Adverse Action Letters & FCRA Rights - Form C - Decline Application Letter

Sep 15, 2026

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Adverse action letters and Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) rights forms explain how to notify a prospective tenant when adverse action is taken based on information obtained from a consumer reporting agency. The package clarifies eligibility criteria, required non-alteration of language, record-keeping steps, and delivery timing. It includes Form C, a decline notice detailing the reports and sources used, the applicant’s credit score information, key adverse factors, and rights to inspect and dispute report accuracy within set time limits.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Adverse Action Letters & FCRA Rights Forms C, C-1

Purpose and Compliance Requirements

Usage Timing and Delivery Process

Form C: Decline Application Letter

Applicant Rights to Inspect and Dispute Reports

ADVERSE ACTION LETTERS & FCRA RIGHTS Forms C, C-1 Quick Description: These forms will inform an applicant that you have taken an adverse action, and it will provide them with information on how to obtain a copy of their report(s) . ! Required " Optional " Alterations Acceptable What is it? These forms are used to notify a prospective tenant that based on the information you received, you will betaking an adverse action. This includes informing the applicant that his or her application has been declined (Form C), that you will be asking for a cosigner/guarantor (Form C-1), a security deposit or a larger security deposit that you otherwise would ask for (Form C-1), or you will be asking for a higher rent payment (Form C-1) based on information you received from a Consumer Reporting Agency. The information in these forms is required to be communicated to the prospective tenant pursuant to federal law. All prospective tenants who are the subject of an adverse action should also receive a copy of “A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act” at the time they are notified of the adverse action. Who should use it? Any person who utilizes Tenant Data must use these formal adverse action letters and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) attachment. You may copy the letter onto your own stationery/letterhead, but do not change the language. When should it be used? Once you have obtained a report from Tenant Data and you have determined that an adverse action will betaken, complete the applicable adverse action letter. Check the appropriate source(s) of information that contributed to your decision. Keep a copy for your records and either mail or hand-deliver the letter. You may notify the applicant by phone, but always follow it with the adverse action letter and “A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.” In the case of married couples or roommates, each applicant should receive a letter in his or her name. Why should it be used? Tenant Data and the federal FCRA require the issuance of adverse action letters. Such letters provide the applicant with information on where to obtain a copy of his or her report(s) . The adverse action letter also isan excellent method of record keeping for Fair Housing purposes. How should it be used? You do not have an obligation to show the applicant his or her background information report or discuss any details of the report with the applicant other than providing the applicant with certain information about his or her credit score as required by federal law. Please note that the key factors that adversely affect an applicant’s credit score vary among Experian, and Trans Union, and will be included along with the credit score; only the top four factors can be listed in the letter—unless number of enquiries is one of the factors and then five factors can be listed in the letter. We would recommend that you let applicants know that they can contact Tenant Data to receive a free copy of their report or to file a dispute about an inaccuracy on any of their reports. | | | --- | | Form C | Date: Name: Street: City: State: Zip: Thank you for your recent application to rent . As you know, you authorized and we requested and received information about you from Tenant Data Services, Inc.(Tenant Data), who provided us with information regarding your tenant history, credit history, check writing history, and criminal history. We regret to inform you that based in whole or in part on that information we must decline your application. We are solely responsible for the decision to decline your application. Tenant Data did not make the adverse decision and cannot explain why the decision was made. Tenant Data received the information it provided to us from the source(s) listed below: CREDIT HISTORY REPORT (received through Tenant Data from): \# Experian \# Trans Union CREDIT SCORE (received through Tenant Data from): We also

FAQs

What does the adverse action letter and FCRA rights attachment need to tell an applicant?

It must notify the applicant that adverse action was taken based on information from a consumer reporting agency and include instructions for obtaining copies of the relevant report(s). It also includes the required “A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.”

Who must use these forms, and can the wording be changed?

Any person utilizing Tenant Data must use the formal adverse action letters and the FCRA attachment. The letter may be copied onto other stationery, but the language must not be changed.

What rights does the applicant have after receiving Form C?

The applicant can inspect and receive copies of the report(s) from the sources checked above through Tenant Data and there is no charge if the request is made within sixty days. The applicant also has the right to dispute accuracy or completeness by contacting Tenant Data using the provided address and phone number.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Melati