DENIED HOUSING OVER SOMEONE ELSE’S CRIME — The High Cost of Background Check Errors

Written By Myrah Del Rosario

Imagine applying for a new apartment, only to be denied based on a criminal record that isn’t yours

That’s exactly what happened to one man in Florida—and his case is far from rare. A lawsuit filed in federal court alleges that SafeRent Solutions LLC (formerly CoreLogic Rental Property Solutions) reported false criminal history and personal data in a tenant screening report, costing the applicant multiple housing opportunities.

Cases like this reveal a disturbing reality: background check companies can make serious errors with life-altering consequences. At R23 Law, our California Consumer Protection Attorneys stand with renters across the state who’ve been unfairly targeted by bad data and botched reports.

When a Background Check Gets It Wrong

In the Florida lawsuit, the background screening company mixed the plaintiff’s information with that of someone else—someone with a criminal record. As a result, landlords were shown a consumer report that falsely painted the applicant as a risk.

According to the complaint, this included:

  • A criminal conviction for driving under the influence

  • False identity information

  • A history that didn’t belong to the plaintiff at all

Worse still, these errors weren’t just internal mistakes—they were shared with third parties, directly influencing housing decisions.

Violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), background check companies are required to:

  • Use “reasonable procedures” to ensure maximum possible accuracy

  • Properly verify identity and data before releasing reports

  • Allow consumers to dispute and correct errors

In this case, SafeRent allegedly failed on all counts. The lawsuit claims the company didn’t follow proper safeguards, mixed up consumer data, and sent that false information to landlords—violating federal law and harming the applicant’s chances at stable housing.

The Emotional and Financial Fallout

As a result of the incorrect report, the individual was:

  • Denied housing in March 2022

  • Forced to navigate uncertainty, delays, and rejections

  • Emotionally impacted—experiencing anxiety, humiliation, and embarrassment

  • Left with damage to his reputation and creditworthiness

The lawsuit seeks a range of remedies, including:

  • Actual damages (lost housing opportunities, emotional distress)

  • Statutory damages

  • Punitive damages

  • Attorney’s fees

What You Can Do if Your Tenant Screening Report Is Wrong

If a background check or tenant screening report has led to:

  • A denied housing application

  • False criminal history on your report

  • Identity confusion in a rental decision

…you may have a legal claim under the FCRA. And R23 Law is ready to fight for you.

Our R23 Law California Consumer Protection Attorneys help renters and applicants across the state:

  • Dispute and correct inaccurate tenant screening reports

  • File claims against negligent background check companies

  • Pursue damages for financial harm and emotional distress

R23 Law Holds Background Check Companies Accountable

We understand the housing market in California is already competitive—false data shouldn’t be the reason you’re left without a home. At R23 Law, we don’t just fix records—we pursue justice.

📞 Reach out today for a free consultation with R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys.
 We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and take action to protect your future.

Myrah Del Rosario
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