Updates to TransUnion’s releasing of reports

Recent improvements to the quality of criminal data mean that some (not most) reports may experience a delay before being provided.

WHY is this happening?

These measures are being undertaken to prevent criminal background screening reports from containing false positives. Accurate criminal background reports protect the interests of all parties, renters, landlords, agents, and brokerages.

As per TransUnion® guidance on potential delays, they have provided the following information:

• No Change for Most Renters:

  About 90% of renters will still get their credit, criminal, and eviction reports instantly.

  Quick Turnaround Time for Some:

  We know that up to 10% of renters will have potential negative information on their criminal or eviction reports. Criminal and eviction reports will be manually reviewed before release. Most will be released on the same day.

  Special Attention for a Few:

  For about 1% of renters, a criminal or an eviction report may need extra review. This could take anywhere from 24 hours to as long as 5 days. Turnaround time for these depends on a few factors:

  The type of questionable information

  The number of questionable records, and

  The source - which jurisdictions house the information 

  Why This Matters:

  These steps help prevent errors, protecting everyone involved.

  We will keep you Informed:

  SoftScreen will notify both renters and agents when reports are delayed. As always, we will notify all parties as soon as reports are released. Emails and text notifications are sent instantly as soon as reports are available.

  Industry-Wide Impact:

  These changes affect all companies using TransUnion data, not just SoftScreen.