Saving Money on Credit Reports for Rental Applications
Many landlords require a credit check as part of the application process, and it pays to have one in hand in case you encounter a place you really want. Landlords are usually happy to run a credit report for you, but generally must charge $25-30 for this service. Interestingly, almost all consumer credit checks in this country are done against just 2 credit agencies: Equifax and TransUnion.
A recent amendment to the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires each of the two nationwide consumer reporting companies to provide a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. But do not call the companies directly, as they have set up one central web site and telephone number. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com or call 877-322-8228.
If you want to check your credit more than once a year, you can go directly to the websites below, pay an $8-9 fee for a month's access, and print out as many copies of your credit report as you need.
Here are links & phone numbers for the 2 main credit agencies, and their fees for accessing your credit report.
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