Your first step: Build the free DueSmart Credit Health Passport. If your reports contain a genuine, supportable error, follow the Repair path. If the reports are accurate and you are preparing for a future opportunity, follow Growth.

Adverse action is broader than a denial

If a landlord denies the application or changes the terms because of a tenant screening report—for example, requiring a larger deposit or a co-signer—that can be adverse action. The notice should identify the screening company and explain how to obtain a copy.

Save the notice and the date you received it.

Request the report promptly

The CFPB explains that a consumer can request a free copy from the tenant screening company within 60 days of the adverse action. Review the exact report used, not only a general credit report.

Different screening products may contain different categories of information.

Dispute specific inaccuracies

Identify each inaccurate or incomplete item, gather supporting records, and use the screening company’s official dispute channel. If a separate data provider supplied the information, preserve that name and contact information too.

An accurate unfavorable item is not converted into an error by disputing it.

Protect the next application

Ask future properties about screening criteria before paying another fee, keep the corrected or updated report, and prepare verifiable rental and income records. No correction guarantees approval because properties can use lawful criteria beyond the disputed item.

Your action checklist

  1. Save the adverse-action notice
  2. Request the report within 60 days
  3. Review the exact screening file
  4. Document genuine errors
  5. Dispute through official channels
  6. Keep the final results
Keep the promise honest: DueSmart helps you understand, organize, document, and prepare. It does not guarantee a score increase, deletion, apartment, vehicle, home, rate, or funding approval.

Authoritative sources

DueSmart provides general consumer education and organization tools—not legal, tax, financial, credit-repair, real-estate, or investment advice. Laws, provider criteria, bureau data, and scoring models can change. Confirm current requirements with the relevant provider and qualified professionals.