Understanding Credit Reports

Credit reports provide important insight into potential tenants and help you make more informed screening decisions.

To get the most accurate results, always submit complete and correct tenant information. This applies whether you enter requests manually or use the faster option through the Online Rental Application.

Important Update

Effective July 1, 2026, the TransUnion Credit Report with FICO® Score is being replaced by VantageScore®.

Learn more about VantageScore

Types of Credit Reports

Through Rentec Direct, you can access two types of credit reports:

• Credit Report Card
• Full Credit Report

Both reports include key credit activity from approximately the past two years to help support tenant screening decisions.

Reviewing Credit Report Card vs Full Credit Reports

Requirements for credit information may vary among landlords and property managers, as well as the regulations that apply to specific regions.

While reviewing reports, keep in mind:

• Some information may not exactly match the applicant's details
• This doesn't mean you received the wrong report; it likely means there were enough similarities to suggest you review the information
• Matching criteria may still be strong enough to generate a valid report

We will highlight some key areas on credit report cards and full credit reports that may be of interest. 

Below is a breakdown of both Credit Report Cards and Full Credit Reports.

Key Differences at a Glance

The top of both Credit Report Cards and Full Credit Reports displays the information that was entered when the report request was submitted. Compare this information to the application and/or supporting documentation to verify its accuracy. 

• Information Provided for Search 
  • Name
  • Date of Birth
  • Address
  • Social Security Number 
• The report indicates if the SSN matches the applicant's information

Credit Score and Reasons Affecting the Score

• VantageScore credit Report Cards provide a Credit Score Range with General Reasons Affecting the Score       

  
  

  

  
  

• Full Credit Reports provide a specific VantageScore Credit Score with Specific Reasons Affecting the Score with a Report Overview

Debt Summary

• Credit Report Cards indicate a Total Debt and a pie chart with their Current Monthly Payment. 

• Full Credit Reports indicate a Total Debt and a pie chart with Specific Balances 

Past Due, Collection, and Public Records (Bankruptcies, Liens, and Judgments)

** Medical collection account details may not be listed

• Credit Report Cards reflect
  • Combined total dollar amounts
  • Combined total number of accounts affected
  • Reflection of Good or Caution

• Full Credit Reports reflect:
  • Total dollar amounts
  • Total number of accounts affected
  • A list of Tradelines for each specific account and payment history that may not have been included.

Bankruptcies, Liens, and Judgments

Only Full Credit Reports include Public Records for Bankruptcies, Liens, and Judgments

Applicant Information

Applicant information for both Credit Report Cards and Full Credit Reports reflects information that TransUnion has on file for the applicant, based on the information submitted, including:

• Name
• Social Security Number
• Date of Birth
• How long the individual has been on file
• Employment Information
  • If the applicant works a nontraditional job or is self-employed, this information may not be indicated
• Address History

Credit Report Card

Full Credit Report

System Note: Our upstream vendors automatically apply known compliance verification to the results, helping remove any records that do not comply with your local laws or regulations. This verification is based on the Landlord's or Property Manager's zip code, not the tenant's or property's zip code. Before using any information provided in the reports, be sure it complies with the laws and regulations that govern your location.

For questions about the report, contact StarPoint at 877-330-2444 or email info@starpointscreening.com.

Notes: 

• Prior to  July 13, 2020, ordering either a credit report card or a full credit report through Rentec for tenant screening was considered a 'hard hit' on the applicant's credit report. However, effective July 13, 2020, a tenant screening inquiry is considered a soft hit and does not affect the applicant's credit score. 
• Inquiry history will show as the Rentec Direct account holder or company name. If the report was pulled prior to April 2019, it would show as pulled by 'The LIG Group,' as that is the name of the holding company for StarPoint Screening.
• Credit Reports are pulled by TransUnion and provided by StarPoint Screening Services from the credit bureau, ensuring a reliable and streamlined process 
• Effective July 1, 2026, TransUnion Credit Report W/Fico® Score is being replaced with VantageScore®. Learn more about VantageScore

Pro Tip: Property Managers and Landlords subscribed to Rentec Pro or Rentec PM get access to a range of screening report options at wholesale tenant screening rates. These rates not only offer the best-in-class tenant screening but can also save you up to 50% compared to other solutions. For a complete list and description of the products offered, please visit: Tenant Screening Products