Short answer: the CFPB says: “Under federal law, a landlord who denies your tenant application because of information in a tenant screening report is required to inform you of that fact” (CFPB, read October 30, 2026). That notice tells you which company made the report, and you can get a free copy and dispute errors. This is general information, not legal advice.
What a tenant screening report can contain
The CFPB says a tenant screening report may consist of any or all of the following (CFPB, read October 30, 2026):
- Credit reports
- Rental history information, including any eviction actions and lawsuits
- Employment verification
- Criminal history
- Sex offender registries
- National terrorist watchlist
- A risk score or recommendation based on criteria selected by the landlord
“Tenant screening reports are different than credit reports”, the CFPB says (CFPB).
The adverse action notice, in the law’s words
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a person who takes adverse action based in whole or in part on information in a consumer report must give you notice of it, and must give you (15 U.S.C. 1681m(a)):
- “the name, address, and telephone number of the consumer reporting agency” that furnished the report;
- “a statement that the consumer reporting agency did not make the decision to take the adverse action and is unable to provide the consumer the specific reasons why the adverse action was taken”;
- notice of your right to a free copy of the report from that agency, including “an indication of the 60-day period” for getting it;
- notice of your right to dispute “the accuracy or completeness of any information in a consumer report furnished by the agency”.
U.S. Code text as in the 2023 edition on govinfo, read October 30, 2026. The CFPB adds that an adverse action is not only a denial. It could also include (CFPB):
- Requiring a co-signer on the rental agreement or lease
- Requiring a larger deposit or a higher rent payment than other applicants
Steps after a denial
The CFPB says you can (CFPB):
- Ask the landlord what information in the report was a problem, to see if you can explain the situation.
- Ask the landlord for a copy of the report, or request one from the company the landlord used. Ask within 60 days of the denial for the free copy.
- Review the report, check for inaccurate or outdated information, and dispute any errors.
- If the report contains a credit report from a nationwide credit reporting company, dispute the error with that company, the company that provided the information, or both.
Disputing an error
The CFPB says: “The tenant screening or credit reporting company generally has 30 days to investigate your dispute, though in some cases they have 45 days” (CFPB). It also says to dispute outdated or inaccurate information with the company that generated the report and with the person or company that furnished it (CFPB). For how to write a dispute and what to keep, see how to dispute a loan reporting error. For bank account screening, see bank account screening reports and opening an account.
How long records can stay
| Record | Federal limit the CFPB describes |
|---|---|
| Lawsuit or judgment | Generally seven years or until the statute of limitations runs out, whichever is longer |
| Eviction court case | Up to seven years |
| Bankruptcy | Up to ten years |
| Criminal conviction | No time limit |
Source: CFPB. The CFPB says some states have additional limits, so ask your state court, state attorney general, legal aid office or a lawyer about the rules where you live.
If you think your rights were violated
The CFPB says you may want to contact a lawyer, that you may be able to sue under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and that deadlines for bringing a lawsuit apply. For a problem with tenant screening, you can submit a complaint to the CFPB online or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372). If you think a landlord discriminated against you, the CFPB says you can file a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (CFPB).
If you would borrow for a deposit, only for the math
This example is only for the math, not a typical deposit. It compares paying $2,000 over 24 months at the Federal Reserve’s August 2026 averages: 11.90% APR for 24-month personal loans and 22.36% for credit card plans (G.19).
| Option | Monthly payment | Interest | Total paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal loan at 11.90% | $94.05 | $257.20 | $2,257.20 |
| Credit card at 22.36% | $104.11 | $498.64 | $2,498.64 |
$94.05 x 24 = $2,257.20, and $104.11 x 24 = $2,498.64. Your rate depends on your credit and the lender. A loan payment adds to your rent, so see rent payment help options and how to budget for a loan payment first.
Checklist
- Read the adverse action notice and note the screening company’s contact details.
- Request your free copy within 60 days of the denial.
- Check every record for errors or outdated items.
- Dispute errors with the screening company and the company that furnished the information.
- Ask the landlord which item was the problem and whether you can explain it.
- Complain to the CFPB, or talk to a lawyer, if you think your rights were violated.
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Sources
- 15 U.S.C. 1681m, Requirements on users of consumer reports (Fair Credit Reporting Act), U.S. Code 2023 edition (govinfo)
- CFPB: What should I do if my rental application is denied because of a tenant screening report? (last reviewed May 28, 2024)
- CFPB: What is a tenant screening report? (last reviewed July 1, 2021)
- CFPB: How long can information, like eviction actions and lawsuits, stay on my tenant screening record? (last reviewed July 1, 2021)
- Federal Reserve: G.19 Consumer Credit (released October 7, 2026), terms of credit, August 2026: credit card plans and 24-month personal loans
Disclosure: Modern Lending Solutions is not a lender, loan broker or agent for any lender or loan broker, and does not make credit decisions. Any compensation we receive is paid by participating lenders, only for advertising services. This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice.