TransUnion Report Finds More Consumers Likely Self-Reporting Rent Payments in 2025

Core Insights - The percentage of consumers whose rent payments are reported to credit agencies increased to 13% in 2025 from 11% in 2024, indicating a growing trend in rent payment reporting [1] - The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has implemented a policy allowing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to accept VantageScore 4.0 credit scores, which includes rent payment history, potentially increasing access to mortgages for first-time home buyers [2] Consumer Participation - The majority of renters (57%) are more likely to rent from property managers who report payments, and nearly 80% are more likely to pay on time when their payments are reported to credit agencies [5] - The number of consumers reporting their rent payments is rising, but there is a noted decrease in property managers participating in rent payment reporting, dropping to 44% in 2025 from 48% in 2024 [3][4] Generational Trends - Gen Z showed a decline in participation in rent payment reporting from 26% in 2024 to 18% in 2025, although they still have the highest participation rate among generations [7] - The percentage of renters with reported rent payments varies by generation, with Gen Z at 18%, Millennials at 16%, Gen X at 12%, and Baby Boomers at 8% [8] Regulatory Environment - California now mandates property managers to report rent payments to credit agencies, while Colorado has initiated a pilot program requiring annual rent reporting to tenants [6] - The regulatory changes are seen as positive developments that could enhance financial inclusion and credit score improvement for renters [3][5]