GENERAL INFORMATION: Before you lease - Run Your Credit Report

The second in a series called PICK MY BRAIN

Before You Lease 1 of 4 - Run your credit report

Run your Credit Report for free at www.annualcreditreport.com. The site will present six to eight questions that only you would know the answer to (example: what color was the car you purchased in 1997 or did you ever live on Bayshore Blvd.). The web-based program will then ask you which of the 3 credit bureaus you want to check – pick all three. Then the site will ask you if you want to purchase credit scores or other tools – just say NO to keep the session free.

Dispute any inaccurate information. If the report shows you have a broken lease or owe for a credit card you don’t owe – dispute this and follow the instructions on how to formally file a dispute (it usually involves writing a certified letter not just clicking on Dispute).

Doggedly pursue any disputed items; this can save you big bucks and increase the number of apartment complexes that will accept you. For example, if an apartment complex says you broke a lease, it may eliminate 8 of 10 apartment complexes from your search. Plus you are unlikely to get a special with a broken lease.