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Bill

Bill

SB 6212

Requiring landlords to report on-time rent payments to consumer reporting agencies.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Annette Cleveland and 9 co-sponsors

Requires Washington landlords to report tenants' on-time rent payments to credit bureaus, enabling positive rental history to build credit scores for renters.

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Bill Summary · SB 6212

Legislative bill overview

SB 6212 would mandate that landlords report tenants' on-time rent payments to consumer credit reporting agencies. Currently, most landlords only report negative payment information (late or missed payments) to credit bureaus, creating an asymmetrical credit history. This bill aims to allow positive rental payment history to build tenants' credit scores.

Why is this important

Rental payment history represents a significant portion of many people's financial activity, yet contributes nothing to their credit scores under current practice. Enabling positive reporting could help renters—particularly low-income tenants, young adults, and communities historically excluded from traditional credit systems—build creditworthiness and access better loan rates, mortgages, and financial opportunities.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord compliance burden: Smaller property owners may face administrative costs and complexity in reporting to credit agencies, potentially outweighing benefits for properties with few units
  • Data accuracy and disputes: Disputes over payment records (partial payments, credited amounts, disputed charges) could create credit reporting errors that are difficult for tenants to correct
  • Privacy concerns: Expanded data sharing with third parties raises questions about tenant privacy and data security, particularly regarding sensitive financial information

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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