What Information Can You Find in an Applicant’s Credit Report?

Since landlords want to be sure their tenants will pay on time, having access to a credit report can give you an idea of a tenant’s history of on-time payments.

A credit score is based on information from a credit-reporting agency (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). The higher the applicant’s credit score, the better the credit history, and the more likely they are to fulfill their tenant obligations.

A credit report usually covers a timespan of seven to ten years. Some of the information you find may be state-dependent, but might include some of the following:

• If the applicant has ever filed for bankruptcy

• If the applicant has ever been convicted of a crime, or if they have ever been arrested

• If the applicant has ever been evicted

• If the applicant has ever been involved in a personal injury claim

• If the applicant has ever been delinquent in paying rent or loans

• If the applicant has been financially active enough to establish a credit history

• Depending on the agency, you might find the applicant’s credit score, which indicates the risk that an individual will default on payments.