How to Add a Rental History to a Credit Report

If you are currently a renter, then consider adding your rental history to your credit report. There are a variety of items that a person can rent for an extended period of time, such as an apartment, vehicle, furniture, electronics, jewelry, office space and so on. Making regular on-time payments on your rental account can definitely improve your credit score. Learn how to properly add rental history to your credit report.

Instructions

1

Order a copy of your credit report from the three major credit bureaus--TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. You can obtain a free copy of your credit report online by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com. Please note that you cannot order your credit report online if you currently have a fraud alert or security freeze on your file--or if the credit bureaus cannot properly verify your identity. In that case, you will have to order your credit report over the telephone with each credit bureau or via postal mail.

2

Review your credit reports. Confirm that your rental history has not been reported to the credit bureaus. Be sure to read your entire credit report a couple of times to ensure that you do not overlook important details.

3

Contact your creditor about your rental account. You will need to ask your creditor to add your rental account details and payment history to your credit report. Let the creditor know that your rental payments are an important part of your credit history and you would very much appreciate it if he would report your account information to the three credit bureaus.

4

Give the creditor time to submit your account information to the credit bureaus. Wait at least 30 days before you check your credit report for updates.

5

Verify that your rental history has been added to your credit reports. Order a copy of your credit report from the three credit bureaus and make sure that your rental history has been added to each credit report. Visit Transunion.com, Equifax.com and Experian.com to order your credit reports.