Apartment hunting can be draining, with hours spent scouring online listings for a location within your budget that has the accommodations you need. That’s why finding the perfect apartment can be exciting. After touring the space and getting more information, you decide to apply. Though you may have an excellent credit score and income to cover your living expenses, your application is denied. You may find that your tenant screening showed a litany of errors and mistakes that affected your credit score. Unfortunately, you may be the victim of fraudulent reporting. If this reflects your circumstances, you’ll want to keep reading. The following blog explores what you should know about these errors and why you must contact a San Diego County credit reporting error lawyer for further assistance.
How Can Reporting Error Impact a Tenant Screening?
There are several ways in which credit reporting errors can impact your ability to obtain housing. If you are the victim of identity theft, your credit report is mixed with another person’s, or the credit reporting agency incorrectly included information on your report, it can impact your chances of being approved for an apartment.
For example, if late payments are incorrectly included on your report despite never missing a payment, a leasing manager may deny your application as they may worry you will continually be late on rent. Additionally, if your report is mixed with someone who just filed for bankruptcy, you may be denied as the leasing agent will consider you a high-risk lender.
Even if you are approved, these errors on your report can result in being charged higher rent or putting a larger security deposit down.
In some instances, you may find that someone has committed identity theft using your information, they may have committed crimes in your name. Not only can this result in your application being denied, but it can also impact your ability to obtain employment.
What Should I Do if I’m Negatively Impacted?
If you are denied an apartment because of incorrect information on your credit report, understanding the steps you can take to rectify the situation is critical. Generally, the first thing you’ll want to do is file a dispute with the credit reporting agency to have the wrong information remedied. You can submit evidence to show that the information is incorrect. Additionally, you may be able to submit this information to the landlord or leasing office to show that the information on your credit report is inaccurate.
Unfortunately, applying for apartments can be expensive, as you’ll likely need to pay for your application or a fee to hold the unit while your application is being reviewed. If you are denied because of an error on your credit report and lose these funds, you’ll find that you can file a claim to recover compensation for the damages you endured. This includes the economic damage you’ve endured, as well as any emotional damage you endured as a result.
If you have been negatively impacted, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney from Barthel Legal. We understand how complicated these matters can be, which is why it’s in your best interest to connect with our experienced team who can help you through these issues. Connect with us today to learn how we can fight for you.
