🏡 How to Build Rental Credit: A Renter’s Guide to Boosting Your Credit Score

Most people think the only way to build credit is with credit cards or loans—but did you know your rent payments can help too? If you’re a renter, you’re already making one of the biggest monthly payments in your budget. Why not make it work for your credit?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to build rental credit, so you can turn rent into a credit-boosting asset.

1. Always Pay Rent On Time

The #1 rule of building credit with rent is consistency. Just like credit card payments, your rent must be paid on time, every month.

• Late payments can negatively affect your credit if reported or sent to collections.

• Set reminders or use automatic payments to stay on track.

2. Use a Rent Reporting Service

Rent payments don’t automatically appear on your credit report—you need a rent reporting service to make it count.

Popular Rent Reporting Services:

Service	Reports To	Cost	Notes
Esusu	All 3 credit bureaus	Often free via landlord	Used by many apartment complexes
RentReporters	TransUnion	$9.95/month	Can report past rent up to 2 years
Rental Kharma	TransUnion	$8.95/month	Reports history from verified landlords
LevelCredit	TransUnion & Equifax	$6.95/month	Also reports utilities like internet & phone

💡 Tip: Ask your landlord if they already use one of these services. If not, you can sign up individually.

3. Make Sure the Lease Is in Your Name

If you're splitting rent or subleasing, make sure your name is on the lease and payment records. If not, your payments likely won't count toward your credit.

Being the primary leaseholder ensures your responsibility is clear—and reportable.

4. Keep Payment Records

Even with reporting services, it’s smart to keep track of:

• Lease agreements

• Bank statements

• Rent receipts

• Email confirmations

This provides backup in case there’s ever a dispute or if you need to show proof of rental history for a future home loan or rental application.

5. Combine with Other Credit-Building Habits

Rent is a great start, but credit scores are based on multiple factors. Combine rent reporting with:

• On-time credit card or loan payments

• Low credit utilization

• A mix of credit types (cards, loans, rent)

This well-rounded approach builds a strong, healthy credit score over time.

Final Thoughts

Rent is a major expense—don’t let it go to waste when it comes to your credit. By enrolling in a rent reporting service, paying on time, and keeping good records, you can start building rental credit and move toward your financial goals faster.

Whether you're aiming to qualify for a car loan, buy your first home, or just build a solid credit history—your rent can help you get there.

Want help finding apartments that report rent to credit bureaus? I offer FREE apartment locating services in San Antonio, TX—including access to properties with rent reporting!

📲 Contact me at 210-624-7192 or follow @TexasHomeLocating on Instagram for the latest specials.