Paying rent on time can now help build your credit faster. If it’s reported, your largest monthly expense can finally work in your favor. Rent reporting is the process of submitting your on-time rent payments to credit bureaus, allowing them to be included in your credit file, a practice that’s rapidly gaining momentum as millions of renters look for low-risk ways to build credit.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- How rent fits into your credit profile and why it matters
- What rental tradelines look like on reports and which scores count them
- The average credit score boost and how long it takes
- How to choose the right rent reporting service for your needs
What Rent Reporting Means for Your Credit
Rent payments historically haven’t been included in standard credit files, but that’s changing. For consumers with thin credit files or those rebuilding after setbacks, adding rent to your credit report offers a chance to establish positive payment history with an account you’re already managing. Since payment history makes up 35% of most credit scores, rent reporting can make a meaningful difference over time.
How Rental Tradelines Appear on Credit Reports
A tradeline is any account that shows up on your credit report, including details like the lender’s name, balance, and payment history. When rent is reported, it typically shows up as an installment-style tradeline labeled as an “Open” account with a “Pays as agreed” status, similar to how student or auto loans appear.
- Experian places rent data in the “Open Accounts” section.
- TransUnion uses a separate label: “Rental Payment.”
- Equifax may or may not reflect rent, depending on the service used.
Rental tradelines have grown 30-fold in just five years, making them one of the fastest-growing additions to consumer credit files. [4]
Score Models That Count Rent Payments
Not every credit score model considers rent—but many modern ones do:
- ✅ VantageScore 3.0 and 4.0
- ✅ FICO 9 and FICO 10T
- ✅ Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter (DU), used by some mortgage lenders
❌ FICO 8, the most widely used model for credit cards and auto loans, does not factor in rent data.
“Rent reporting cut the share of people without scores in half.” —Urban Institute [1]
Typical Credit Score Gains and Timeline
Rent reporting won’t change your score overnight, but the gains can be significant:
- Average lift: 20–40 points within six months (Urban Institute) [1]
- Quick impact: 64% of renters in Fannie Mae’s pilot saw increases in just 30 days [6]
- ⚠️ Warning: Missed rent payments can hurt your score, just like credit cards, only report if your rent is reliably paid on time.
Two Ways to Get Your Rent Reported
Whether you rent from a private landlord or a large property company, you have options.
1. Opt In Through Your Landlord or Property Manager
Some landlords already offer rent reporting, but they may use a third-party platform or charge money to submit your history.
2. Sign Up With a Third-Party Rent Reporting Company
If your landlord doesn’t offer a service, you can enroll independently. Ask these key questions before signing up:
- Which bureaus are covered?
- Can you back-report past rent?
- What’s the cancellation policy?
- Do they offer other credit building tools?
How to Pick the Right Rent Reporting Service
| Feature | Why It Matters | What to Look For | Watch Outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bureaus Covered | More coverage = bigger credit impact | 3-bureau reporting (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax) | Experian-only limits benefits |
| Upfront & Monthly Cost | Fits your budget | $0–$100 setup, $5–$15/month | Hidden charges (spouse, cancel) |
| Back Reporting | Boosts score age instantly | Services that add up to 24 months of history | Lease/bank docs required |
| Landlord Integration | Easier setup, less manual work | Platforms with automated landlord verification | Manual uploads if unsupported |
Best Rent Reporting Services for Boosting Credit
We ranked these services based on cost, bureau coverage, ease of use, and retroactive history—no affiliate links, just clean insights.
Kikoff Rent Builder
Kikoff already helps over 1 million members build credit with no-interest tradelines. Their Rent Building tools is designed to extend those gains with:
- 3-bureau reportin
- Instant landlord verification.]
- Includes other Credit Building tools
👉 Join now.
Boom
- Reports to all three bureaus
- Optional back reporting for up to 24 months
- Strong mobile app and user interface
Self
- Adds rent reporting to Self Credit Builder bundle
- Reports to Experian and Equifax
Rental Kharma
- Covers TransUnion and Equifax
- Add spouse or roommate for extra fee
RentReporters
- Reports to TransUnion and Equifax
- Uses strong landlord network; AB-2747 compliant [7]
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I report rent for free by myself?
No, you can’t report rent directly to the bureaus. It must go through a verified platform, but Experian Boost lets you add limited rent data for free (Experian only). [2]
Does rent reporting help with mortgage approval?
Yes, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac now factor positive rent in their underwriting algorithms, helping borderline applicants. [6]
Will FICO 8 ignore my rent tradeline?
Correct. FICO 8 won’t factor in rent, so benefits show up in newer models like VantageScore or FICO 9/10T. [9]
How does the new California rent reporting law affect me?
Starting in April 2025, California landlords must offer a rent reporting option and disclose any fees upfront. [7][8]
Can I combine rent reporting with Kikoff to speed up results?
Absolutely. Adding a rent tradeline to Kikoff’s revolving account diversifies your credit mix and can accelerate score gains in 3–6 months.
References
[1] Urban Institute: Link
[2] Experian: Link
[3] VantageScore: Link
[4] Urban Institute: Link
[5] Credaily: Link
[6] Fannie Mae: Link
[7] Rentec Direct: Link
[8] KQED: Link
[9] Business Insider: Link
[10] CFPB: Link
