Denied Housing Over a Record? Separate Your Next Steps

What this guide covers

• Saving everything about the decision
• Sending the problem to the right place
• Keeping your search moving

Save everything about the decision

Keep the application, the property's written criteria, your receipt, any messages and the adverse action notice. Write down when you found out and the reason they gave you. If a screening report played a part, ask the company named in the notice for a copy. Ask within the time limit so the copy is free.

Send the problem to the right place

• Wrong information: point out the entry, get proof and use the screening company's dispute process.
• Accurate report, unclear rule: ask the property which written rule it used and if it will take a second look.
• Possible discrimination or another legal violation: contact legal aid or the right agency soon. Some complaints have filing deadlines.

Asking for your report doesn't mean you accept the denial. Filing a dispute doesn't mean the property will hold the apartment. Ask if they'll look at an updated report without a new application and fee.

Keep the search moving without losing evidence

You can look at other apartments and keep your papers for a dispute or legal review at the same time. If someone says “try again” but can't tell you what changed, that alone isn't a reason to apply again.

Start with FTC: tenant background checks and your rights, the adverse action guide and Local Help. We help renters find apartments. We don't decide legal claims or represent renters in disputes.

What to do next

1. Ask the company named in your notice for a free copy of your report, within the time limit.
2. Read fair housing and criminal records for more on your rights.
3. Keep your search going at other communities. We check their criteria against your record.

Published by the Felon Friendly Apartment Team. This is general renter information. Each property makes its own decisions, and questions about your own case belong with a lawyer or legal aid.