Zillow Background Check is a tenant screening service offered by Zillow for property owners and property managers. Its purpose is to provide landlords with comprehensive and accurate information about tenants, enabling them to make informed rental decisions. Let’s examine what data this report includes.
What Zillow Background Check Shows
| Data Type | Description |
| Credit Score | Tenant’s creditworthiness assessment based on credit history. |
| Rental History | Information about previously rented properties, including evictions and disputes. |
| Criminal Record Check | Details of criminal convictions and administrative offenses. |
| Employment Verification | Confirmation of current employment and income stability. |
| Financial Obligations History | Analysis of debt load, including credit and alimony obligations. |
The report also contains summarized personal data about the tenant, giving landlords a full picture of the potential tenant.
Answers to Key Questions About Zillow Background Check
What Does Zillow Background Check Show?
The report provides information on the tenant’s credit history, rental history, criminal records, and financial obligations. This comprehensive overview helps property owners make the right choice.
How Far Back Does Zillow Background Check Go?
The report covers the following time periods:
- Credit History: Up to 7 years.
- Rental History: Up to 5 years.
- Criminal Records and Offenses: Up to 10 years.
Is Zillow Background Check Safe?
The service is considered safe as Zillow uses modern encryption technologies to protect customer data. However, tenants are encouraged to independently verify their reports for errors.
Thus, Zillow Background Check is a useful tool for landlords, but its use requires caution from tenants due to potential errors in the reports.
Zillow Credit and Background Check: Statistics and Facts
Property owners seek to protect themselves from problematic tenants, while potential tenants want to avoid rental denial due to incorrect information. Let’s look at Zillow Background Check statistics and assess the scale of the problem.
Zillow Background Check Service Statistical Data:
Usage by Landlords:
- Percentage of landlords using services like Zillow to rent properties: 74%.
- Percentage of landlords requiring data verification through services like Zillow: 87%.
Number of Checks on the Platform:
- Monthly Zillow Background Checks: Over 1 million.
- Of these, 800,000 are through Zillow Rental Background Check.
Report Errors:
Estimated number of errors in credit and tenant screening reports: 1 in 5.
Main Types of Errors:
- Credit bureau errors.
- Identification errors.
- Incorrect data about evictions or rental history.
Consequences of Errors in Reports:
- Percentage of rental denials due to errors in Background Check Zillow: 37%.
- Percentage of tenants correcting errors themselves: 15%.
Key Takeaways from the Statistics:
- Most landlords use data screening services when renting properties.
- Errors in reports are common and can lead to rental denials.
- Only a small number of tenants resolve report issues themselves, highlighting the importance of legal support.
Thus, statistics confirm that timely detection and correction of errors in Zillow Background Check are crucial for successfully passing the landlord’s screening.
How Far Back Does Zillow Background Check Go?
When using Zillow Background Check, it’s important to understand how deep the service investigates a tenant’s past. The depth of the check varies depending on the data type and company policy. Let’s examine the main aspects of this check.
Depth of Data Review in Zillow Background Check:
Credit History:
- Zillow Background Check includes data from the credit report for the last 7 years. This is the standard period accepted by most credit bureaus.
- The report may contain the following information:
- Credit score (FICO score or VantageScore).
- Open and closed credit accounts.
- Late payments on loans and borrowings.
- Debt on credit cards and mortgages.
Rental History:
- Rental history reflects data on previously rented properties and is associated with records from the last 5 years. The report includes:
- Information about previous landlords.
- Data on past evictions or disputes.
- Records of positive rental history.
Criminal Record Check:
The criminal record report includes information about convictions and offenses over the past 10 years. However, the exact period may vary based on state laws and screening policy. Includes data on:
- Criminal convictions (felonies and misdemeanors).
- Administrative offenses.
- Inclusion in the sex offender list.
Employment Verification and Financial Load Analysis:
- Current Employment Verification: Includes information about the current employer.
- Debt Load Analysis: Contains data on outstanding loans and alimony.
Comparison with Other Services:
- TransUnion: 7-year credit history, 10-year criminal record.
- Experian: 7-year credit history, 7-10-year criminal record depending on the state.
- Equifax: 7-year credit history, 10-year criminal record.
Key Takeaways:
- The depth of review in Zillow Background Check aligns with industry standards.
- Data from various sources allows landlords to make informed decisions and tenants to be prepared for a detailed investigation into their past.
- Knowing the period for which the check is conducted helps tenants better prepare and identify potential errors in reports in time.
Is Zillow Background Check Safe?
One of the main questions that arise when using data screening services is their safety. Let’s analyze how safe Zillow Background Check is and what precautions should be taken when using it.
Security Measures Implemented by Zillow:
Data Encryption:
Zillow uses modern encryption technologies (SSL/TLS) to transmit and store customer data. This protects information from unauthorized access.
User Authentication:
Access to the report requires identity verification through document or Social Security Number (SSN) verification. This ensures that only authorized users can see their reports.
Protection Against Hacking:
Zillow implements strict security policies, including regular system audits and vulnerability checks.
Compliance with Privacy Laws:
The company complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). This requires them to notify users of any security breaches and limits the use of personal data.
Key Problems and Errors in Zillow Background Check and Their Consequences
Despite precautions and extensive data, Zillow Background Check may contain errors that lead to serious consequences for tenants. Let’s examine the main problems and their potential impact on the ability to rent property.
Key Problems and Errors in Zillow Background Check:
Credit Bureau Errors:
- Incorrect Payment Information: Late payments that didn’t occur or incorrect amounts.
- Data Mixing: One person’s credit data may end up in another person’s report due to similar names or identifiers.
- Duplicate Records: The same credits or accounts may be listed twice.
Errors in Rental History:
- Incorrect Eviction Information: An eviction unrelated to the tenant or an incorrect eviction date.
- Incorrect Past Landlord Data: Lack of information on positive rental history or listing the wrong landlords.
Errors in Criminal Record Check:
- Inaccurate Criminal Record Data: Records of convictions unrelated to the tenant.
- Incorrect Inclusion in Sex Offender List: Incorrect identification of the person.
Errors in Employment Verification and Financial Load Analysis:
- Incorrect Employer Data: Lack of information on the current employer or outdated information.
- Error in Financial Obligations: Incorrect information about loans or alimony.
Consequences of Errors in Zillow Background Check:
Rental Denial:
- About 37% of landlords deny rentals due to errors in credit or tenant screening reports.
- Tenants in this category are often forced to rent properties at inflated prices or in less attractive areas.
Loss of Security Deposit:
Errors in rental history may cause landlords to demand an increased security deposit or completely deny its return.
Loss of Reputation:
Inaccurate data about criminal records or evictions can negatively affect the tenant’s reputation, complicating future rentals.
Increased Time to Find Housing:
Errors in reports increase the time to find housing by an average of 30%.
Key Takeaways:
- Errors in Zillow Background Check can significantly affect the ability to rent property.
- Checking the report for errors and correcting them should be a priority for every tenant.
Thus, knowing possible errors in Zillow Background Check will help tenants prepare and resolve emerging issues in time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Resolving Zillow Background Check Problems
When errors are found in the Zillow Background Check report, it’s important to act quickly and consistently. The following step-by-step guide will help you resolve the issue on your own.
Obtain the Report:
- Request the report via www.annualcreditreport.com: A free report is available annually from each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- Request the report directly from Zillow if it hasn’t been provided by the landlord.
Analyze the Report:
Check data accuracy:
- Credit History: Late payments, duplicate accounts, correct names and addresses.
- Rental History: Previous landlords, presence of evictions, correct dates.
- Criminal Record Check: Inaccurate or outdated conviction records, incorrect identification.
- Employment Verification and Financial Load Analysis: Current employer, alimony, loan debt.
Detect Errors:
- Write down all detected errors:
- Specify inaccurate data, such as:
- Duplicate accounts or credits.
- Incorrect eviction dates.
- Non-existent criminal records.
- Specify inaccurate data, such as:
- Determine what documents can confirm the data accuracy.
Collect Supporting Documents:
- Collect documents to confirm errors:
- Credit statements, bank statements, employer references.
- Copies of rental agreements or landlord references.
- Police clearance certificates or police statements.
Contact the Credit Bureau:
- Write a letter with acknowledgment of receipt:
- Write a letter to the credit bureau describing the specific errors and attach supporting documents.
- Provide your contact information and demand error correction.
- Send the letter by certified mail with acknowledgment of receipt.
- Sample Letter:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]
[Credit Bureau Address]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to dispute the following information in my credit report. The data is incorrect and needs to be corrected.
[Description of Error 1]
[Description of Error 2]
[Description of Error 3]
I am attaching copies of documents confirming the accuracy of my data.
Please conduct an investigation in accordance with the FCRA provisions and send me the corrected report.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Contact Information]
- Investigation Process:
- The credit bureau is obliged to investigate:
- Within 30 days, the credit bureau must investigate and correct errors or provide a written explanation of refusal.
- The credit bureau is obliged to investigate:
- Contact the Landlord:
- Inform the landlord of detected errors:
- Provide a corrected report or a written explanation of the credit bureau’s refusal.
- Ensure that the landlord receives accurate information.
- Inform the landlord of detected errors:
- Problem Resolution Through Court:
- Contact RS Attorneys for assistance:
- If the credit bureau refuses to correct errors or you disagree with the investigation results, RS Attorneys can help you prepare a court lawsuit and resolve the issue.
- Contact RS Attorneys for assistance:
Government Sources for Report Issue Resolution:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Information and guidelines for consumer rights protection.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): Accepts complaints about credit bureaus and reports.
Key Takeaways:
- Following this step-by-step guide will help you quickly and effectively correct errors in Zillow Background Check reports.
- In case of difficulties, it is recommended to seek professionals for a free consultation and assistance.
Why Contact RS Attorneys
RS Attorneys is a law firm specializing in solving client problems with errors in credit reports from credit bureaus and other companies, including Zillow Background Check reports. Our advantages lie in professionalism, free consultations, and effective legal solutions.
Reasons to Contact RS Attorneys:
Free Consultation and No Fees for Services:
- We offer free consultations to all clients facing problems with credit reports.
- Our services are paid exclusively by companies against which lawsuits are filed or disputes are conducted, so our services are free for clients.
Expertise in Handling Zillow Background Check Errors:
- RS Attorneys’ lawyers have many years of experience working with Zillow Background Check reports and other credit reports.
- We know how to effectively identify and correct errors in credit reports and tenant screening reports.
Experience in Filing Lawsuits and Disputes Against Credit Bureaus:
- Successfully represented clients in hundreds of cases against major credit bureaus and data verification services.
- Lawsuit preparation and filing are done professionally and promptly.
High Success Rate in Solving Client Problems:
- 95% of our clients achieve a positive result after filing a lawsuit or conducting an investigation.
- We strive to resolve client issues as quickly and effectively as possible to restore their rights.
Comprehensive Problem-Solving:
- In addition to correcting errors in Zillow Background Check, RS Attorneys can assist with:
- Correcting errors in credit reports.
- Restoring credit scores.
- Challenging wrongful rental denials.
Transparency and Professionalism:
- We inform clients at every step of the process and explain all legal aspects in clear language.
- We strictly adhere to U.S. legislation, protecting clients’ rights and interests.
Contact Us
Reach out to us today for a free consultation, and we will help you solve your problems with Zillow Background Check reports.