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RentGrow to Pay $2.25 Million to Settle FTC Allegations of FCRA Violations in Tenant Screening Reports
The Federal Trade Commission has reached a $2.25 million settlement with RentGrow, a tenant screening company, over allegations that it violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the FTC Act. The FTC alleges RentGrow failed to use reasonable procedures to ensure the accuracy of its consumer reports, including by reporting duplicate records and not disclosing the sources of its data.
What this means for you
Consumers in this situation — those who were denied housing or faced other adverse actions based on a tenant screening report — often have rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, including the right to know what is in their report and to dispute inaccurate information. Tenant screening reports are legally considered consumer reports, which means the companies that produce them are required to follow accuracy and disclosure rules. When those procedures fall short, errors like duplicate negative records can appear on a report and affect a rental application without the applicant's knowledge. Understanding that these reports exist and that you can request a copy is an important first step for any renter.
The facts
- RentGrow will pay $2.25 million to settle allegations brought by the Federal Trade Commission.per the FTC press release · as of July 9, 2026
- The FTC alleges RentGrow failed to maintain reasonable procedures to ensure the accuracy of the consumer reports it provided for tenant screening purposes.per the FTC press release · as of July 9, 2026
- Among the specific issues alleged, the FTC charges that RentGrow reported duplicate records in its consumer reports.per the FTC press release · as of July 9, 2026
- The FTC also alleges RentGrow failed to disclose the sources of the data it used in its consumer reports, a requirement under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.per the FTC press release · as of July 9, 2026
What you can do
Requesting a copy of your tenant screening report before applying for housing lets you catch errors early. Keeping dated records of any rental denials or adverse action notices helps establish a timeline if you later need to dispute information. If you spot an inaccuracy on any consumer report, you have the right to file a dispute directly with the reporting company in writing.
Common questions
What did RentGrow allegedly do wrong under the Fair Credit Reporting Act?
The FTC alleges RentGrow failed to use reasonable procedures to ensure its tenant screening reports were accurate. Specifically, the agency charges that RentGrow included duplicate records in its reports and did not disclose the sources of the data it used — both of which are requirements under the FCRA.
What is the result of the FTC's action against RentGrow?
RentGrow agreed to pay $2.25 million to settle the FTC's allegations. This is a settlement, meaning it resolves the agency's charges without a final court finding of guilt or innocence.
How could a tenant screening report error affect a renter?
Landlords and property managers use tenant screening reports to make housing decisions. If a report contains duplicate negative records or other inaccuracies, an applicant could be denied housing based on wrong information. Under the FCRA, renters generally have the right to obtain a copy of any report used against them and to dispute errors directly with the reporting company.