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Could Changes to Credit Reporting Boost Your Credit Scores?

Beginning in July 2017, millions of Americans could see an increase in their credit scores as the TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax, the three major credit agencies, drop tax liens and civil judgments from their reports.

FICO says about 12 million of the 200 million credit consumers will see an increase of about 20 points. This is good news for consumers because credit scores are used almost ubiquitously by everyone to indicate credit worthiness.

Why are the companies no longer including this information?

These changes are occurring as a result of a settlement with lawmakers in more than 30 states. The officials found the alleged liens and civil judgments were frequently attached to the wrong people, thus hurting their credit access for a home or car.  Since liens and judgments represented major derogatory events, the fall off of this category could make a huge difference for some.

So, as of this month, if the lien or judgment fails to match three out of four criteria, it will no longer appear on the credit report.

As a result of these changes, look for new oversight of credit reporting agencies by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as the new rules are enforced. Possible, too, credit lenders may become more stringent in their practices since they will now have less assurance that consumers can pay back the borrowed monies.

An agency such as Data Screening.com can provide accurate credit reporting. A professional agency bases its reputation on the accuracy of reporting structures according to federal and state mandates.

About DataScreeening.com

Data Screening is a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise that has offered business-to-business employment and tenant screenings to human resource professionals and business owners, including staffing companies, for two decades. Among other organizations, they are members of the ASA(American Staffing Association), SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) and the NAPBS (National Association of Professional Background Screeners). How may we help you today?

 

True or False Quiz: Can Landlords Prevent Defaults on Rent?

As a landlord, you may think you have all the information you need to keep your rental business on the up and up while protecting yourself and your assets. Let’s see how you do with this simple quiz.

T or F: The landlord is always right no matter the tenant’s argument.

False. There are two sides to every coin, so to speak. When the subject is arrears in rent, both the landlord’s and tenant’s sides must be examined. Though the rent must be paid, many states are pro-tenant in anti-discrimination suits. It’s good to have a legal contract in place that protects the rights of both parties, and if necessary, pursue legal action.

T or F: A tenant can move out completely without notice should she/he feel unsafe in the rental property.

True. It is incumbent upon the landlord to provide a shelter free of serious defects which could be harmful to the health or safety of the tenant. And some states permit the tenant a right of cancellation. However, the tenant must inform the landlord in writing and allow him/her to repairs the problem in a reasonable amount of time. Further, a tenant who wishes to cancel a lease should seek legal or appropriate governmental agency advice to ensure the conditions are severe enough to warrant vacating.

T or F: An artistic tenant has painted the walls with a textured paint in one room, a blackboard paint in another and applied wallpaper in another. The tenant has now given proper notice according to lease requirements and has moved out. Do you refund the tenant’s security deposit in full?

It depends. Did the tenant improve the property? Leases usually include a limited covenant to possessory interests. If tenants wish to have their security deposit returned, most statutes say they must leave the premises in move-in condition. However, some tenants agree in writing to update, personalize or decorate a property upon leasing.

This quiz’s purpose points out the need for thorough data screening and consideration by both parties before renting. No renter should enter an agreement without reading the lease or viewing the property. And no landlord should rent without a complete data screening of the applicant.

A professional agency such as Data Screening can assist you with a thorough background check for your rental applicant. Learn as much as you can to protect your investment and keep everyone’s mind at peace.

About DataScreeening.com

Data Screening is a Certified Women’s Business Enterprise that has offered business-to-business employment and tenant screenings to human resource professionals and business owners, including staffing companies, for two decades. Among other organizations, they are members of the New Jersey Staffing Alliance, the Society for Human Resource Management and the National Association of Professional Background Screeners. How may we help you today?