Experian adds rent payments to credit reports

COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) — The Experian consumer credit reporting firm has added rent payment histories to its reports.

Costa Mesa, Calif.-based Experian recently acquired RentBureau and is including rental payment data into its traditional credit file. It makes it easier for college students, recent graduates and immigrants who pay their rent on time to boost their credit scores.

Credit reports have previously included credit card, mortgage, loan and finance company account information.

The Los Angeles Times reports the RentBureau database receives rental payment histories daily from a limited number of property managers. Its records include about eight million of the nation’s nearly 38 million rental units.