How to Freeze a Rental History Report: Your Shield Against Scams and Discrimination

The digital age offers convenience, but also vulnerability. Your rental history report, containing sensitive information about your past tenancies, can be misused, leading to identity theft, unfair denials, or even discriminatory practices. Fortunately, you can take control. Freezing your rental history report restricts access to it, adding a crucial layer of protection. So, how do you actually do it?

The process typically involves contacting the consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) that compile and maintain these reports. Unlike credit reports, where the three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) are well-known, rental history reports are often managed by smaller, specialized agencies. Here’s a breakdown of the general steps:

1. Identify the Rental History Reporting Agencies: This is the most crucial step. Unlike credit reports, there isn’t a single, universally used rental history reporting agency. The agencies used often depend on the geographic location of your previous rentals and the property management companies involved. Some common ones include RealPage (formerly On-Site), CoreLogic SafeRent, and TransUnion SmartMove (though this focuses more on tenant screening reports). Contacting your previous landlords or property managers and asking which tenant screening services they utilize is a reliable way to gather this information. A general internet search, specifying your location and “tenant screening service” might also yield helpful results.

2. Contact Each Agency Individually: Once you’ve identified the relevant agencies, contact them directly. Most agencies will have a website with contact information. Look for sections like “Privacy Policy,” “Security,” or “Consumer Rights.” Be prepared to provide identifying information to prove you are who you say you are, and thus have the right to request a freeze.

3. Request the Freeze: When you contact the agency, specifically request a security freeze or a rental history report freeze. Some states legally require these freezes to be available upon request. Be very clear in your communication.

4. Provide Required Documentation: The agency will likely require you to provide documentation to verify your identity. This might include:

   • Full legal name
   • Current and previous addresses
   • Date of birth
   • Social Security Number
   • Copy of a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport)
   • Proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement)

5. Confirmation and PIN: After submitting your request and documentation, the agency will typically confirm the freeze. They might provide you with a PIN or other unique identifier that you’ll need to temporarily lift (or “thaw”) the freeze when you need to apply for a new rental. Keep this PIN in a safe place!

6. Lifting the Freeze: When you apply for a new rental, you’ll need to temporarily lift the freeze to allow the prospective landlord or property manager to access your rental history. This is usually done through the agency’s website or by contacting them directly using the PIN they provided. You can often specify a timeframe for the thaw, after which the freeze will automatically reactivate.

It’s important to remember that freezing your rental history report will prevent most landlords and property managers from accessing it. Therefore, it’s essential to thaw the report before applying for a new rental, or you risk being denied due to lack of information. Finally, remember to carefully document all communications with the rental history reporting agencies, including dates, names, and confirmation numbers. This meticulousness will be helpful if you need to follow up or dispute any errors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you better understand how to manage your rental history report.

What Information is Typically Included in a Rental History Report?

A rental history report generally includes details such as:

• Rental addresses: Information on where you’ve lived, including dates of tenancy.
• Landlord contact information: Names and contact details of previous landlords or property managers.
• Payment history: Record of whether you paid rent on time and in full.
• Lease violations: Information about any breaches of your lease agreement, such as noise complaints or property damage.
• Eviction records: Any records of eviction proceedings filed against you.
• Credit score: Some reports may include your credit score, as it can be indicative of financial responsibility.
• Background check information: Criminal history or other relevant background information.

Is Freezing My Rental History Report Free?

The cost of freezing and unfreezing your rental history report varies depending on the agency and the state where you reside. Some states mandate that these services be offered free of charge, while others may allow agencies to charge a small fee. Check the agency’s website or contact them directly to inquire about their fee schedule. Due to recent data security legislation, the trend is toward freezing and unfreezing being offered without cost.

How Long Does a Rental History Freeze Last?

A rental history freeze generally remains in effect indefinitely, until you choose to lift or remove it. This means that once you freeze your report, it will stay frozen until you actively take steps to unfreeze it.

How Do I Unfreeze My Rental History Report?

To unfreeze or temporarily lift your rental history report, you will typically need the PIN or other unique identifier provided by the agency when you initiated the freeze. You can then contact the agency through their website or by phone and request the freeze to be lifted. You may be able to specify a timeframe for the thaw, after which the freeze will automatically reactivate.

What Happens If I Forget My PIN for Unfreezing?

If you lose or forget your PIN, you will need to contact the rental history reporting agency directly. They will likely require you to provide additional documentation to verify your identity before they can issue a new PIN or unlock your report. The process may vary depending on the agency’s procedures.

Can Landlords Still See My Rental History If It’s Frozen?

No. Freezing your rental history report restricts access to it. Landlords will not be able to access your rental history report until you lift the freeze. This is why it’s imperative to thaw the report before you apply for a new rental property.

Are There Any Downsides to Freezing My Rental History Report?

The primary downside is the potential delay in the rental application process. You will need to remember to unfreeze your report before applying for a new rental, which can add an extra step and potentially slow down the approval process. This is a minor inconvenience for the added protection.

Does Freezing My Rental History Report Affect My Credit Score?

No, freezing your rental history report will not affect your credit score. Rental history reports and credit reports are separate entities. A freeze on one does not impact the other.

How Often Should I Check My Rental History Report?

It is a good practice to check your rental history report periodically, even if you are not actively looking for a new rental. This allows you to identify and correct any errors or inaccuracies that may be present. You should also check it after moving from a rental property to ensure that your tenancy is reported accurately. Aim to check it at least annually.

What Can I Do If There Are Errors on My Rental History Report?

If you find errors on your rental history report, you have the right to dispute them. Contact the reporting agency directly and provide documentation to support your claim. The agency is legally obligated to investigate the dispute and correct any inaccuracies. This may involve contacting your previous landlords or property managers.

What Laws Protect My Rental History Information?

Several laws protect your rental history information, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The FCRA grants you the right to access your rental history report, dispute inaccuracies, and limit who can access your information. Some states may also have additional laws that provide further protections.

Who Has Access to My Rental History?

Generally, only landlords and property managers with a legitimate need have access to your rental history. This access is usually granted with your consent, as part of the rental application process. However, unauthorized parties may attempt to access your information through illegal means, which is why freezing your report is a valuable security measure.