Can a private landlord report tenants to the credit agencies for damages and unpaid rent or a broken lease?

It is not likely that a private individual would qualify or pay the funds necessary to report a consumer to the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

However, if the landlord sued former tenants and was granted a judgment, the judgment would show on their credit reports.

There are also alternative credit agencies, called Tenant Screening Bureaus, which cater to the rental market. These agencies have different clients than the "Big 3". A private landlord might find a way to report on one of these lesser known bureaus.

A private landlord can report a tenant to credit agencies if the tenant failed to pay his rent or he has wrongfully overstayed without even paying a monthly rent. A 14-day written notice of broken lease and property damages may be given to tenant.