And those people who are improving their credit reports each month are enjoying significant savings because they qualify for the best financing deals, like low interest rates for “approved” credit. A difference of one or two percentage points in interest rates on a home or car loan can translate into hundreds of dollars of savings every year. That’s money that can go toward building a better future. Renters who do not report rent payments to a credit bureau each month are literally throwing away money.

Reporting Rent Payments an Easy Way to Build Credit

Tenants already are paying rent every month —and paying a lot in most cases.  Renters typically dedicate 30-40% of their monthly income to housing. They may as well get credit for it.

Other methods of building credit rely on taking out loans or opening revolving charge accounts. But those loans and credit cards can be expensive as far as interest rates, application fees, closing costs, and annual fees. Opening only one account may not be enough because a credit file needs to grow thicker over time. And that adds up. It also can be burdensome to manage open accounts, trying to remember the credit limit on each, which one to use when, and the multiple due dates for each one.

But a lease agreement already is an “open account” and renters can build credit without the need to pay high interest, take on more debt, or track additional payment due dates each month.

Rent Payment History Only Counts if Reported to a Credit Bureau

It is important for renters to understand that rent is not automatically reported to a credit bureau. For renters to enjoy the benefit of building credit through on-time rent payments, their landlords must agree to report rent.

Fortunately, that process is as simple as signing up to report monthly rent payments through Landlord Credit Bureau. All renters need to do is ask a prospective landlord if they already offer this valuable amenity. If not, it is easy to convince a landlord of the benefits:

  •  Landlords who report rent payments experience a significant reduction in rent delinquencies.
  •  Reporting rent is the best way to reward good tenants and improve tenant retention.
  •  Most tenants want to report rent each month, so the benefits extend far beyond one tenancy.

Build Credit and Rent History at the Same Time

Better credit is not the only benefit tenants may gain by reporting rent payments. Landlord Credit Bureau tracks this rent payment history and provides tenants with a Tenant Record.

The rental market is competitive, and tenants who pay on time each month deserve to be rewarded.

Landlord Credit Bureau is committed to helping these conscientious renters gain a competitive advantage by sharing proof of a positive rent payment history with prospective landlords.