In today’s competitive housing market, applying for a new apartment or house can be a rigorous process full of paperwork, background checks, and financial scrutiny. However, for some, the application process can be a nightmare.
Imagine this: you’ve finally found the perfect place, submitted your application, and the only step left is running a credit check. You’ve done everything right — paid your bills on time, kept your debt levels low, and even maintained a stable job and steady income. But suddenly, your application is denied. The reason? Your credit report has a slew of charges and legal issues that you’ve never heard of. Suddenly, you’re faced with the reality of mixed-up identities.
This all-too-common scenario happens when credit reporting agencies accidentally mix up credit identities or falsely include inaccuracies on a person’s credit report, including expunged or sealed records. While it may seem like a simple mistake, the consequences of being mistaken for the wrong person can profoundly impact your financial situation and jeopardize your chances of securing your dream apartment or home.
The common scenario
Inaccuracies on your credit report, especially those that are mixed up with someone else, can have ripple effects that extend far beyond what you might expect. These mix-ups can significantly impact your credit score and payment history, oftentimes for years. For example, if someone is over their credit limit, or delinquent on their payments, your credit utilization rate could increase. This in turn can lower your credit scores, making it difficult to be approved for a loan, apply for an apartment, or put a down payment on a house. And, if you are approved, you’ll likely have higher interest rates.
But what if more serious errors such as felonies related to assault or drugs show up on your credit report? Not only can they make you seem like a high-risk tenant, but they can also hurt your chances of being employed. Sometimes this is because of a mismatch by private companies or a credit reporting agency conducting automated searches for a background check. But often it happens because of something more insidious — when a person is the victim of identity theft. Identity theft is a serious issue that can devastate your financial health and take years to fully recover from, causing anxiety, stress, and a sense of helplessness in the process.
The only solution
If you are denied for an apartment or house because your credit report is wrong, don’t lose hope. You can tackle the problem head-on by contacting a reputable false credit reporting attorney who will guide you through the dispute process with your credit bureau and work tirelessly to restore your good credit. Regularly reviewing your credit reports will also help. Federal law entitles you to a free copy of your credit report from each agency every 12 months, which you can request through AnnualCreditReport.com.
Remember, errors on your credit report can be fixed, and with the right help, you can clear your name and move forward.