What Is a Credit Report?
A credit report is a detailed record of an applicant’s financial history, compiled by major U.S. credit bureaus (TransUnion, Experian, Equifax). It typically includes:
Open and closed credit accounts
Payment history and delinquencies
Outstanding balances
Public records (bankruptcies, liens, judgments)
Credit inquiries
This information helps leasing teams evaluate the applicant’s likelihood of meeting rent obligations.
How Two Dots Uses Credit Reports in Screening
Once an applicant completes ID verification and provides consent, Two Dots automatically:
Requests the credit report from our credit bureau partner
Retrieves it securely
Analyzes the credit data alongside ID and income verification
Makes the report available in the Documents section of the applicant’s profile
Key Sections in a Credit Report
Leasing agents will typically see:
1. Personal Information
Name
Date of birth
Addresses
2. Account History
Open and closed accounts (credit cards, loans, mortgages)
Payment behavior (on-time, late, or delinquent)
3. Public Records / Collections
Bankruptcies
Liens
Judgments
Unpaid collections
4. Inquiries
Displays credit checks
Rental screenings are soft inquiries and do not affect credit scores
Common Credit Scenarios
No Subject Found
No credit history on file
Common for young applicants, first-time renters, or international applicants
Insufficient Credit Score
Credit profile exists but lacks enough history to generate a score
Seen with limited or new credit accounts
Foreign Applicants
Often show No Subject Found or Insufficient Credit Score
May need to be evaluated based on rental references, income, or other screening data
Summary
Credit reports are a critical tool for assessing applicant risk. Understanding the nuances, such as missing credit history, low scores, and international applicants, helps leasing agents interpret results accurately. Always review credit data alongside income verification and rental references to make well-informed leasing decisions.