Introduction
You finally found the perfect apartment—great location, within your budget, and close to work. You submitted the application, maybe even paid the fee, and started imagining your new life there. Then the landlord calls: You’ve been denied. They say something showed up on your background check, but you know it’s wrong. Maybe it’s a criminal record that isn’t yours. Maybe an eviction that never happened. Maybe your identity got mixed up with someone else’s. Whatever it is, your housing opportunity just slipped away, and you’re left confused, embarrassed, and angry.
You’re not alone.
At Clanton Law Office, we hear stories like yours every week—rental applicants denied housing because of errors in their TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions background checks. These background checks are supposed to help landlords make informed decisions, but when they contain false or outdated information, they can ruin lives. Fortunately, the law is on your side.
If you’re dealing with background check errors, you’re in the right place. This guide will help you understand who TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions is, the most common mistakes they make, your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and how to take action—including legal remedies if they don’t fix their mistakes.
Let’s get started.
At Clanton Law Office, we’ve seen firsthand how TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions background check errors can upend lives. From mixed identity files to outdated information, these mistakes can lead to wrongful housing denials and lasting reputational damage. Understanding your rights and the legal remedies available is crucial when facing these challenges.
About TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions, Inc.
TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions, Inc. (TURSS) is a subsidiary of TransUnion, one of the three major credit reporting agencies in the United States. As a specialized division focused on tenant screening, TURSS provides background check services specifically designed for the rental housing industry.
Company Details:
- Full Name: TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions, Inc.
- Address: Attention: Consumer Dispute Team, P.O. Box 800, Woodlyn, PA 19094
- Contact Information:
- Phone: (800) 230-9376
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: TransUnion Rental Screening Disputes
TURSS has established itself as a significant player in the rental screening industry, leveraging the vast data resources of its parent company TransUnion to provide what they market as comprehensive tenant risk assessment services.
TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions’ Background Check Services and Notable Clients
TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions offers various tenant screening products that landlords and property management companies use to evaluate potential tenants. Their services typically include:
- Credit History Reports: Analyzing an applicant’s credit history, payment patterns, and financial obligations
- Criminal Background Checks: Searching for criminal records across multiple jurisdictions
- Eviction History: Identifying previous eviction filings or judgments
- Income Verification: Validating employment and income information
- Previous Rental History: Checking for past rental issues or lease violations
TURSS markets its services to property management companies, individual landlords, and large residential real estate corporations nationwide. While they claim to provide accurate and comprehensive screening tools, our experience representing consumers suggests their reports can contain serious errors that harm innocent rental applicants.
The company’s client base includes numerous property management firms across the country, from local operations to national corporations managing thousands of units. The widespread use of their screening services means errors in their system can affect housing opportunities for countless Americans.
Common Errors in TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions Background Checks
When reviewing TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions background check reports, we’ve identified several recurring error types that frequently harm consumers:
1. Mixed Files and Identity Errors
One of the most devastating errors occurs when TURSS mixes or confuses the records of two different individuals. This commonly happens with:
- Individuals sharing similar names or identifying information
- Family members (particularly those with Jr./Sr. designations)
- Twins or siblings with similar personal information
- People who have been victims of identity theft
In one case we handled, a client with a common name was repeatedly denied housing because TURSS incorrectly included criminal records belonging to someone with the same name but different middle initial. Despite multiple dispute attempts, the error persisted until legal action was taken.
2. Outdated or Incomplete Information
TURSS background checks sometimes contain information that should have been removed, including:
- Expunged or sealed criminal records that legally should not appear
- Eviction filings that were dismissed or resolved in the tenant’s favor
- Outdated credit information beyond reporting time limits
- Debts that have been paid or discharged in bankruptcy
3. Incorrect Criminal Record Information
Criminal background errors are particularly damaging and can include:
- Reporting arrests without dispositions
- Failing to update case outcomes (such as dismissals or not guilty verdicts)
- Misclassifying offense severity
- Including records that belong to another person entirely
4. Data Processing and Technical Errors
Technical failures in TURSS systems can lead to:
- Duplicate reporting of the same negative information
- Incorrect geographic information (showing offenses in states where the applicant has never lived)
- Algorithm errors that incorrectly flag innocent applicants
- Failure to properly match or distinguish records
These errors aren’t merely technical glitches—they have real consequences. Housing denials based on inaccurate information can lead to increased housing costs, longer commutes, family separation, financial strain, and significant emotional distress.
Consumer Rights When Facing Background Check Errors
When dealing with TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions background check errors, you have substantial legal protections under federal law. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) serves as your shield against inaccurate reporting and unfair practices.
Your FCRA Rights and Protections
The FCRA grants you specific rights when it comes to tenant screening reports:
Right to Notice and Disclosure
Before taking adverse action based on your background check, landlords must provide you with notice. After adverse action, you’re entitled to a free copy of your report and an explanation of your rights. TransUnion must also provide your complete file upon request.
Right to Privacy and Proper Use
Your background information can only be accessed by those with a legitimate business need. This means TransUnion cannot share your data with random third parties or for marketing purposes without your explicit consent.
Right to Accuracy and Dispute Resolution
You can challenge any inaccurate or incomplete information in your report. Once you file a dispute, TransUnion has a legal obligation to investigate within 30 days and correct any verified errors. If they cannot verify information, they must remove it.
Right to Additional Protections
You may have additional rights under state consumer protection laws (which are often stronger than federal regulations), fair housing laws that prevent discrimination, and CFPB regulations specific to tenant screening.
Right to Legal Remedies
If TransUnion violates these rights, you can take legal action to recover damages and attorney’s fees, as we’ll discuss in more detail below.
Understanding these rights is your first step toward addressing background check errors that could unfairly impact your housing opportunities.
How to Dispute Errors with TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions
If you discover errors in your TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions background check, taking prompt action is crucial. Follow these steps to initiate and manage an effective dispute:
Step-by-Step Guide to Disputing TransUnion Rental Screening Errors
Step 1: Obtain Your Complete Report
Request a copy of your background check report directly from TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions. Under the FCRA, you’re entitled to a free copy if you’ve been denied housing based on information in the report. Contact them at:
- Phone: (800) 230-9376
- Email: [email protected]
- Mail: TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions, Inc. Attention: Consumer Dispute Team P.O. Box 800 Woodlyn, PA 19094
Step 2: Review Your Report Thoroughly
Carefully examine every detail of your report, looking for:
- Personal information errors (name, address, SSN)
- Accounts or records that don’t belong to you (commonly seen in mixed credit file cases)
- Outdated negative information
- Incorrect criminal records (especially expunged cases that shouldn’t appear)
- Duplicate entries
- Any other inaccuracies
Step 3: Gather Supporting Documentation
Collect evidence that supports your dispute, such as:
- Court documents showing case dismissals or expungements
- Proof of identity (to distinguish you from someone with a similar name)
- Receipts showing debt repayment
- Correspondence from creditors or courts
- Any other documentation that disproves the errors
Step 4: Submit a Formal Dispute
File your dispute with TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions through their official channels. Your dispute should include:
- Your complete contact information
- A clear identification of each error you’re disputing
- A detailed explanation of why the information is incorrect
- Copies (never originals) of supporting documentation
- A request for the specific correction you want made
Consider sending your dispute via certified mail with return receipt requested to maintain proof of delivery. For detailed guidance on contacting background check providers effectively, review our dedicated resource.
Step 5: Follow Up Diligently
Keep detailed records of all communications, including dates of submissions and responses. In some cases, recording calls with customer service representatives may be appropriate (check your state’s consent laws first). Follow up if you don’t receive a response within 30 days, and request a new copy of your report after the investigation to verify corrections.
Step 6: Escalate If Necessary
If TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions fails to correct legitimate errors:
- File a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Contact your state attorney general’s office
- Consult with a consumer rights attorney experienced in FCRA cases who can help you understand if you have grounds for an incorrect background check lawsuit
Remember that timing is critical when disputing background check errors, especially if you’re in the process of applying for housing. Acting quickly can help prevent adverse consequences from inaccurate information.
Legal Remedies Available for TransUnion FCRA Violations
When TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions fails to meet its legal obligations under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumers have powerful legal remedies available. Understanding these options can help you recover damages and ensure the errors are corrected.
Types of FCRA Violations
TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions may violate the FCRA in several ways:
- Reporting Inaccurate Information: Failing to follow reasonable procedures to ensure maximum possible accuracy
- Inadequate Reinvestigation: Not properly investigating disputes or failing to correct verified errors
- Improper Disclosure: Providing your background check to parties without permissible purpose
- Failure to Notify: Not providing required notifications when negative information is used against you
- Continued Reporting of Disputed Information: Reporting information that has been disputed without noting the dispute
Available Legal Remedies
If you’ve experienced TransUnion background check errors that weren’t properly addressed, you may be entitled to several types of compensation and remedies under the law:
1. Actual Damages
Actual damages compensate for specific harm you’ve suffered as a result of background check errors. This can be a significant recovery avenue for many clients we’ve represented. These damages can include financial losses such as higher security deposits or rent payments required because of false negative information, temporary housing costs while seeking alternative housing after an unfair denial, and moving expenses if you were forced to find housing elsewhere on short notice.
Additionally, actual damages can include lost wages from time spent resolving errors and attending meetings or court proceedings related to your case. Perhaps most importantly, courts recognize that emotional distress from housing instability, humiliation, and anxiety caused by background check errors deserves compensation.
2. Statutory Damages
Even in situations where it’s difficult to quantify your exact financial losses, the FCRA provides protection through statutory damages. You may recover between $100 and $1,000 per willful violation, even without proving specific monetary harm. This creates a significant incentive for companies like TransUnion to maintain accurate records.
3. Punitive Damages
When TransUnion’s conduct shows reckless disregard for consumer rights or demonstrates a pattern of negligence, courts may award additional punitive damages. These are designed not just to compensate you but to punish the company and deter similar violations in the future. In cases of egregious misconduct, these damages can be substantial.
4. Attorney’s Fees and Costs
A critical provision of the FCRA allows successful plaintiffs to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and legal costs. This important feature makes it financially feasible for consumers to pursue legal action without facing prohibitive upfront legal expenses. At Clanton Law Office, we handle most FCRA cases on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Class Action Potential
When TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions’ errors affect multiple consumers in similar ways, class action lawsuits may be appropriate. These allow a group of affected individuals to seek remedies collectively.
Timing Is Critical
The FCRA has a specific statute of limitations—generally two years from the date you discover the violation or five years from the date of the violation, whichever is earlier. Consulting with an attorney promptly is essential to preserve your legal rights.
At Clanton Law Office, we have extensive experience litigating FCRA claims against background check companies like TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions. Our attorneys understand the complex interplay between federal consumer protection laws, state regulations, and the practical aspects of these cases.
Take Action: Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’ve been harmed by errors in a TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions background check, don’t face this challenge alone. At Clanton Law Office, we focus on helping consumers fight back against inaccurate background reports and holding companies accountable for FCRA violations.
How We Can Help You
Our experienced consumer rights attorneys provide comprehensive support through every step of your case:
We will review your background check report at no cost to identify potential FCRA violations and explain your specific rights under federal and state law. Our team will guide you through the dispute process, leveraging our extensive experience with background check companies like TransUnion.
If necessary, we’ll evaluate your potential legal claims and represent you against TransUnion to fight for appropriate compensation for damages you’ve suffered. Our track record of success with background check lawsuits gives us the insight needed to effectively advocate for your rights.
Don’t let background check errors control your future. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your situation and explore your options.
Visit: Clanton Law Office Contact Page
Most FCRA cases are handled on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we recover for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions Background Checks
Q1: How do I know if TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions provided my background check?
A: If you were denied housing or faced adverse terms (like increased security deposits) based on a background check, the landlord or property manager is legally required to provide you with an “adverse action notice.” This notice should identify the screening company used, which may be TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions. You can also ask the landlord directly which screening service they used. Additionally, if you receive a score called “ResidentScore” or see references to “SmartMove,” these are TransUnion Rental Screening products.
Q2: Can TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions report expunged or sealed records on my background check?
A: No. Under the FCRA, TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions should not report expunged, sealed, or otherwise legally restricted records. Unfortunately, their databases may not always be updated to reflect court actions like expungements. If you find expunged records on your report, this represents a serious FCRA violation that should be disputed immediately and may warrant legal action. We’ve successfully represented many clients who faced exactly this situation with expunged cases appearing on their reports.
Q3: How long does TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions take to investigate disputes?
A: Under the FCRA, TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions must complete their investigation within 30 days of receiving your dispute. This period may be extended by 15 days if you provide additional relevant information during the investigation. However, our experience shows that the quality of their investigations varies significantly. Some errors are corrected promptly, while others may require multiple disputes or legal intervention. If you’re currently applying for housing, be sure to inform the landlord about the disputed information and the ongoing investigation.
Q4: Can I sue TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions if they don’t fix errors after I dispute them?
A: Yes. If TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions fails to conduct a reasonable investigation or continues to report inaccurate information after you’ve provided evidence of the error, you may have grounds for a lawsuit under the FCRA. Damages can include compensation for actual harm (such as lost housing opportunities, higher rent costs, emotional distress) as well as statutory and punitive damages in cases of willful violations. Our firm has extensive experience with background check lawsuits and can evaluate whether legal action is appropriate in your situation.
Conclusion
TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions background checks significantly impact housing opportunities for millions of Americans. When these reports contain errors, the consequences can be devastating—from denied housing applications to increased costs and significant stress. Understanding your rights under the FCRA and knowing how to effectively dispute errors is essential for protecting your interests.
At Clanton Law Office, we’re committed to helping consumers fight back against inaccurate background checks and holding companies like TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions accountable when they fail to meet their legal obligations. If you’ve experienced background check errors, remember that you don’t have to face this challenge alone—experienced legal help is available.
Related Resources in Our Tenant Screening Information Hub
We’ve developed comprehensive resources to help consumers understand and address background check issues:
- Understanding Employment Background Checks
- When Background Checks Go Wrong: Legal Remedies
- Mixed File Errors: When Your Identity Gets Confused
- What To Do If You Fail a Background Check
- How to Sue Background Check Companies
- Background Check Secrets: What You Need to Know
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every situation is unique, and you should consult with an attorney to understand how the law applies to your specific circumstances.