Credit Check for Renters: What landlords look for

by | Dec 18, 2019 | 2019 Monthly Newsletter, Ask The Expert

Are you or someone you know looking to rent a new home or apartment?

 

Did you know that potential landlords can request a “tenant credit report” using only an applicant’s name and email address?

 

Many landlords do in fact check a prospective tenant’s credit history with at least one credit reporting agency to see how responsible the applicant is with managing money.

 

Here is what they looking for?

 

A credit report contains a gold mine of information for a prospective landlord. Here are some of the things they can find out:

 

  • Has the person ever filed for bankruptcy
  • Are they late or delinquent in paying rent or bills, including student loans or car loans
  • Have they been convicted of a crime, or even arrested
  • Have they been evicted (legal rights to get information on evictions varies among states)
  • Are they involved in a lawsuit such as a personal injury claim
  • Are they financially active enough to establish a credit history
Information in credit reports covers the past seven to ten years and all 3 of the credit bureaus offer landlord tenant screening services. So, it is a simple process for any prospective landlord to screen potential tenants.

 

As a result of viewing these reports, landlords can either not rent to you because of negative information in a credit report or they can charge a higher rent because of such information.

 

How can THD Help?

 

THD can pull a rental credit report for you to see if there are any mistakes or discrepancies so you can be prepared before you apply for your next home or apartment rental.  It’s simple, just email us at asktheexpert@thdcreditconsulting.com and we can get started!

 

-Erik Kaplan

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Does Experian Boost Work?

by | Oct 31, 2019 | 2019 Monthly Newsletter, Ask The Expert

Boosting your credit score often requires months of ‘good’ financial behavior. But a new tool from Experian allows you to instantly add utility and cellphone payments to your credit report, potentially increasing your credit score and helping you pay less to borrow.
 
How it works?
 
You first give Experian permission to scan bank account transactions so it can identify utility and cell phone payments. Information about these payments will then appear in the Experian credit report and be used when certain credit scores are calculated from that data.
 
The idea is to help customers with thin credit files by incorporating signs of responsible financial behavior that traditionally aren’t seen by credit reporting bureaus. Boost also may help people who are rebuilding their credit after financial setbacks. Experian estimates the product could affect up to 100 million consumers’ scores.
 
Experian Boost works with the most commonly used credit scores by lenders: FICO 8, FICO 9, VantageScore 3 and VantageScore 4. The average increase was more than 10 points and 13% of users on average moved up a credit band.
 
If a lender relies on a TransUnion or Equifax credit report for its application process, the tool won’t help your approval chances.
 
Who will benefit?
 
Experian expects that two-thirds of consumers will see an improvement. Those with thin credit histories (defined as less than five accounts) and FICO credit scores between 580 and 669 will benefit the most, Experian said.
 
Ten percent of people who previously didn’t have enough information in their credit file will now have a score. Fourteen percent of those with scores of 579 or lower moved into the 620 to 679 range, enough to get better credit terms.
 
How Do I Sign Up for Experian Boost?
 
Signing up for Experian Boost is simple. Just go to the Experian Boost page and create a free Experian account to start the process. You’ll then connect your online bank accounts so Experian can search for any qualifying on-time payments. Once you verify that you want to add the accounts to your credit file, your credit scores will be calculated using the newly added payment information.
 
The process is simple, and if you receive a boost, you’ll see your FICO® Score increase in just a few minutes. If you have any questions about this product or process email us at asktheexpert@thdcreditconsulting.com.
 

-Erik Kaplan

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Coming Soon!

Is Tax Debt Holding You Down?

by | Sep 26, 2019 | 2019 Monthly Newsletter

Do You Owe Tax Debt?

Are You Responsible for Penalties from Late Filings?

Do You Have Tax Levies & Liens or a Wage Garnishment?

We know how intimidating and stressful tax debt can be. Which is why THD Credit Consulting has teamed up with a nationally recognized tax relief company that will offer you a Free Consultation!

They have helped thousands of people lower stress, lower tax debt and will provide guidance and expertise within the government’s continually changing tax laws.   

If you are interested in finding out more about this company and would like a free consultation from them, email me at erik@thdcreditconsulting.com and I will make the introduction. 

We know IRS tax debt can be confusing. That’s why our partners are here to help!

-Erik Kaplan

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Education is Key to Your Financial Success

by | Aug 29, 2019 | 2019 Monthly Newsletter

Many people don’t understand the credit scoring system or their credit score-until they attempt to buy a home, take out a loan to start a business or make a major purchase. Educating yourself about your credit is an important tool that can help you build, defend and achieve financial success regardless of your age or income.
 
THD Credit Consulting can help you:
  • Understand the concept of credit and the analysis that results in a credit rating.
  • Identify the components of a credit score and what factors are involved.
  • Acquire techniques for building a strong credit history.
  • Learn how to get medical collections deleted from your credit report.
  • Gain information on how to get evictions deleted from your credit report. 
THD Credit Consulting can help you to better understand your credit score, credit report and credit history while providing the foundation for making the right credit decisions for your future.
 
Click here to get started with a free consultation.
 

-Erik Kaplan

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What should I do if I think I may be a victim of identity theft?

by | Aug 6, 2019 | 2019 Monthly Newsletter, Ask The Expert

The discovery of identity theft is bound to be a very anxious and stressful experience and it can certainly wreak havoc on your finances and credit. If you suspect identity theft, act quickly to minimize any negative consequences.

Here are 5 key steps to take to stop an identity thief in their tracks.

1) Put a fraud alert on your credit reports – To place a 90-day fraud alert on all three of your credit reports, you only need to contact one of the three credit reporting agencies (Experian,Equifax or TransUnion). When you place the initial alert, the agency will automatically notify the other two for you. Be sure to request a copy of your credit reports to ensure there aren’t any transactions you don’t recognize.

2) Call the fraud department at the companies and financial institutions where you know the identity thief used your personal information. Part of this step may include freezing your accounts that have been compromised. For example, If you know your credit card was stolen, report the theft to the credit card issuer. If your checkbook or debit card was stolen, contact your bank.

3) Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). File an Identity Theft Affidavit and create an Identity Theft Report. The FTC will provide you with information about what to do next, depending on what type of fraud was committed.

4) File a police report. Contact your local law enforcement office and report the theft. Be sure to get a copy of the police report and/or the report number. Both your police report and the FTC Identity Theft Affidavit combine to create your Identity Theft Report.

5) Report identity theft to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau by submitting a complaint. Your complaint helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations. Visit the CFPB’s website to find out more information on submitting an identity theft complaint.

Remember, identity theft can have a negative effect on your credit score. For instance, if a thief opens three new credit cards in your name, the inquiries can each lower your score, the credit card balances will affect your utilization ratio, and the payment history (or failure to pay) can have a big impact on your credit rating.

The key thing to remember is that identity theft hurts your credit the most when it goes unnoticed. Once you catch on, you can take steps to shut down fraudulent accounts and clean up your credit.

If you have questions or were a victim of identity theft and need help cleaning up your credit report, THD Credit Consulting can help. Click here to schedule a free consultation today.

-Erik Kaplan

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