On-Site Rental Screening Errors
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- On-Site Rental Screening Errors
Lost out on an apartment because of an On-Site error? That’s not fair. They know it. You know it. Here’s what we can do.
Denied housing due to On-Site tenant screening errors? Mistakes in background checks, credit reports, or rental history can unfairly affect your application, costing you a home. Here's what to know.
You've found the perfect apartment! It’s perfect, has everything you need, the kids love it, the schools are good, it’s close to work, it’s on a bus route, and you want it. So you fill out the rental application and go through the tenant screening process. You’re hopeful. You; 're excited. You start packing. You tell your family. You tell your friends. You start planning a housewarming party. You start asking your good friends to help you move. Then you find out you've been denied. But why? You know your credit is decent, and you've never had any run-ins with the law, so what’s the problem?
The problem might not be with you at all—it could be with On-Site tenant screening, now owned by RealPage.
On-Site is the corporate name. But it’s known throughout the industry as OnSite, On Site, Onsite, On-site, etc. We’ll use those interchangeably throughout the article.
OnSite tenant screening is a widely used service that landlords rely on to assess potential tenants. It combines an onsite background check, on-site credit check, and on-site verification of your rental history to generate a report that heavily influences whether you’ll get approved. While these services might sound helpful, they’re far from perfect. Errors in these reports are alarmingly common, and when they happen, they can unfairly sabotage your chances of securing housing.
Let's break down some of the key issues with OnSite tenant screening, how these mistakes can impact you, and most importantly, what you can do about it with the help of the consumer lawyers at Consumer Attorneys.
How On-Site Works
Before we dive into the problems, let’s clarify what OnSite tenant screening is and how it affects you as a renter.
OnSite tenant screening typically includes several key components:
- On-site credit check: Your credit score and history are scrutinized to assess your financial reliability.
- Onsite background check: Criminal background checks are run to flag any legal issues in your past.
- Onsite rental application verification: Your rental history is examined, including previous evictions, late payments, and interactions with past landlords.
- Onsite rental report: All of this information is bundled into one comprehensive report that is sent to landlords, often determining your eligibility for the rental.
It seems straightforward, right? Unfortunately, the system isn't flawless, and many tenants encounter inaccuracies that can lead to unfair denials or higher security deposits.
Common Errors in OnSite Tenant Screening
Here’s the hard truth: tenant screening services like OnSite are notorious for making mistakes. These errors can (and too often do) happen in several areas and have devastating consequences for renters.
1. Inaccurate Credit Reports
One of the most common issues is errors in your on-site credit check. Sometimes, these reports pull outdated or incorrect information, misreporting your credit score or showing accounts that aren’t yours. For example, your credit report might list unpaid debts you’ve already settled or, worse, debts that belong to someone else with a similar name. This can drastically lower your credit score in the eyes of landlords and cause an unfair rejection.
2. Mistaken Criminal Backgrounds
An onsite background check can also contain errors that may unfairly flag you as a risk. Some reports incorrectly list criminal convictions or mix you up with someone who has a similar name. Even a minor error like an old traffic violation showing up as a more serious offense can ruin your chances of getting approved.
3. Eviction Record Mistakes
Another frequent error in onsite rental reports involves your eviction history. You could be listed as having an eviction on your record when it was actually resolved or never filed in the first place. These eviction records are often the most damaging pieces of information in a rental application because landlords are highly reluctant to rent to someone they believe has been evicted in the past.
4. Errors in Rental History
Errors in your rental history can come in the form of late payments, disputes with former landlords, or even false claims of property damage. If OnSite’s report claims you missed payments or caused excessive damage when you didn't, this misinformation can weigh heavily against you.
These issues can lead to rejections, higher deposits, or even discriminatory practices—all based on inaccurate or outdated data.
The Human Cost of Tenant Screening Errors
Tenant screening errors aren’t just minor inconveniences—they can be life-altering. When you’re wrongly denied a place to live because of a mistake in an OnSite rental report, you might find yourself struggling to find housing, especially in competitive rental markets.
Imagine the stress of having to explain to a potential landlord that an error in an onsite tenant screening is the reason you're being denied. Worse, imagine trying to correct that error and reapply for housing while your dream apartment is rented to someone else. It’s a frustrating and emotionally draining process that no one should have to endure.
These errors can also contribute to housing discrimination. Inaccurate criminal records, for example, can disproportionately affect people of color, who are already more likely to face bias in the housing market.
Inaccuracies in credit reporting can also hurt low-income individuals or those who have had a harder time managing their finances. These people are often already marginalized, and these errors further restrict their access to safe and affordable housing.
What Can You Do If You Encounter an OnSite Tenant Screening Error?
If you've experienced an error in your onsite tenant screening report, you don’t have to accept it as your fate. You have rights, and there are steps you can take to fight back.
| Step | What to Do | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Request a Copy of the Report | Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you’re entitled to request a copy of the rental report that OnSite generated. Review it thoroughly for inaccuracies, including the on-site credit check, onsite background check, and rental history. | Ensures that you can catch mistakes early, giving you the chance to dispute errors that could unfairly impact your rental application and housing opportunities. |
| 2. Dispute the Errors | If inaccuracies are found, you have the right to dispute them. Contact OnSite (RealPage) and provide supporting documents proving the errors. This might include incorrect debts, criminal records, or eviction details. | Correcting errors helps you avoid being wrongfully denied housing or facing higher rental costs due to false information in your credit or background check reports. |
| 3. Get Legal Help from Consumer Attorneys | Errors in tenant screening reports can be challenging to resolve on your own, especially when they cost you housing. Consumer Attorneys can guide you through the process, file disputes, and take legal action if necessary. | Legal assistance ensures that your rights under the FCRA are protected and helps you hold companies accountable. Attorneys can also help you get compensation for any damages caused by the errors. |
Important: Dispute Errors by Certified U.S. Mail
When disputing errors in your tenant screening report, always send your dispute via certified U.S. mail. Here's why:
- Preserve Your Record. Certified mail gives you proof of what you sent and when, protecting you in case we have to go to court.
- Protect Your Rights. Disputing online or over the phone can sometimes result in you waiving your right to sue. By using certified mail, you keep your full legal rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Always keep copies of all correspondence and proof of delivery!
Consumer Attorneys is an essential ally in these situations. We know the ins and outs of the FCRA and can hold screening companies accountable for providing accurate information. In some cases, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages these errors have caused—whether it's missed housing opportunities or emotional distress.
Why You Shouldn’t Face These Issues Alone
The rental market is tough enough without having to deal with inaccurate tenant screening reports. If you're facing issues due to an OnSite rental report, know that you don't have to fight this battle alone. The tenant screen lawyers at Consumer Attorneys are here to help tenants like you push back against these unfair practices.
When these reports contain errors, they aren’t just clerical mistakes—they're barriers to your housing and peace of mind. And when your basic right to housing is threatened, you deserve every bit of help you can get to correct the situation.
It’s YOUR Home! Take Back Control of Your Housing Search
Tenant screening errors, especially from services like On-Site, can feel like an overwhelming hurdle in your search for housing. But you don’t have to sit back and let these mistakes ruin your chances of finding a place to live.
If you’ve encountered tenant screening errors in your on-site credit check, onsite background check, or any part of the onsite tenant screening process, reach out to consumer lawyers who can help you correct the inaccuracies and protect your rights. You deserve accurate reporting, and you deserve a fair shot at housing.
By working with professionals who understand the complexities of tenant screening and the laws that govern it, you can hold these companies accountable and ensure that your rental applications are based on the truth—not on mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Landlords typically use a version of your FICO credit score to assess your financial reliability, although they might also look at VantageScore. The most common FICO score ranges from 300 to 850 and is based on factors like payment history, debt levels, and credit length. Landlords generally prefer tenants with scores in the mid-600s or higher, but the specific score a landlord uses can vary. Some landlords may ask for comprehensive tenant screening reports with a broader financial and rental history overview. These reports can combine a credit score with other background checks. A higher credit score typically signals financial responsibility, which gives landlords confidence in renting to you.
Yes, many landlords will accept a 600 credit score, but it might depend on the rental market and the specific landlord's criteria. A score around 600 is often considered “fair,” meaning you might be viewed as a moderate risk. Some landlords may ask for additional security, like a higher deposit, a cosigner, or proof of steady income, to offset concerns. In competitive rental markets, where landlords have more options, a score of 600 may make it harder to secure prime rentals. However, demonstrating a positive rental history, stable employment, and offering a higher upfront payment could improve your chances of approval, even with a lower credit score.
There is no universal minimum credit score required to rent a house, as it depends on the landlord or property management company's policies. However, a credit score below 600 can make it significantly more challenging to secure a rental. Some landlords might still consider tenants with scores in the 500s, but they often impose additional requirements such as a higher security deposit, a cosigner, or proof of a stable income. In more lenient markets, landlords may prioritize factors like rental history and job stability over credit score. Regardless of your score, discussing your financial situation openly with prospective landlords is always a good idea.
Landlords use On-Site tenant screening (now owned by RealPage) because it provides a comprehensive overview of a tenant's financial and rental history. These reports include an on-site credit check, onsite background check, eviction records, and rental history verification. This helps landlords make informed decisions about who they rent to, minimizing the risk of late payments, property damage, or problematic tenant behavior. The convenience of a single report that aggregates multiple data points, combined with the platform’s ability to automate the screening process, makes On-Site tenant screening an attractive option for landlords looking for efficiency and accuracy in vetting potential tenants.
On-Site tenant screening, now part of RealPage, typically pulls a version of your FICO credit score when conducting an on-site credit check. This score, ranging from 300 to 850, is derived from consumer reporting agencies (CRAs). You’ve likely heard of the three biggest CRAs: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. While there isn’t one specific score that On-Site uses universally, it relies on your credit report to evaluate your financial behavior and assess rental risk. Along with the credit score, On-Site provides landlords with additional information, such as rental history and criminal background, helping them make a well-rounded decision about whether to approve a rental application.
Daniel Cohen is the Founder of Consumer Attorneys. Daniel manages the firm’s branding, marketing, client intake and business development efforts. Since 2017, he is a member of the National Association of Consumer Advocates and the National Consumer Law Center. Mr. Cohen is a nationally-recognized practitioner of consumer protection law. He has a we... Read more
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