If you were denied a job or housing in Houston, Texas, because of an inaccurate background check, you may have powerful rights under federal law. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal statute designed to protect consumers from unfair and inaccurate information in background checks and credit reports.
Under the FCRA, background check companies (also known as consumer reporting agencies) and the businesses that use their reports (employers, landlords, etc.) must follow strict rules when obtaining and using your information. If they don’t, and you suffer harm or adverse action as a result, you may be entitled to monetary compensation—and we can help you get it.
At FCRA Attorneys, we represent Houston residents who have been harmed by employment background checks and tenant screening reports that contain errors. Our team knows how to navigate FCRA litigation, force companies to correct their mistakes, and obtain settlements or trial verdicts in your favor.
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Common Background Check Errors in Houston
Whether it’s a job application or rental screening, background check errors can devastate your future. The most common errors we see include:
- Mixed Files (someone else’s criminal or credit history on your report)
- Outdated Information (old arrests or evictions that should no longer be reported)
- Expunged or Sealed Records that still show up
- Incorrect Social Security Numbers or Dates of Birth
- False Reports of Criminal Convictions
- Incorrect Eviction Histories or public records
These mistakes can cost you a job offer, lead to a denied rental application, or harm your reputation.
How the FCRA Protects You
The FCRA gives you several key rights:
- The Right to Notice: Before taking adverse action (like denying you a job or apartment), an employer or landlord must give you a copy of the background check and a Summary of Your Rights.
- The Right to Dispute Errors: If you find inaccurate information, you can submit a formal dispute. The background check company must investigate within 30 days.
- The Right to Accurate Reporting: Consumer reporting agencies must use reasonable procedures to ensure your information is accurate and up to date.
- The Right to Sue: If a company violates the FCRA and causes you harm, you can file a lawsuit and recover damages, including statutory damages, emotional distress, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees.
Our Process at FCRA Attorneys
When you contact FCRA Attorneys, we begin with a Free Case Evaluation. Here’s how we help:
- We Review Your Background Check Reports: Employment, tenant, or other background screening reports.
- We Identify Violations: We analyze whether your rights under the FCRA were violated.
- We Guide You Through the Dispute Process: If you haven’t already disputed the error, we help you send the proper documentation.
- We File a Lawsuit if Necessary: If the background check company or furnisher fails to fix the error, we file suit in federal court.
- We Fight for Compensation: Through settlement or trial, we fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
We do all of this at no upfront cost to you. We only get paid if we win your case.
Employment Background Checks in Houston
If you were denied a job in Houston because of a background check, the employer must give you a Pre-Adverse Action Notice and a chance to dispute the report before making a final decision.
Many large background check companies like Checkr, Sterling, First Advantage, and HireRight make frequent reporting errors. Employers often rely on these reports without properly verifying them.
If you were denied employment because of a background check mistake, don’t let it slide. Contact us immediately. We can help you fix your record and pursue compensation.
Tenant Screening Errors in Houston
Landlords in Houston often use tenant screening services to evaluate rental applicants. These reports may include eviction records, criminal history, and credit data.
If a landlord denies your rental application based on a background report, they must:
- Notify you of the denial
- Provide the name and contact info of the consumer reporting agency
- Give you a copy of the report
- Inform you of your right to dispute the information
Failure to follow this process is a violation of the FCRA.
If your application was denied because of incorrect data in a background report, we can help you dispute the error and seek justice.
Litigation and Settlement
Our firm is highly experienced in litigating FCRA cases in federal court. Once we file a lawsuit, we use the discovery process to obtain internal documents, audit trails, and communications that show how and why the errors occurred.
Many companies choose to settle rather than risk a trial verdict. But if necessary, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and present your story to a jury.
We have recovered compensation for:
- Lost job opportunities
- Emotional distress
- Out-of-pocket losses
- Wrongful denial of housing
- Reputational harm
- Punitive damages in egregious cases
Speak with a Houston FCRA Attorney Today
Background check errors can cost you everything—your job, your home, your future. You don’t have to face this alone. Our team at FCRA Attorneys is ready to fight for your rights and hold negligent companies accountable.
We represent clients across Houston and the surrounding areas. If you believe you were harmed by a background check error, call us for a free case evaluation. We don’t get paid unless you win.