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Your rent is likely one of the biggest bills you pay―but did you know it doesn't automatically help your credit score or count as an on-time payment on your credit report? The good news is that, with the help of your landlord or a third-party rent reporter, it can. When you opt in to report your rental data using Experian RentBureau, you can possibly increase your credit score just by paying your rent.
What Does Experian RentBureau Do?
Experian RentBureau is the largest and most widely used database of rental payment information and currently includes information on more than 26 million residents nationwide. Property management companies and third-party rent reporters send rental payment data directly and automatically to RentBureau daily or monthly.
RentBureau uses this data to provide property management companies information as part of their resident screening services. This detailed information enables organizations to make better-informed decisions. Property management companies use this data to review new rental applicants' payment histories as part of their existing resident screening services.
RentBureau is the first major reporting agency to incorporate the positive rental payment data in consumer reports, enabling residents to build credit history by paying rent responsibly.
What Does My Experian RentBureau Report Show?
Your RentBureau consumer report documents information related to your rental history. If you have rented from a property manager who submits rental data to Experian RentBureau, you likely have a report.
Your RentBureau report contains information such as:
- Details on the leases you have signed
- On-time rent payments
- Any bad check history
- Outstanding balances or rental debts
Positive rental payment behavior recorded in your report can help you find a new place more easily. You'll appear as a desirable tenant who pays in full and on time. Similarly, negative entries on your report may make it harder to rent.
How Can I Request My Experian RentBureau Report?
Checking your Experian RentBureau report is a good idea, especially if you're looking to move to a new rental soon. Every 12 months you can request your rental history report for free directly from a reporting agency.
You can check your RentBureau report by mailing in a request form or calling 877-704-4519.
How Can I Dispute My Experian RentBureau Report?
If you spot something on your Experian RentBureau report that you believe is incorrect, you have the right to dispute information on your rental report. As part of this dispute, you'll submit a request for investigation with supporting documents to help RentBureau look into the matter.
You may choose to dispute an entry on your RentBureau consumer report.
Open a dispute by:
- Filling out the dispute form.
- Gather supporting documentation such as:
- Canceled checks
- Utility bills
- Legal documentation
- Mail the forms and documents to P.O. Box 26, Allen, TX 75013 or call 877-704-4519.
What if I Don't Have an Experian RentBureau Report?
If you have never rented from a property manager or landlord that submits data to Experian RentBureau, you may not have a RentBureau report. If you would like to have a RentBureau report and have your positive rental data added to your Experian credit report, consider asking your landlord to opt in to reporting to RentBureau.
Your landlord can opt in to submitting rental data directly or by using a rent payment service that works with RentBureau. There may be small fees associated with some of these rent reporting services, which may be your responsibility as the renter.
You may also be able to add your rent payment to your Experian credit report with Experian Boost®ø. If you pay your rent online to an eligible landlord for a qualifying amount, consider adding it to Experian Boost. You may see an immediate increase in your FICO® Score☉ powered by Experian based on your Experian credit report.
Getting Credit for Paying Rent
Don't let the opportunity to get credit for your on-time rent payments pass you by. Work with Experian RentBureau to get your rental data reported and verify its accuracy on your report. It could help you find a new apartment more easily or give your credit score a bump.
