Renting a house or apartment comes with many responsibilities; landlords want to be sure they are renting to trustworthy renters. Rental history is one of the main things’ landlords consider during the tenant screening procedure. This study offers information on a tenant’s historical renting behavior, enabling property owners to decide whether the applicant is financially and responsibly stable.
Knowing what a rental history report comprises and how to get one can help you prepare for the application process and raise your chances of acceptance if you are a tenant wishing to rent a new property.
Contents
What Is a Rental History Report?
A rental history report is a file that includes a renter’s prior behavior toward past landlords and rental properties. It gives landlords a record of whether a renter has regularly paid rent, whether they have damaged property, and whether they have been subject to any legal action concerning their rental arrangements.
Among the main tools’ landlords employ to screen possible tenants is this report. While a poor record could cause rejection, a favorable rental record can help a tenant’s application stand out.
What Does Rental History Show?
Usually include the following important information in a rental history report:
- Past Rental Addresses
The report lists the residences a tenant has formerly lived in. This data lets landlords confirm whether the tenant does not relocate too much and has consistent renting practices.
- Lease Terms and Duration
Every rental property records the duration of time a tenant spent there. While frequent moves could cause questions about stability, long-term stays usually show dependability.
- Record of Rent Payment
A rental history report’s most important component is often a tenant’s payment record. It reveals whether rent was paid regularly on time or whether any payments were late or missed. A strong payment history guarantees landlords that the tenant is financially responsible.
- Legal Actions or Exemptions
Should a tenant be kicked out or subject to legal action from a landlord, this information could appear on the report. For many landlords, evictions raise questions since they imply past disagreements or financial problems.
- Lease Violations
The report may include any documented lease violations—including illegal subletting, too-loud complaints, property damage, or other rental agreement breaches.
- Exceptional Debts to Landlords
If a renter leaves a rental home without paying outstanding rent or fees, their rental record may show debt. Landlords prefer tenants without unresolved financial problems from past rents.
- Reference from Former Landlords
Some rental histories have remarks from former landlords regarding a tenant’s behavior, cleanliness, and lease condition adherence. Positive references greatly raise a tenant’s search for a property possibility.
Why Is Rental History Important for Renters?
Strong rental history could enable renters to get accepted for their desired apartment or property faster. This report lets landlords determine whether a candidate maintains the property reasonably, pays their rent on time, and respects lease rules.
1. Helps Secure a Rental More Easily
Landlords are more inclined to approve ten-positive renters than others. Landlords feel more comfortable letting that applicant rent their property if a report reveals timely rent payments and good behavior.
- Improves Negotiation Power
Strong rental history indicates that tenants can have leverage to negotiate more flexible lease options or a smaller security deposit.
- Avoids Rental Application Rejections
A landlord could reject an application if a rental history shows evictions, unpaid rent, or several contract violations. Tenants should check their rental records to help them handle any possible issues.
How to Obtain Your Rental History Report
Reviewing your rental history ahead of your intended move helps ensure accurate information. Here’s how to get your report:
- Ask for it from a Tenant Screening Service
Several agencies and internet tools offer reports on rental history. Tenants request a copy to check their records before applying for a rental.
- Ask Your Past Landlords
Previous landlords might have noted your lease terms, rent paid, and any conflicts. If you believe any of your renting history is inaccurate, contacting past landlords will help clarify specifics.
- Look Over Your Credit Report
Although a rental history report concentrates on tenancy records, some information may appear on a tenant’s credit report, such as unpaid rent or debt to landlords. Reviewing your credit record will help you better understand any financial problems related to renting.
- Leverage a Property Management System
Certain property managers give renters access to lease agreements and rental payment records. Digital tracking of rent payments provided by sites like Baselane helps tenants save and check their rental records more easily.
- Ask the Landlord for a Copy
If you recently applied for a rental and the landlord runs a background check, you can ask for a copy of the rental history record they found. While some landlords might not reveal this information, others might do it upon request.
How to Improve Your Rental History
If unfavorable marks appear in your rental history, you may act to raise them before seeking another rental property.
- Pay Rent on Time
Building a good rental history mostly depends on regular, timely rent payments. Using Baselane’s automatic payment systems helps guarantee that rent is paid without delays.
- Communicate with Landlords
Open communication with former landlords might help to resolve problems such as late payments or lease violations. Asking a landlord with good experience with you for a reference letter might also strengthen your rental application.
- Address Any Outstanding Debts
Should your rental history show unpaid fees or rent, clearing those arrears before seeking a new rental will increase your chances of approval.
- Keep a Positive Relationship with Landlords
Responsible tenants who fulfil lease guidelines, maintain the property well, and quickly handle problems create a strong rental history. Applications can be much different depending on positive landlord references.
- Explain the Negative History of Your Application
If your rental record shows unfavorable marks, your application can benefit from a written justification. For instance, if a late payment resulted from a temporary financial crisis, providing documentation of your better financial status will help landlords.
Conclusion
A rental history record greatly influences a renter’s capacity to find a new rental property. Knowing what it entails and how to get it lets tenants handle any possible issues and project themselves as conscientious renters.
Tenants who keep track of rent payments, have good ties with their landlords and aggressively handle past problems will create a strong rental record that facilitates finding and securing accommodation. Using Baselane’s products can also assist renters in keeping a good rental record and effectively handling their rent.
Before seeking a new apartment, tenants should review their rental record, address any issues, and get good references to increase their chances of acceptance. Securing a new residence can be quick and successful with previous planning.
