You’ve been paying rent and utilities on time for years, yet your credit score doesn’t reflect that responsible behavior. That’s about to change. New laws and reporting tools now let these payments boost your credit profile—but you’ll need to take specific steps to make it happen. The process isn’t automatic, and the wrong approach could cost you money without delivering results. Here’s what you need to know before you start.
Understanding Assembly Bill 2747 and New Rent Reporting Requirements
Starting April 1, 2025, California’s Assembly Bill 2747 fundamentally changes how certain landlords must handle rent payment reporting to credit bureaus.
If you live in a building with 16 or more units on a single parcel, your landlord must offer you the option to have your on-time rent payments reported to at least one major credit bureau. This requirement also applies if you rent from corporations, REITs, LLCs with corporate members, or multi-property owners, regardless of building size.
You’ll receive written notice about this option when signing your lease and annually thereafter. The disclosure must include details about which credit bureaus will receive your payment information. Importantly, landlords can only report positive payment history, not late or missed payments under this law.
Your landlord can charge up to $10 monthly for the service, but you’re not required to participate. You can opt out anytime, though you’ll wait six months before re-enrolling.
How Rent Reporting Services Work and What They Cost
When you’re ready to start building credit through rent reporting, you’ll typically choose between services that report to one major bureau or those covering all three.
Most services charge monthly fees ranging from $6.95 to $9.95, plus signup fees up to $94.95. You can often add past rent payments—usually 24 months’ worth—for an extra $50-$65.
Some platforms like LevelCredit also report utilities and phone bills, while others focus solely on rent. The fastest services like RentReporters can add your payment history to credit reports within 3-5 days.
If you’re sharing housing, check whether roommates need separate accounts or can split costs under one plan. Services vary in who pays—sometimes landlords cover fees to attract tenants.
Before committing, verify which credit bureaus receive reports and whether there’s a money-back guarantee if your landlord won’t verify payments. Look for established companies with BBB ratings that show how they handle customer complaints and issues.
Setting Up Utility Payment Reporting Through Financial Apps
Beyond traditional rent reporting, you can also build credit by reporting your utility payments through financial apps that connect to your bank account.
Apps like Experian Boost scan your transactions to find qualifying gas, electric, water, and internet payments. You’ll need at least three payments within six months to qualify.
Setting up is straightforward: install the app, link your bank account, and authorize transaction access. The app identifies eligible payments and creates tradelines on your credit report. Each utility account appears as a separate tradeline with its own payment history and credit information.
Once verified, payments typically report monthly, with some apps updating within 72 hours. Many services retroactively report up to 24 months of payment history. Be aware that FICO 8 does not consider these nontraditional payments, though newer scoring models like FICO 9 and 10 do include them.
While Experian Boost is free, other apps charge monthly fees. Remember that most services report to only one credit bureau, limiting comprehensive score improvement.
Steps to Enroll in Rent Reporting Through Your Landlord or Third-Party Services
If your landlord doesn’t already report rent payments, you’ll need to take specific steps to enroll in a reporting service.
First, discuss rent reporting with your landlord and suggest compatible services like FrontLobby, RentPayment, or Landlord Credit Bureau. If they’re unwilling to participate, you can sign up directly with third-party services that accept tenant-initiated reporting.
You’ll need to provide consent through opt-in forms and submit verification documents like your lease agreement. Some services let you report up to 24 months of past payments retroactively. While many services report to TransUnion and Equifax, tenants can use Experian Boost to report their rent payments to Experian directly.
Once enrolled, ensure your payments are reported monthly to all three credit bureaus for maximum benefit. Your timely rent payments can improve your credit score, while missed or late payments will negatively impact it. Monitor your credit reports regularly to catch any errors and maintain open communication with your landlord to resolve discrepancies quickly.
Timeline for Rent and Utility Payments to Appear on Your Credit Report
After enrolling in a rent reporting service, you’ll naturally wonder how long it takes for these payments to show up on your credit report.
You’ll typically see your rental tradeline appear within 30 days of your first reported payment. This timing aligns with monthly billing cycles, though some services offer faster results by including up to 24 months of backdated payments for an additional fee. Services report your payment history to major credit bureaus including Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Utility payments work differently since companies don’t report positive payments by default. Without reporting, your timely payments won’t help improve your credit score despite consistent on-time payment behavior.
If you’re using a third-party service to report utilities, they’ll appear within one billing cycle after enrollment.
Maximizing the Credit Score Benefits of Reported Rent and Utility Payments
Making the most of rent and utility reporting requires strategic planning to maximize your credit score gains. You’ll see the best results by maintaining consistent, on-time payments every month.
Report your rent to all three major credit bureaus—TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian—to broaden your positive impact. Don’t limit yourself to rent alone; combine multiple tradelines by adding utility payments through tools like Experian Boost to create a more comprehensive credit profile.
Monitor your credit reports regularly for errors and dispute any inaccuracies immediately. Since 76% of renters experience score increases, with some gaining 23 points on average, you’re likely to benefit. Research shows renters achieve a 25% increase in likelihood of reaching near-prime credit scores through rent reporting. Remarkably, 80% of subprime consumers see credit improvements within just one month of starting rent reporting.
Focus on keeping accounts current—only report when you’re in good standing with landlords to maintain positive tradelines.
In Conclusion
You’ve got new opportunities to boost your credit score by reporting rent and utility payments. Whether you’re using your landlord’s reporting system, third-party services, or apps like Experian Boost, you’ll see results within a few months of consistent payments. Don’t wait to start—every on-time payment counts toward building stronger credit. Take advantage of these tools now, and you’ll open doors to better interest rates, loan approvals, and financial opportunities down the road.
References
- https://consumerattorneys.com/article/how-to-add-rent-and-utilities-to-your-credit-report
- https://members.aagla.org/news/reporting-rent-to-credit-bureaus
- https://www.credit.com/blog/how-to-add-rent-and-utilities-to-your-credit-report/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/rent-reporting-services
- https://creditrc.com/blogs/rent-reporting-the-new-secret-weapon-for-building-credit-in-2025/
- https://frontlobby.com/en/2025/03/understanding-californias-new-rent-reporting-law-ab-2747/
- https://www.matthews.com/california-assembly-bill-2747/
- https://members.aagla.org/news/faqs-on-assembly-bill-2747–positive-rent-reporting
- https://caanet.org/april-1-is-fast-approaching-get-ready-for-new-rent-reporting-and-security-deposit-photo-requirements/
- https://www.idiq.com/articles/ab-2747-for-property-managers/