How to Clean Up Your Rental History: A Step-by-Step Guide
Your rental history is a critical part of your tenant profile. It shows potential landlords how responsible you've been with previous rental agreements. A clean rental history can boost your chances of being approved for a home, while issues like late payments, evictions, or disputes can raise red flags.
Fortunately, even if your record isn’t perfect, there are ways to check, clean up, and improve your rental history. This guide walks you through each step.
What Is a Rental History?
Your rental history report includes:
Previous addresses
Lease start and end dates
Payment history
Late or missed rent payments
Lease violations or complaints
Eviction records
Landlord references or comments
This information is gathered by tenant screening services and can be used by landlords to evaluate your reliability as a renter.
Why Rental History Matters
Landlords use your rental history to predict how you’ll behave as a tenant. Even with a good credit score and stable income, a poor rental history can hurt your application.
A clean history can:
Help you secure competitive rental units
Reduce your required security deposit
Speed up your application approval
Establish trust with your new landlord
How to Check Your Rental History
1. Use a Tenant Screening Service
Several services provide access to your rental history report. Some may charge a fee, while others offer limited free access:
RentSpree
Experian RentBureau
CoreLogic SafeRent
MyRental (TransUnion)
These reports often include rental payment history, address history, and sometimes credit-related rental data.
2. Request a Copy from Your Landlord or Property Manager
Many landlords maintain internal records of your lease and performance. Reach out to past landlords and ask for:
A rental verification form
A reference letter
Copies of your lease and payment receipts
3. Review Your Credit Report
Some rental information, like evictions or unpaid rent sent to collections, may appear on your credit report. You can get a free copy at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Step-by-Step: How to Pull and Review Your Rental History
Choose a report provider (RentSpree, MyRental, etc.)
Create an account and verify your identity
Access your report and download it for your records
Review the following carefully:
Personal details (name, SSN, current address)
Previous rentals and landlord contact info
Rent amounts and payment history
Any evictions or negative notes
Common Errors in Rental History Reports
Mistakes can happen. Here are common issues:
Wrong move-in/move-out dates
Incorrect payment status
Duplicate listings
Entries that belong to someone else
False reports of eviction or damage
How to Dispute Rental History Errors
Step 1: Gather Proof
Find documents that support your claim. This might include:
Payment confirmations or bank statements
Communication with landlords (emails, texts)
Receipts for repairs or returned deposits
Step 2: Contact the Reporting Company
Each service has its own dispute process. Visit their website, locate the dispute form, and submit the required documents.
Step 3: Contact the Landlord (If Needed)
If a landlord submitted inaccurate info, ask them to send a correction to the reporting agency in writing.
Step 4: Follow Up
You should receive a response within 30 days. If the report isn’t updated, escalate the issue or seek legal assistance.
How to Improve Your Rental History
Even if you can’t remove all negative items, there are proactive ways to build a better profile.
Timely Rent Payments
Use automatic payments, reminders, or apps to ensure your rent is paid on time every month.
Maintain Communication
If issues arise, such as job loss or emergency repairs, let your landlord know immediately and propose a plan.
Fix Past Disputes
Contact previous landlords to settle any outstanding balances. Request that they update their records or provide a positive reference.
Keep Good Records
Save:
All rent receipts
Lease agreements
Maintenance requests
Communication logs
Having proof is key if you ever need to explain your history to a future landlord.
Resources for Rental History Management
Free & Paid Services to Check Your Rental History
Tools to Help Improve or Clean Records
Credit repair companies (for rent-related collections)
Nonprofits that assist tenants with eviction records
Legal aid services in your state
Final Thoughts on Repairing Your Rental History
Your rental history plays a big role in where you can live. Keeping it clean, checking it regularly, and fixing errors are essential steps in becoming a confident renter. With the right tools and awareness, you can take control of your rental reputation—and open the door to better housing opportunities.
Looking to rent with Allegiant Management Group?
View our rental criteria and explore our available properties to find the perfect place to call home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Cleaning Up Your Rental History
How can I check my rental history for free?
You can contact your previous landlords or request your free credit report. Some platforms, like RentSpree, may offer free tenant profiles.
How long do negative marks stay on a rental history report?
Evictions and collections can stay on your report for 7 years, but you can dispute inaccuracies and request updates once resolved.
What if I have no rental history?
Provide alternative proof like utility bills, co-signer information, or personal references. Build history with smaller rentals or subleases.
Do all landlords report to rental history databases?
No. Not all landlords use screening services. This is why contacting past landlords directly can provide the most accurate rental record.
Will an eviction automatically show up on my credit report?
Only if it involved a court judgment or was sent to collections. Otherwise, it may appear only in tenant screening databases.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Rental history reports and screening criteria may vary by property, landlord, and jurisdiction.
