When applying for a rental property, your rental history can play a critical role in determining whether you get approved. Rental history reports give landlords an overview of how a prospective tenant has treated previous rental agreements, providing key insights into their reliability and behavior.
But what does rental history show? Here, we break down the essential factors landlords prioritize when reviewing these reports.
- Payment History
One of the first things landlords check is whether tenants have consistently paid their rent on time. Late or missed payments might raise red flags and suggest a tenant could repeat this behavior. Payment history offers landlords a glimpse of the tenant’s financial reliability, a key factor in ensuring timely rent collection.
According to a 2022 Rent.com survey, 87% of landlords said late payments were their top concern when reviewing applications. A history of timely payments not only builds trust but also demonstrates that the tenant prioritizes their financial responsibilities.
- Previous Rental Duration
The length of time a tenant has spent at previous rental properties is another critical factor. A stable rental history, with longer stays at previous residences, suggests reliability and a decreased likelihood of turnover. Frequent moves, on the other hand, may signal instability or difficulty maintaining leases.
Statistics revealed by TransUnion SmartMove show that tenants with longer tenancy periods often have higher satisfaction ratings from landlords. Stability matters in rental agreements, as shorter durations could lead to higher vacancy rates and increased costs for landlords.
- Property Maintenance History
Did the tenant take good care of the previous property? Landlords often seek feedback from former landlords regarding the tenant’s regard for property condition. A history of damaging property or violating lease agreements can send up warning signals. Conversely, tenants who maintain clean, damage-free living spaces show respect for the property and its rules.
Research indicates that 60% of landlords surveyed by Zillow stated property damage as one of the top reasons they reject applications. This emphasizes why tenants should strive to leave properties in excellent condition.
- Eviction History
Eviction records are closely scrutinized in rental history reports. Landlords look for evidence of previous evictions, as they indicate serious issues such as non-payment, lease violations, or inappropriate behavior. A recent eviction is one of the strongest deterrents for landlords when reviewing applications.
According to data from Apartment List, tenants with eviction records are 40% less likely to secure a rental, highlighting the impact of eviction history on a tenant’s ability to find housing.
- Interactions with Previous Landlords
Landlords often contact previous landlords to gather additional insights into a tenant’s behavior and reliability. Questions about payment punctuality, adherence to lease agreements, and respect for property rules are commonplace. A strong, positive referral from a past landlord can significantly boost the chances of securing a rental.
- Criminal Background and Public Records
While rental history reports primarily focus on tenant-landlord interactions, public records are also commonly reviewed. While not every landlord accounts for criminal history, potential red flags like serious offenses or convictions related to property damage may come under consideration.
Final Thoughts
A rental history report offers a comprehensive look at a tenant’s track record, helping landlords make informed decisions. Consistent rent payments, stable residency, proper property care, and a clean record play a crucial role in building trust with landlords.
Whether you’re looking to rent your first property or relocating for a fresh start, maintaining a positive rental history can open doors to housing opportunities. For tenants, it’s a reminder that every lease matters—and for landlords, these reports remain an indispensable tool for ensuring peace of mind in tenant selection.