NOTICE TO USERS OF CONSUMER REPORTS

                                Obligations of Users Under the FCRA

The Federal Credit Report Act (FCRA) requires that a notice be sent to inform users of consumer reports of their legal obligations. State law may impose additional requirements. These are excerpts of the responsibilities imposed by the FCRA, which pertain to Rental Research Users. The FCRA, 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq., is set forth in full at the Federal Trade Commission's Internet web site (http://www.ftc.gov).

I. Obligations Of All Users Of Consumer Reports

A. Users Must Have a Permissible Purpose

Congress has limited the use of consumer reports to protect consumer's privacy. All users must have a permissible purpose under the FCRA to obtain a consumer report. Section 605 of the FCRA contains a list of the permissible purposes under the law. They include (but are not limited to):

--As authorized by the consumer in writing. Section 604(a)(2)

--For employment purposes, including hiring and promotion decisions, where the consumer has given written permission. Sections 604 (a)(3)(B) and 604(b)

B. Users Must Provide Certifications

Section 604(f) of the FCRA prohibits any person from obtaining a consumer report from a Credit Reporting Agency (CRA) unless the person has certified to the CRA (by a general or specific certification, as appropriate) the permissible purpose(s)for which the report is being obtained and certifies that the report will not be used for any other purpose.

C. Users Must Notify Consumers When Adverse Actions Are Taken

The term "adverse action" is defined very broadly by Section 603 of the FCRA. "Adverse actions" include all business, credit, and employment actions affecting consumers that can be considered to have a negative impact--such as unfavorably changing credit or contract terms or conditions, denying or canceling credit or insurance, offering credit on less favorable terms than requested, or denying employment or promotion.

1. Adverse Actions Based on Information Obtained from a CRA

If a user takes any type of adverse action that is based at least in part on information contained in a consumer report, the user is required by Section 615(a) of the FCRA to notify the consumer. The notification may be done in writing, orally, or by electronic means. It must include the following:

 

  Rental Research Inc.

      Code of Ethics

Setting the standards for professionalism in the screening industry

We believe in and support the American way of life and the free enterprise system.

We believe in and support the principles and freedoms enunciated by the Constitution of the United States.

We believe in and support the principles of fair and equal employment, housing and credit opportunities.

We respect and promote the laws of the land, specifically the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act and the various State Consumer Credit Reporting Acts as they relate to Tenant Screening Activities.

We dedicate ourselves to the education, advancement, and betterment of the real estate industry.

We dedicate ourselves to the education, advancement, and betterment of fellow member screening agencies and promote the progress and dignity of the tenant screening industry.

We support and promote principles and highest standards of dignity, honesty, fairness and integrity in our dealings with all customers and consumers without regard to bias or prejudice of any kind or description whatsoever.

We promote, employ and maintain the highest standards of honesty, integrity and competence in the performance of our screening obligations and/or service and operate our businesses with fair and honorable standards of competition, ever mindful of the high ideals, purpose and regulation of the Association.