How to Add Rent Payments to a Credit Report

Your credit report shows a detailed history of your financial past. Creditors report your payment history, how much credit you have available and your total debt. Not all creditors report your information to the credit bureaus, especially small and private companies, such as your landlord. However, you can request your landlord add your rent payments to your credit report, which could increase your credit score.

Instructions

1

Collect copies of personal checks or bank statements that prove your history of rental payments.

2

Ask your landlord in writing to report your payment history to the three credit bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Attach proof of your history of rental payments and provide your landlord with contact information for each credit bureau.

3

Write a letter to each credit bureau requesting that they add your rent payments to your credit report. Include a copy of your lease agreement, as well as proof of your rental payments. Send the letter to the credit bureaus via certified mail.

4

Order a copy of your credit reports 30 to 45 days after the credit bureaus receive your letter. You can order a free copy of your credit report from each bureau once a year through Annual Credit Report. Verify that the credit bureau added the requested information. Follow up with the credit bureaus by telephone or mail if they did not add your rent payments.