Taking Action: A Story of an Outdated Eviction Record, Apartment Denied, and Filing a Lawsuit

Getting. the apartment after suing the rental background check company
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Imagine the excitement of finding the perfect apartment that fits your lifestyle like a glove. You submit your application, anticipating the life you’ll build there, only to be rejected because of inaccurate rental history on your background check. This disappointment is the reality for many consumers. With a story about losing out on a dream apartment due to an outdated eviction record, we will walk you through how to bring a lawsuit against rental background check companies under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

The Dream Apartment Denied

Meet Alex, a young professional who had been diligently searching for the perfect apartment in the city. After months of searching, Alex finally found a place that felt like home. Excitement filled the air as the application process began. The potential landlord required a rental background check, which seemed like a formality for someone with a clean rental history.
 
However, when the tenant screening report returned, it showed an eviction on Alex’s record, a shocking revelation. It was even more bewildering that the eviction was from years ago, during Alex’s college days. Back then, Alex successfully resolved the matter and built a strong rental history. The outdated eviction report threatened to snatch the dream apartment away.

Understanding the FCRA’s Protection

Alex’s story reflects the experiences of many individuals who encounter outdated or inaccurate information on their rental background checks. Fortunately, the FCRA offers consumers like Alex a legal shield against such injustices.

  • Duty of Accuracy: CRAs and furnishers of information must ensure that the information they report is accurate, up-to-date, and fair.
  • Disputing Inaccuracies: The FCRA allows you to dispute any inaccuracies you find on your background check. CRAs are obligated to investigate these disputes within 30 days.
  • Legal Recourse: If the CRA fails to correct outdated or inaccurate information, you have the right to take legal action against them, seeking compensation for the harm you’ve endured.

Steps to Bring a Lawsuit Against a Rental Background Check Company

Determined to secure the dream apartment, Alex took the following steps:

  • Consulted an Attorney: Alex consulted an experienced attorney specializing in FCRA cases. The attorney became a powerful advocate throughout the process.
  • Gathered Evidence: Together with the attorney, Alex collected evidence of the outdated eviction report and documented its impact on the rental application.
  • Sent a Dispute Letter: Alex, with the attorney’s guidance, sent a formal dispute letter to the CRA. This was the first step in attempting to resolve the issue without going to court.
  • Documented Communication: Detailed records of all interactions with the CRA were maintained, ensuring a strong case if the issue remained unresolved.
  • Filed a Lawsuit: When the CRA failed to correct the inaccuracies within the 30-day window, Alex, with the attorney’s support, filed a lawsuit seeking damages for the harm endured due to the outdated report.

Protect Your Rights

Inaccurate and out-of-date tenant background reports can have devastating consequences, especially when they result in losing out on your dream apartment. The FCRA is a valuable tool for consumers like Alex, providing a legal framework to hold background check companies accountable for their errors.
 
If you’re considering bringing a lawsuit against a rental background check company for inaccuracies, especially outdated information, don’t hesitate to consult an attorney with expertise in FCRA cases. Your rights are worth protecting, and by taking action, you can seek compensation for the harm you’ve endured. Remember, consumers have the power to demand accuracy and fairness in their rental background reports, and the FCRA is your tool to ensure these rights are upheld.