Navigating the rental market can be tough, especially when dealing with background checks. TurboTenant is one of the many tenant screening services landlords use to vet renters. At Francis Mailman Soumilas P.C., we ensure renters understand their rights regarding background checks under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and know that they have our consumer attorneys on their side. We litigate against tenant screening companies for background check errors that have led to denial of housing or apartments.
What is Turbo Tenant?
TurboTenant is a property management software that also provides a tenant screening service for landlords and property managers. Landlords may opt for this service because it is free for them to use. Rental applicants pay the application fees and for the TurboTenant background checks.
Is TurboTenant a Scam?
TurboTenant is not a scam. They provide a free property management software to landlords and property owners. Because the service is free to landlords, the rental applicants pay for the application and background checks.
TurboTenant Complaints
Sadly, free software services can attract scammers. There have been complaints with the BBB about TurboTenant and fraudulent property listings by scammers, so make sure you talk to the landlord directly and make certain the property listing is real and that they use TurboTenant for their applications before you pay for the application or background check.
What is in a TurboTenant Background Check?
TurboTenant screenings are like most rental screenings. They will review your credit history, check for criminal records and eviction history, check to verify you are employed, and look at your rental history. Depending on what the landlord requests, the TurboTenant screening may include the following in their report:
- Credit report
- Credit score
- Bankruptcies
- Collections
- Employment
- Criminal records
- Evictions
- Public records
Common Questions About TurboTenant Screening
Does TurboTenant Check Credit?
Yes, TurboTenant includes a credit check as part of its tenant screening process. This helps landlords evaluate your financial responsibility and reliability.
Does TurboTenant Report to the IRS?
No, TurboTenant does not report your background check results or any other information to the IRS. Their services are strictly for tenant screening purposes.
Denied Apartment or Housing Due to TurboTenant Background Check?
If a landlord denies your application due to your TurboTenant background check, the following should happen:
- You are notified by the landlord that you were denied based on the report provided by TurboTenant.
- You are given a copy of the report, or you may request a copy of the report from TurboTenant
- You have the right to dispute errors on your report and are given the proper address and contact information to do so.
- You are given a summary of your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Your Rights Under the FCRA
As a renter, you are protected by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which ensures the accuracy and privacy of your information. Here are your key rights under the FCRA:
- Right to Know: You have the right to know what is in your background report. TurboTenant must provide you with a copy if you request it.
- Right to Dispute: If there are inaccuracies in your report, you have the right to dispute them. TurboTenant must investigate and correct any errors within 30 days.
- Right to Consent: TurboTenant cannot conduct a background check without your written consent.
- Right to Notification: If adverse action is taken against you based on the report (e.g., your rental application is denied), TurboTenant must notify you and provide the contact information of the credit reporting agency.
Was Your TurboTenant Background Check Wrong?
Unfortunately, background checks and tenant screening reports can contain errors. Tenant screening errors can be incredibly harmful, especially when they cause you to be denied an apartment or housing. Your rights under the FCRA protect you from errors; not only do you have the right to dispute errors, but you also have the right to sue tenant screening companies when errors have caused you harm, such as losing an apartment or home. You have the right to sue the tenant screening company for compensation.
Can I sue TurboTenant for Tenant Screening Errors?
TurboTenant uses TransUnion Rental Screening Solutions (TURSS) for their background checks. If the tenant screening report provided by TurboTenant contains inaccurate information, you may have a case and be able to sue for damages.
You may have a case and be able to sue TurboTenant or the rental company if any of the following has happened to you:
- You were denied an apartment or housing due to inaccurate information in your TurboTenant screening report.
- A TurboTenant screening was done without your permission.
- You were not properly notified that the TurboTenant report was used against you.
- Leasing terms or the amount of deposit you had to pay changed due to errors on your background check.
Consumer Law Firm, Francis Mailman Soumilas, P.C. Can Help You
If you missed out on an apartment or housing due to errors on the TransUnion tenant screening report through TurboTenant, you may have a case and be able to sue in Federal court.
Unfortunately, tenant screening errors are common. The most common issue we see with rental background checks is mixed files. This can happen when another individual has a similar or the same name as you. Luckily, you have rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act that allow you to dispute this information. Sadly, a dispute can take up to 30 days, and the damage may already be done.
If you were denied an apartment or housing or your leasing terms were changed due to mistakes on your tenant screening report, you may be entitled to damages.
Call us now at 1-877-735-8600 or fill out the online form to get started with your free case evaluation. If you do have a case, there are no up-front costs; we only get paid when we win your case.
