SmartMove is a service provided by TransUnion, one of the largest credit bureaus in the USA. It is designed to conduct background checks on potential tenants, enabling property owners to make informed decisions when selecting tenants.
What does SmartMove do?
SmartMove specializes in providing tenant background checks. These checks include:
- Credit History Check: Assessing the tenant’s creditworthiness based on their credit report.
- Criminal Background Check: Searching for information on past criminal offenses.
- Eviction History Check: Analyzing the tenant’s rental history, including instances of evictions.
- Payment History Check: Evaluating the tenant’s ability to pay rent on time.
How does SmartMove work?
The SmartMove process involves several steps:
- Landlord Registration: The property owner registers on the platform and creates an account.
- Tenant Invitation: The landlord sends an invitation to the potential tenant to undergo the check.
- Tenant Consent: The tenant receives the request, fills out the necessary information, and consents to the check.
- Background Check: The SmartMove system automatically collects and analyzes data on credit history, criminal records, evictions, and payments.
- Report Delivery: The landlord receives a detailed report to help make a rental decision.
Why are SmartMove background checks needed?
- Risk Minimization: Checks allow landlords to reduce the risks associated with non-paying or unreliable tenants.
- Investment Protection: Thorough checks protect property owners’ investments from potential losses.
- Increased Safety: Criminal background checks help ensure the safety of all residents.
History and Interesting Facts
TransUnion was founded in 1968 and has since become a leading credit information provider in the USA. SmartMove was launched in response to the growing needs of the rental market. The service was developed with both landlords and tenants in mind, offering convenient and reliable tools for verification.
Interesting Fact: SmartMove uses advanced data analysis and machine learning technologies to enhance the accuracy and reliability of its checks. This allows landlords to receive more comprehensive and accurate reports, leading to better understanding of the financial status and reliability of potential tenants.
SmartMove by TransUnion is a reliable and effective tool for landlords, helping them make informed decisions when selecting tenants. Through comprehensive checks and the use of advanced technologies, SmartMove ensures the safety and protection of rental property investments.
Errors in SmartMove: A Detailed Analysis
Despite its popularity and reliability, the SmartMove service is not without errors and shortcomings. Understanding these issues can help landlords and tenants make more informed decisions when using this service.
Errors in Credit Reports One common problem is the presence of errors in credit reports, which can affect the check results:
- Incorrect Payment Information: Reports may sometimes indicate missed or late payments that did not actually occur.
- Erroneous Bankruptcy or Debt Records: Incorrect data on bankruptcies or debts can significantly lower a tenant’s credit rating.
- Duplicate Entries: Repeated entries for the same credits or debts can distort the actual financial picture of the tenant.
Incomplete or Outdated Information: Reports may sometimes contain outdated or incomplete information:
- Lack of Updates: If credit bureaus have not updated data in a timely manner, the report may not reflect the tenant’s current financial situation.
- Incomplete Criminal Records: Some minor offenses or recent court cases may not be included in the report.
Errors in Criminal Background Checks: Errors in criminal background checks can include:
- Mistaken Identity: If several people have similar names, it is possible for one person’s criminal record to be attributed to another.
- Missing Records: Incorrect display or omission of criminal information can create a false impression of a tenant’s reliability.
Problems with Eviction History: Errors in the eviction history section can also negatively affect the check results:
- Incorrect Eviction Records: Cases where a Smartmove tenant screening is mistakenly listed as evicted, even if the eviction was canceled or resolved in their favor.
- Outdated Data: Evictions that were resolved many years ago may still appear in the report.
Technical Errors and Interface Problems: Apart from data errors, users may encounter technical issues:
- Data Loading Errors: Reports may be incomplete or incorrectly formatted due to service-side problems.
- Interface Issues: Difficulties navigating the site, accessing reports, and other technical glitches can hinder service use.
Human Factor: Errors caused by human factors can also occur:
- Incorrect Data Entry: Tenants or landlords may accidentally enter incorrect data, leading to errors in reports.
- Data Processing Errors: Employees handling data may make mistakes when entering or processing information.
While SmartMove provides valuable services for landlords and tenants, it is important to be aware of potential errors in the system. Checking and correcting data, regularly updating information, and paying close attention to details can help minimize the impact of these errors and make the rental process more transparent and reliable.
Customer Stories about SmartMove screening Errors
Story 1: Incorrect Eviction Record
Problem: Client Maria contacted us after her rental application was rejected due to an eviction record in the SmartMove report. Maria had never been evicted, and the record was incorrect.
Consequences:
- Maria lost the opportunity to rent an ideal apartment in a convenient area.
- She had to extend the lease in her current housing under less favorable conditions.
- Maria experienced significant stress and anxiety due to the unfair rejection.
How We Helped:
- We contacted the landlord and explained the situation, providing evidence that Maria had never been evicted.
- Helped Maria draft and send a request to the credit bureau to correct the error.
- Successfully removed the incorrect eviction record from Maria’s Smartmove credit check report within 30 days.
- As a result, the landlord reconsidered Maria’s application, and she was able to rent the desired apartment.
Story 2: Incorrect Criminal Record
Problem: Client John faced rental rejection due to an incorrect criminal record in his SmartMove report. The record belonged to a person with the same name but a different birth date and address.
Consequences:
- John had to urgently search for new housing as his current lease was expiring.
- He experienced significant emotional stress due to the unfair rejection.
How We Helped:
- We investigated and gathered evidence proving the criminal record did not belong to John.
- Assisted John in drafting a request to correct the error with the credit bureau and monitored the process to completion.
- After the error was corrected, we provided the updated report to the landlord, and John was able to rent the property without issues.
- Additionally, we helped John receive compensation for incurred expenses and moral damage.
Story 3: Incorrect Records of Late Payments
Problem: Client Susan found several incorrect records of late payments in her SmartMove report, which never happened. This led to a lower credit rating.
Consequences:
- Susan faced rejections on several rental applications.
- She encountered difficulties obtaining a loan to purchase a car.
- Her financial reputation suffered.
How We Helped:
- We conducted a detailed analysis of Susan’s Smartmove credit report and identified errors.
- Drafted a detailed letter to the credit bureau demanding correction of incorrect records.
- Provided legal support throughout communication with credit institutions and the bureau.
- As a result, all incorrect records were removed, Susan’s credit rating was restored, and she successfully rented the desired apartment.
Story 4: Incomplete Information in the Report
Problem: Client Michael was denied rent because his SmartMove report contained incomplete information about his income and financial status.
Consequences:
- Michael lost the opportunity to rent an apartment in a prestigious area.
- He had to find temporary housing, leading to additional expenses.
How We Helped:
- We assisted Michael in gathering all necessary financial documents and information.
- Drafted a request to correct and update data in his credit report.
- Supported Michael at every stage of the process to ensure correct and complete data updating.
- After the report was corrected, Michael successfully rented the desired apartment and restored his financial reputation.
Story 5: Duplicate Debt Records
Problem: Client Emily found duplicate debt records in her SmartMove report, leading to artificially inflated debt obligations.
Consequences:
- Emily faced rejections on several rental applications.
- Her credit rating was significantly lowered, affecting her ability to obtain a business loan.
How We Helped:
- We conducted a detailed audit of Emily’s credit report and identified duplicate records.
- Prepared and sent an official request to the credit bureau to remove duplicate records.
- Monitored the error correction process and maintained contact with the bureau until corrections were completed.
- As a result, Emily managed to remove duplicate records, improve her credit rating, and receive approval for renting the desired property.
In each of these stories, our law firm, RS Attorneys, successfully helped clients resolve issues with errors in SmartMove reports, protecting their rights and restoring justice. Our goal is to provide each client with quality legal support and help achieve fair resolutions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Correcting Errors in SmartMove Reports Independently
Errors in SmartMove reports can negatively affect your rental opportunities. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to correcting such errors independently.
Step 1: Obtain Your Credit Report
Request a Free Credit Report: You are entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax, Experian). Visit the official site AnnualCreditReport.com (https://www.annualcreditreport.com).
Step 2: Check the Report for Errors
- Thoroughly Review the Report: Check all sections of your credit report, including personal information, credit accounts, criminal records, and eviction history.
- Mark Errors: Note or highlight all identified errors, such as incorrect payment records, duplicate entries, outdated information, or records not related to you.
Step 3: Gather Evidence
Prepare Documents: Gather all documents that can prove the information in the report is incorrect. These can be account statements, bank certificates, court decisions, and other relevant documents.
Step 4: Draft a Dispute Letter to the Credit Bureau
Write a Formal Letter: Draft a letter to the credit bureau, including the following information:
- Your contact details.
- A detailed description of each error, indicating where it is located in the report.
- Attach copies of documents supporting your claim.
- State that you demand the correction of errors in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
Sample Dispute Letter:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Name]
[Credit Bureau Address]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the following information in my credit report. The items listed below are inaccurate or incomplete, and I request their removal or correction as soon as possible.
Error 1: [Description of error]
Error 2: [Description of error]
Enclosed are copies of documents supporting my position.
Thank you for your attention to my request. Please confirm receipt of this letter and provide me with an updated credit report after the corrections are made.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Step 5: Send the Letter with Return Receipt
- Send by Certified Mail: Use the certified mail service with a return receipt to ensure your letter reaches the credit bureau.
- Keep Copies: Save copies of all documents and the letter, as well as the mailing receipt.
Step 6: Wait for a Response
- Credit Bureau Response: The credit bureau must investigate your claim within 30 days of receiving your letter. They must provide you with a written response with the investigation results.
- Receive Updated Report: If the error is confirmed, the bureau must send you an updated credit report for free.
Step 7: Actions in Case of Denial or Delay
Contact Relevant Authorities: If the credit bureau refuses to correct the error or delays the response, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB):
- FTC: https://www.ftc.gov/faq/consumer-protection/submit-consumer-complaint-ftc
- CFPB: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/
Step 8: Seek Legal Assistance
Consult a Lawyer: If you face difficulties correcting errors, seek a free consultation from a law firm like RS Attorneys. We can help protect your rights and achieve a fair resolution.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can independently correct errors in your SmartMove report and improve your chances of successfully renting a property.
How RS Attorneys Can Help with SmartMove Report Errors
- Free Consultations: We offer free consultations to understand your situation and assess the extent of the problem.
- Credit Report Analysis: Our experts thoroughly analyze your credit report, identify errors, and gather evidence for their correction.
- Drafting Requests: We draft and send official requests to credit bureaus to correct errors, attaching all necessary documents.
- Legal Support: We provide full legal support at all stages of the process, including communication with credit bureaus and, if necessary, relevant government agencies.
- Monitoring Corrections: We track the error correction process and ensure the credit bureau fulfills its obligations within the specified time frames.
- Protecting Your Rights: In case of refusal or delay in error correction, we help file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
By contacting RS Attorneys, you receive professional assistance in correcting errors in SmartMove reports, which helps improve your credit rating and increases your chances of successfully renting a property.