Whether you’re just starting out or starting a new life, information on your background report can determine if you get credit, a job, or even housing. That’s why the law requires background screening companies to take steps to ensure the accuracy of the information they collect and share about you. But some companies don’t take enough of these steps and put together inaccurate background reports that can stand between you and a place to live.
The FTC says AppFolio, a tenant screening company, didn’t have procedures to ensure the information they reported on prospective tenants was accurate. AppFolio allegedly gave landlords reports with incorrect criminal and eviction information, outdated or duplicate information, records for a different name or date of birth, or records that left out important details, like the outcome of a court case. Because AppFolio allegedly didn’t take steps to ensure accurate information, the FTC says applicants may have been denied apartments or other housing.
If you’re looking to rent a place, find out what’s on your background and credit reports and be prepared to correct any errors and resolve any issues with your credit:
- Get a free copy of your credit report and fix any errors before you apply. Through December 2022, you can get a free credit report every week.
- If you have negative but correct information on your credit report, start working on fixing your credit with steps you can do yourself— without paying anyone.
- Be sure to give the landlord your correct full name and date of birth.
- Ask the landlord for the name of the background screening company they use. Then try to get a copy of your report to check for errors.
- If you have a criminal history or previous housing court actions, gather any paperwork showing how the action was resolved.
- Read more about background checks for housing (and employment) to understand your rights
If a landlord rejected you because of incorrect information on your background report, dispute the information with the background screening company — and let the landlord know. Also, report it to the FTC.
If you think a landlord discriminated against you, contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Updated April 1, 2022 to reflect the extension of weekly free credit reports through December 2022.
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