Bill would limit criminal history in tenant screening reports
In committeeH.R. 8588Latest action
Sponsor: Ayanna Pressley · Representative · MA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: To amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act to prohibit consumer reporting agencies that furnish consumer reports for tenant screening purposes from providing certain information, to establish duties of users of consumer reports for housing purposes, and for other purposes.
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
HR 8588 limits what background check companies can report to landlords and requires landlords to explain rejections within 3 days.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill changes the rules for tenant screening reports used by landlords. It would ban reporting arrests without convictions, juvenile records, completed diversion programs, finished sentences, probation or parole, court fines and fees, and expunged or sealed records. Landlords who reject an applicant based on a background check would have to notify that person within three days and explain exactly what information led to the denial.
Who does it affect?
Renters and rental applicants — especially those with any criminal history — would be most directly affected. Landlords and tenant screening companies would also face new rules about what they can report and how they handle rejections.
Why does it matter?
Limiting what can appear in a screening report means some applicants with past legal records could be considered for housing that they might otherwise be denied. Requiring landlords to explain denials means applicants would know what specific information was used against them.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedApr 29, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Apr 29, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.