Is there a way of messing up a tenant's history/eviction record without spending money going to court? Tenant has bailed after 6 months on a 12 month lease (he went to shack up with girlfriend). Of course, we will keep the security deposit of $500. We are glad to see him go because he has not been reliable, however, we would like to have this recorded in his background history for when he tries to rent next time. We don't want to put any further money into him but want to damage his tenant history. Any advise? --99.88.xxx.xx

Report the debt to the credit report companies. --75.21.xx.xxx

There is a place on this site to report bad tenants . . Be sure you do the proper accounting of his SD . --99.103.xxx.xxx

Enjoy the $500.00. Do not waste emotional energy on the revenge. The new relationship of that former tenant will not last longer than 6 months. --66.226.xx.xxx

Martin or anyone, How does one report to the credit bureau? We have only one duplex (inherited) and have never dealt with this before. This tenant had made such a big deal about wanting to improve his credit (he had never rented or owned before as he is only 24) but had school/credit card debt. He lied to us a few times. I just want this on his record. It's just as much to warn future landlords as it is to punish him. --99.88.xxx.xx

He's 24 yo and the Scent of estrogen has him thinking with the wrong head. Probability says he'll be getting kicked out of the love nest before too long and then he'll pay for being irresponsible. I'm not sure you can report him to the Credit reporting agencies without a Judgment. --99.103.xxx.xxx

I think your only shot is to get a judgment and then have it recorded on his credit report. Reporting to the bureaus requires a lot of things, and, I believe, at least 100 accounts reporting per period. Go to small claims, get a judgment and then put it on his credit if you want. Even if he pays it later, the judgment will linger for years. --99.28.xx.xx

Karen, are you set up to be able to run credit reports? The same company who offer that service through this site can also report debt for you. --75.21.xx.xxx

I used the service here and had spectacular results. No judgment. and they wrote to contest it, so this must have bothered the guy. He had his SSN printed on his checks which he stopped 3 x and then he claimed never renting in CA. You know an ex Marine named watkins with enormous six pack stomach muscles with a wife and them being into witchcraft? --125.25.xxx.xx

Yes, I do background checks through the company that is through this site, I believe Apartment Owner Association. I will pursue this option. I learn so much from everyone here.....thank you. --99.88.xxx.xx