The short answer
Whether and how credit may be considered depends on applicable law and your lawful screening criteria. Review the report for errors and context; an unfavorable credit-based decision can require an adverse-action notice.
On this page
Check the rule before the score
Confirm whether local rules limit credit screening or its use in the circumstances. Define permitted criteria before applications arrive. Avoid changing the cutoff to justify a decision about a particular applicant.
Read the underlying information
A thin credit file is different from a verified unpaid obligation. Check whether the report belongs to the applicant and whether relevant information is disputed or incomplete. Give the applicant a way to clarify a possible error.
Explain the process correctly
Document the verified factors used. If the report contributes to denial or unfavorable conditions, provide the required adverse-action information, including additional score disclosures when applicable. Do not assume the screening company's recommendation supplies the landlord's notice automatically.
Your next-step checklist
- Check local credit restrictions
- Review the actual report
- Address mismatches
- Provide required adverse-action information
Sources and further reading
Written and maintained by the Rentari team. Examples explain a decision; they are not customer results. Found an error or an unclear step? Send a correction with this page's address and the detail to review.
Your next step
Request and review a screening report