Are there any laws governing the use of tenant screening services?

Yes, there are laws governing the use of tenant screening services in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Consumer Credit Reporting Act (MCCRA) is one of the most important laws in the state related to tenant background checks. The MCCRA regulates the practices of consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) that compile and maintain consumer credit reports. It also governs how landlords may use consumer reports in tenancy decisions, such as when they are investigating a potential tenant’s credit history. Under the MCCRA, CRAs must provide tenants and landlords with notices about their consumer data and rights. Landlords can only access a tenant’s consumer credit report with the tenant’s written consent. Additionally, landlords must provide written notifications to tenants prior to obtaining screening reports. The MCCRA also requires landlords to provide tenants with a copy of their credit report when requested. This allows tenants to review and dispute any incorrect information. Finally, if a landlord denies a tenant’s rental application based on information in their consumer report, the landlord must provide the tenant with an adverse action notice. This notice must include the name and contact information of the consumer reporting agency that provided the report, and the tenant’s right to dispute any information contained in the report. These laws in Massachusetts ensure that landlords use tenant screening services fairly and appropriately when making rental decisions.

Are there any laws governing the use of tenant screening services?

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