How to Report a Tenant's Late Rent on His Credit

Report to credit bureaus before putting your residence back on the market.

Being a landlord often means having to make tough decisions. Allowing a tenant to continue to delay in paying rent or dealing with someone who refuses to pay rent at all can cause a financial headache for the landlord. Reporting late rent to credit bureaus is a wise way to hold tenants accountable for their misdeeds. Threatening to report late payments to credit agencies will also give tenants the incentive to adhere to lease obligations and pay on time.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Credit bureau membership application
• Social security number
• Payment history

Instructions

1. Log online. Visit the Mr. Landlord website to simultaneously contact Experian, TransUnion and Equifax -- the three major credit bureaus. Click the "Report a Bad Tenant" link on the side bar. Select the "Report Bad Debts of Former Tenants to All 3 Credit Bureaus" tab and follow prefabricated instructions to complete the submission form. Prepare to pay a $12.95 processing fee in addition to any individual fees mandated by the credit agencies.

2. Contact each credit agency independently. Complete the membership application for each agency and submit it promptly.

3. Call each agency -- once your membership is authorized -- to file your report. Provide the credit bureau administrator with the tenant's social security number and copies of their payment history. Give the administrator the address of the residence and any additional information they request to expedite the processing of your report.

References

• Annual Credit Report: Three Credit Agencies
• Mr. Landlord: Reporting Option