When Can You File a LexisNexis Lawsuit?

Question

I just lost a housing application I'd been counting on. The landlord said my screening report showed an eviction, but that eviction isn't mine, it belongs to someone with a similar name. LexisNexis attached the wrong tenant's record to my file. Now the landlord won't return my calls and my move-in date is gone. Can I actually sue LexisNexis for this? What are my rights, and where do I even start?

Consumer Attorneys · Accepted Answer

A LexisNexis tenant screening report that attaches another person's eviction record to your file is a textbook mixed-file error, and it can trigger serious FCRA liability. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumer reporting agencies like LexisNexis must maintain reasonable procedures to ensure maximum possible accuracy. When a dismissed or misattributed eviction appears on your report and causes a landlord to deny your application, that sequence of harm may form the basis of a LexisNexis lawsuit. The FCRA gives consumers the right to dispute inaccurate data, and if the agency fails to conduct a reasonable reinvestigation, you may have additional grounds to pursue a lexisnexis lawsuit. Damages can include actual losses, statutory damages, and attorney's fees, so the financial barrier to taking action is often lower than people expect.

Request your full LexisNexis consumer file disclosure, including the Resident History Report and any other reports used in the screening.
Gather the adverse action notice from the landlord - this document is required under the FCRA and should identify the reporting agency and the specific item that triggered the denial.
Document every name, address, and court case number that appears in the report, especially any eviction records you don't recognize.
Save all written communication with the landlord, the property management company, and LexisNexis - dates, timestamps, and email threads all matter.
File a formal written dispute with LexisNexis, keep a copy, and note the date - the agency generally has 30 days to reinvestigate.
Record your financial losses: application fees, temporary housing costs, moving deposits, and any other out-of-pocket expenses tied directly to the denial.

Consumer Attorneys may be able to help you understand whether the error in your LexisNexis report crosses the line into an actionable FCRA violation. A free case review can clarify your options, and timelines under the FCRA are strict, so preserving your documents now is critical. The sooner you act after a denial, the stronger your record of harm tends to be.