'Decided I’m suddenly a risk': Tenant stunned to see strangers touring their apartment, as landlord suddenly refuses to renew their lease due to credit check, forcing them to search for alternate housing, despite two years of "spotless" rental payments

We're definitely no rental lawyers, and we're definitely no credit score experts either…Yeah, so that's pretty much our take on this situation. Just kidding, just kidding. We're trying to gauge the right route to take here, yet all roads lead to: Surely you can't hint that you will not be renewing your tenant's lease by allowing random strangers into their apartment for viewings, whilst they're still living there! 

If so, we've concluded that this landlord is guilty of being a lousy person! We've also concluded that there must be some sort of reasoning for his sudden change of heart (and key), and we're eager to know what! 

Okay, we've figured it out, and the evidence reads: Low credit scores due to a few medical fees that went to collections. Unfortunate as that may be, this tenant's rental payments are spotless. She's always paid her rent on time and has never missed a payment, so why would this affect her housing situation…? Maybe it's because her landlord has classified her as a risk before actually engaging in a proper conversation to find out the possible reasoning for the sudden change in her scores? 

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  • She should definitely check what her rights are here and whether or not her landlord's instant access to her credit levels without her authorization was agreed upon in their contract. We know that sounded like a lot of Law Blah Blah Blah…But we're curious to know whether this type of case is unique to this tenant or whether or not landlords are creating their own rules whenever they feel like it. 

  • 01
    Relator showing an apartment to potential tenants.
    via africa-images

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

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  • 02

    My landlord started showing my apartment to new tenants... i didn’t realize they were forcing me out because of my credit score

    I've lived here for over two years. Never missed rent... never caused problems... paid everything on time every single month.
    via hodorrny
  • 03
    Today people started showing up for apartment tours. That's when I found out my landlord is not renewing my lease.
    via hodorrny
  • 04
    The reason? My credit score dropped after some medical bills went to collections last year. I've been a good tenant for two years, but apparently that doesn't matter.
    via hodorrny
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  • 05
    The landlord may have run a credit check at renewal, and decided I'm suddenly a risk.
    via hodorrny
  • 06
    Even though my actual payment history with them is spotless. Here's what I learned the hard way: Landlords can include credit-based checks or criteria for renewal if the lease allows it or if a new lease is offered.
    via hodorrny
  • 07
    Monitoring your credit isn't just for loans anymore... it can affect where you live too. The worst part: I didn't even know they could check my credit again at renewal or lease re-signing.
    via hodorrny
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  • 08
    I thought once you're in and paying on time you're safe. Turns out it's not quaranteed.
    via hodorrny
  • 09
    CREDIT SCORE Adding Up the FICO Score 35% Payment tory 30% Am
    via vitaliy498851957

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 10
    A low score or collection could be used as a reason not to renew. Now I'm scrambling to find a new place and every application is getting rejected because of the same credit score I didn't know was going to cost me my home.
    via hodorrny
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  • 11
    If you rent... make sure your lease renewal includes no hidden credit-based criteria... and monitor your credit report and collections every year.
    via hodorrny
  • 12
    you're trying to rebuild credit without drama... I'd recommend checking out the Fizz Card. It helps you build credit through reported payments while using your own money...
    via hodorrny
  • 13
    not risking someone else's debt in your name
    via hodorrny
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  • 14
    Accomplished-Show691 Your landlord can't show the property without you knowing about it either. You are still the tenant until that lease is over. You could try to work something out with the creditor. Sometimes if you offer to pay a decent portion, they call it even Stevens.
    via Accomplished-Show691
  • 15
    SkirtOpen 1421 yeah it's wild how landlords can play by their own rules, definitely check that lease
    via SkirtOpen1421
  • 16
    Drizzt3919 I mean if he's showing your apartment without notice open the door naked. Offer to show them the bedroom first. Nobody is renting it
    via Drizzt3919
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  • 17
    Stressed woman sitting on her couch.
    via gettyimages

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 18
    Own-Tone3602 Can you talk to him and see if he'd change his mind since you've always paid on time?
    via Own-Tone3602
  • 19
    Tofu 1441 I'm sorry that is happening to you! Find someone in your life with a better credit score and get them to co-sign either for your current place or a new one. If you are in touch with your parents, maybe them?
    via Tofu1441
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  • 20
    WhisperingPencil Lot of violations here. In most states landlords are required to give 24 hours notice. They can't just show up. Credit check is standard with renting. Never heard of a landlord checking again. It's not free. Usually you need a 700 score. Unless your current lease allows this or you allowed it they can't run it without your permission. Have you tried talking to your landlord? Any debt on your credit score means it's on collections. Have you attempted to dispute any of the debts?
    via WhisperingPencil
  • 21
    Aggressive-Bed3269 They are SAYING it's because of your credit score. Who knows the actual reason? (That said, it's probably your score) >The worst part: I didn't even know they could check my credit again at renewal or lease re- signing. I thought once you're in and paying on time you're safe. Turns out it's not guaranteed. A low score or collection could be used as a reason not to renew. This is a reasonable assumption, BUT, if they are allowed to run your credit at any time, then it must be s
    via Aggressive-Bed3269
  • 22
    Fickle_Hope2574 Honestly I'm surprised they gave a reason as they don't have to they can just not renew the lease and go about their day. Forget about the reasons focus on finding a new place but they have to give you notice before you leave. How long that is varies from place to place so I can't offer advice I'm afraid. But if you can't find somewhere soon I would ring your landlord and explain you need longer to find somewhere so can you have some courtesy as a good tenant for the last two yea
    via Fickle_Hope2574
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  • 23
    redditusr44 Of all the things that didn't happen, this didn't happen the most. No landlord is kicking out a perfectly good paying problem- free tenant because their credit supposedly dropped. Any landlord knows that tenant- turnover is one of the things you generally want to avoid because it's expensive and can wipe out your profits. So no way am I believing that OP's landlord is just arbitrarily checking their credit (especially if they have a "spotless" record of paying rent) and then kicking
    via redditusr44

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