Q: I carried a mortgage on a property I rented out and would like to report rent payments to the credit reporting agency. How can I do this?
A: Great question. If you’re a landlord seeking to report rent payments to credit bureaus, you’ll need to follow a formal process to become what’s known as a “data furnisher.” Here’s what that means and how to do it.
What Is a Data Furnisher?
A data furnisher is an entity—typically a business—that submits consumer payment data to the credit bureaus. This status allows you to report tenant payment history, which can help renters build credit and reward consistent, on-time payments.
However, it’s not as simple as just logging rent payments to Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. You must apply and be approved under strict guidelines.
How to Become a Data Furnisher
To report rent payments to credit bureaus, you’ll need to become a member of each credit bureau’s data reporting program. Here’s a breakdown of what each bureau requires:
1. Equifax Data Furnishing Requirements
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You must have a business entity (e.g., LLC or Corporation).
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Must report all customer accounts—not selectively.
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Must provide a full, consistent payment history.
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Required to follow the Furnisher Rule under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Read: Equifax Guidebook for Prospective Data Furnishers
2. Experian RentBureau
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Experian accepts rental payment data through RentBureau.
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You can report directly or use a third-party rent payment processor.
More info: Experian Data Reporting
3. TransUnion’s ResidentCredit Program
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Works with property owners and managers.
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Requires use of certified software platforms or approved processors.
Visit: TransUnion Rent Reporting Options
Important Compliance Rules
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Consistent Reporting: You must report every account—not just the ones with good or bad history.
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Accurate Records: Every payment history must be complete and truthful.
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Equal Treatment: Partial reporting or selecting only certain tenants is not allowed.
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Federal Law Compliance: The Furnisher Rule of the Fair Credit Reporting Act governs data accuracy and dispute resolution.
Alternative: Use a Rent Reporting Service
If you prefer not to become a data furnisher directly, you can use a third-party rent reporting service. These services collect and report rent payment data on your behalf. They’re especially helpful for independent landlords and small property managers.
Top platforms include:
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RentReporters
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Esusu
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ClearNow
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PayYourRent
These services help streamline rent tracking, provide tenant verification, and ensure FCRA-compliant reporting.
Final Thoughts: Boost Tenant Credit Responsibly
Helping tenants build credit is a win-win: they benefit from improved credit scores, and you benefit from incentivizing on-time payments. But reporting rent payments to credit bureaus must be done the right way—legally, accurately, and consistently.
Whether you choose to become a direct data furnisher or go through a trusted third-party platform, make sure you understand your responsibilities under the law. When done properly, rent reporting can be a powerful tool to strengthen both tenant relationships and your rental business.
FAQs
Can an individual landlord report rent payments to the credit bureaus?
Generally, individual landlords can’t report directly. However, you can use third-party services like RentReporters or Esusu to report on your behalf.
Do I have to report rent payments for all tenants?
Yes. If you’re an approved data furnisher, you must report all tenant accounts fairly and consistently—not selectively.
Will this help tenants build credit?
Yes. On-time rent reporting can help improve a tenant’s credit score, especially if they lack other types of credit history.
Are there any costs involved?
Yes, there are typically setup and maintenance fees for becoming a data furnisher or using a rent reporting service. Fees vary by bureau and platform.
Can I remove late payments after reporting?
No. Once submitted, data must remain accurate and complete. Altering or omitting information violates federal reporting standards.
