How Can I File a Dispute With TransUnion Rental Screening If They Show a Balance on a Paid Lease?
Before you dispute, get a copy of your TransUnion tenant screening report that includes the alleged balance. If you were denied housing or required to pay more because of the report, you can request the report and ask for the “adverse action” details from the landlord/property manager so you know exactly what TransUnion entry triggered the decision.
What to include in your dispute (this is what gets results)
Your dispute should be short, specific, and backed by proof. Attach copies of:
Proof of payment (receipt, ledger, bank statement, money order receipt).
The lease or move-out statement showing the final charges.
Any settlement agreement, email confirmation, or “paid in full” letter.
If it went to collections, proof the collection was paid/closed (or removed).
Then clearly state what you want changed: that the “current balance” is incorrect and should be updated to $0, paid, settled, or removed if it’s being shown as active debt.
How to file the dispute with TransUnion (the practical method)
TransUnion offers a consumer dispute process. The most effective approach is to submit a dispute directly to TransUnion and keep proof of submission.
File online through TransUnion’s dispute center (fastest for most people).
If you prefer paper, mail a written dispute with attachments and keep copies of everything.
In your dispute letter, include your full name, DOB, current address, and past addresses from the last 2 years (tenant files often rely on address history). If you have a report ID/reference number from the tenant screening report, include that too.
What happens after you dispute
TransUnion typically contacts the furnisher of the data (often a landlord, property management system, or debt/collections source) to verify the balance. If the furnisher can’t validate the balance as still owed or if your documents prove it was paid, TransUnion should update or delete the item.
If TransUnion refuses to correct it even after clear proof, or if the incorrect balance caused a denial or financial harm, that’s when it can potentially become an FCRA issue.
How we can help
If TransUnion is reporting a paid lease balance as still owed and it’s affecting your housing, we can help you dispute the error properly and pursue compensation if inaccurate reporting caused you real harm.