment window.
- Fair Credit Reporting Act, Federal Trade Commission. Source for dispute rights and adverse action requirements. ftc.gov
- Landlord Studio tenant screening page. Source for report contents and pricing. landlordstudio.com
This page is general information, not legal advice. Screening rules vary by state and city, and some jurisdictions restrict the use of eviction and criminal records. Check your local requirements before you screen.