What Is Ars on My Credit Report?
If you’ve ever checked your credit report, you may have come across the term “ARS” listed on it. ARS stands for “Automated Rental Screening,” and it refers to a system used by landlords and property managers to assess the creditworthiness of potential tenants before offering them a lease agreement.
When you apply for a rental property, the property manager or landlord may request permission to access your credit report. They do this through a third-party screening service like ARS. This allows them to review your credit history, including your payment habits, outstanding debts, and any previous evictions or bankruptcies.
Why is ARS on your credit report?
ARS appears on your credit report because it is a credit inquiry made by a landlord or property manager. It is important to note that ARS does not negatively impact your credit score in the same way as a loan or credit card application. Instead, it serves as a record of the inquiry made by the rental property you applied to.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Does ARS affect my credit score?
No, an ARS inquiry does not affect your credit score. It is considered a soft inquiry and does not have a negative impact on your creditworthiness.
2. How long does ARS stay on my credit report?
ARS inquiries typically stay on your credit report for two years. However, they do not affect your credit score during that time.
3. Can I remove ARS inquiries from my credit report?
You cannot remove ARS inquiries from your credit report since they are valid inquiries made by a landlord or property manager. However, their impact on your credit score is minimal.
4. Does ARS inquiry mean I was denied the rental property?
Not necessarily. An ARS inquiry simply means that the landlord or property manager conducted a credit check as part of their screening process. The final decision on whether to approve or deny your application is up to them.
5. Can I dispute an ARS inquiry on my credit report?
You can only dispute an ARS inquiry if you believe it was made without your consent or if you suspect fraud. Otherwise, valid inquiries cannot be disputed.
6. How can I improve my chances of passing an ARS screening?
To improve your chances of passing an ARS screening, focus on maintaining a good credit history. Pay your bills on time, keep your credit card balances low, and resolve any outstanding debts or disputes.
7. Will multiple ARS inquiries hurt my credit score?
No, multiple ARS inquiries will not hurt your credit score. Credit scoring models understand that consumers may apply to multiple rental properties, and these inquiries are viewed as a single event.
In conclusion, ARS on your credit report refers to the automated rental screening process used by landlords and property managers to evaluate potential tenants’ creditworthiness. While it may be unfamiliar, it is a standard procedure and does not impact your credit score significantly. By maintaining a good credit history, you can increase your chances of passing an ARS screening and securing your desired rental property.