LOCKED OUT BY A CREDIT REPORT — What to Do When Screening Errors Derail Your Housing Search
Credit report errors can lead to denied rental applications, costly deposits, and lost housing opportunities
R23 Law’s California Credit Reporting Error Attorneys explain your rights and how to fight back.
You’ve finally found the perfect apartment—affordable, spacious, and close to work. You fill out the application, confident in your income and rental history. Then comes the unexpected: your application is denied due to a “problem” in your credit report.
At R23 Law, we’ve seen this scenario play out far too often. For renters in California, tenant screening errors caused by incorrect credit reports can lead to rejection, higher deposits, or discrimination. Worse, these errors are often the result of identity theft, outdated data, or reporting agency mistakes—not anything the applicant actually did.
Our California Credit Reporting Error Attorneys are here to protect renters from being unfairly denied housing due to credit report inaccuracies.
How Credit Report Errors Can Derail Tenant Applications
Tenant screening companies often rely on credit reports to determine whether an applicant is “risky.” But what happens when the information they pull is flat-out wrong?
Common issues include:
Mixed files (your report includes another person’s debts or public records)
Outdated data like a resolved debt or closed account still showing as delinquent
Inaccurate late payment records
Fraudulent accounts caused by identity theft
Misreported bankruptcies
Even if you are approved, landlords may use these false “red flags” to justify charging higher rent, requiring a larger security deposit, or offering only shorter lease terms.
Real-World Consequences of a Denied Tenant Screening
Housing isn’t just a convenience—it’s a legal and economic necessity. Credit reporting errors can lead to:
Immediate loss of housing opportunities
Economic losses (application fees, deposits, moving costs)
Emotional stress from displacement and instability
Employment harm if you're relocating for work and lose time
Future denials, as many screening services retain and resell data
In some cases, the denial may be tied to criminal activity committed in your name by someone who stole your identity—leaving you to deal with the fallout.
Your Rights Under the Law
If you were denied housing due to inaccurate credit reporting, you may have legal recourse under:
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) – This federal law gives you the right to dispute incorrect credit information and sue if the agency fails to correct it.
The California Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies Act (CCCRAA) – Offers additional protections under state law, especially around timing, accuracy, and disclosure.
Tenant screening regulations – Landlords and tenant screening companies must provide proper disclosures and allow you to dispute erroneous info.
R23 Law’s attorneys can assess whether these rights were violated—and whether you may be entitled to financial compensation.
What to Do If You’re Denied an Apartment Due to Credit Errors
If you've been turned down because of credit reporting issues, take the following steps:
Request the screening report used by the landlord or property manager.
Review your credit reports from all three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion).
Dispute inaccurate information in writing with both the credit bureau and the tenant screening company.
Keep documentation of all communications, notices, and denials.
Consult a consumer protection attorney—especially if the denial caused financial harm.
Disputing on your own may not be enough. If your claim is ignored or the credit bureau fails to correct the data, you may be able to sue for damages.
R23 Law: Defending California Renters from Credit Reporting Errors
When your housing is on the line, you need more than just patience—you need legal power.
R23 Law’s California Credit Reporting Error Attorneys represent tenants across the state who’ve been wrongfully denied apartments due to false or mishandled information. We hold credit bureaus, tenant screening companies, and landlords accountable when they fail to follow the law.
Denied Doesn’t Mean Defeated
A bad credit report shouldn’t cost you your chance at a safe home—especially when the “bad” information isn’t even yours. If you’ve suffered due to inaccurate reporting, R23 Law is ready to step in and demand justice.
📞 Contact R23 Law’s California Credit Reporting Error Attorneys today for a free consultation.
We’re here to help you clear your name—and unlock the doors to the housing you deserve.
