TransUnion Report Finds More Consumers Likely Self-Reporting Rent Payments in 2025
Rhea-AI Summary
TransUnion (NYSE:TRU) reports that consumers self-reporting rent payments to credit agencies increased to 13% in 2025, up from 11% in 2024. This trend aligns with a new Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) policy requiring Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to accept VantageScore 4.0 scores and consider rent payment history in mortgage applications.
However, property manager participation in rent reporting decreased to 44% in 2025 from 48% in 2024, the first decline since 2022. Despite this, 57% of renters prefer property managers who report payments, and 80% are more likely to pay on time when payments are reported. Among generations, Gen Z leads in participation at 18%, though this represents a decline from 26% in 2024.
Positive
- New FHFA policy enables rent payment history to help qualify for mortgages
- 79% of renters saw credit score improvements from rent payment reporting
- 57% of renters prefer properties that report payments, indicating market advantage
- 80% of renters more likely to pay on time when payments are reported
Negative
- Property manager participation in rent reporting declined to 44% from 48% year-over-year
- Gen Z participation dropped significantly from 26% to 18% in 2025
News Market Reaction 1 Alert
On the day this news was published, TRU declined 4.30%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
New order from Federal Housing Finance Agency creates pathway from on-time rent payments to homeownership
CHICAGO, Sept. 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The number of consumers whose rent payments are reported to credit reporting agencies rose to
In July 2025, the director of the FHFA issued an order mandating that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac accept VantageScore 4.0 credit scores for mortgage underwriting. The order allows for consideration of rent payment history in mortgage applications which could open the housing market to far more first-time home buyers.
“The regulatory developments we’ve seen in this space are very encouraging,” said Maitri Johnson, SVP and head of TransUnion’s tenant and employment screening business. “The vast majority of renters reliably make on-time payments and they deserve to leverage that proven responsibility toward home ownership and other financial opportunities.”
Progress stalls among property managers
However, TransUnion’s research also found the number of property managers who are aware of and participate in rent payment reporting decreased to
The sudden decrease in property managers’ participation and the slight rise in consumers who say their payments are reported suggests that consumers may be self-reporting their rent payments through third-party data furnishers.
“Rent payment reporting is well documented as a means to improving credit scores and financial inclusion, so I’m happy to see that more consumers are empowered to participate,” said Johnson. “We hope the new FHFA policy will help increase the number of consumers opting in for rent payment reporting.”
Rent payment reporting is considered a desirable amenity that draws responsible renters and incentivizes them to pay on time. The report found more than half of renters (
In addition to property manager and renter participation, rent payment reporting has been bolstered by regulatory actions. California now requires property managers to report rent payments to credit reporting agencies, and Colorado recently conducted a pilot program and now requires property managers to offer rent reporting to tenants annually.
Gen Z pulls back on reporting but still leads
Nearly every generation showed increased participation in rent payment reporting that was in line with the overall trend. The one exception was Gen Z, which declined from
Rent Payment Reporting and Impact on Credit Score by Generation
| Total | Gen Z | Millennials | Gen X | Baby Boomers | ||||||
| Percentage of Renters with Rent Payments Reported | 13 | % | 18 | % | 16 | % | 12 | % | 8 | % |
| Percentage of Renters Whose Credit Scores Increased | 79 | % | 80 | % | 88 | % | 75 | % | 70 | % |
“The decreased participation from Gen Z was surprising considering they likely do not have enough credit built yet,” said Johnson. “With rent payments now being considered as a qualifier for mortgages, many Gen Z consumers may be better positioned to achieve homeownership at an earlier age than they otherwise would.”
For more information about the research, read TransUnion’s latest Rent Payment Reporting eBook.
Property managers: Get started helping your tenants build credit through reporting rent payments with TransUnion’s TruVision™ Resident Credit solution.
About the Surveys
Consumer Survey Methodology
This online survey of 2,006 adults was conducted March 5-10, 2025, by TransUnion in partnership with third-party research provider, Dynata. Generations are defined as follows: Gen Z, born 1997-2012; Millennials, born 1981-1996; Gen X, born 1965-1980; and Baby Boomers, born 1946-1964. These research results are unweighted and statistically significant at a
Property Manager Survey Methodology
This online survey of 141 property managers was conducted March 13 - June 24, 2025, by TransUnion. Property Managers were surveyed via email through an online research platform. Survey questions were administered in English. The sample includes property managers who oversee a variety of housing types, number of units, and locations. These research results are unweighted and statistically significant at a
About TransUnion (NYSE: TRU)
TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this with a Tru™ picture of each person: an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care. Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world. http://www.transunion.com/business
| Contact | Dave Blumberg |
| TransUnion | |
| david.blumberg@transunion.com | |
| Telephone | 312-972-6646 |
FAQ
What percentage of consumers had rent payments reported to credit agencies in 2025?
How does the new FHFA policy affect rent payment reporting for mortgages?
What percentage of property managers participate in rent payment reporting in 2025?
How does rent payment reporting affect on-time payments according to TransUnion?
What is the Gen Z participation rate in rent payment reporting for 2025?
