If your application is denied.
When a decision goes against you because of a report, an adverse-action notice tells you why and gives you a clear path to respond.
A reason, not a dead end.
Under the FCRA the notice gives you the name, address, and phone number of the screening company whose report was used, so you know where to check it.
You can see it and correct it.
You can request a free copy of that report within 60 days and dispute anything you believe is wrong, and the screening company must investigate and fix genuine errors.
What you can do.
Read the notice carefully to see the reason and the reporting source, then request your free copy of the report from that source and check it line by line. If you find something inaccurate or out of date, file a dispute with the screening company so they can investigate and correct it, and let the landlord know you are disputing it, in case they choose to take a corrected record into account.
More from the renter help center.
Co-applicants on a rental application
When you rent with a partner, roommate, or family member, each applies as a co-applicant, and combining incomes can strengthen your application.
Rental guarantors, explained
If your income or credit is still building, a guarantor can stand behind your lease so you qualify, and knowing what they agree to helps you ask the right person.
Pet applications for rental properties
If the home allows pets, add yours with a few details, and verifying them up front means fewer surprises about pet rules, deposits, or fees later.