Free Adverse-Action Rejection Letter (Combined)
Combined FCRA §615 adverse-action notice + rejection letter. The most efficient option when DENYING an application — combines the federal FCRA-required disclosures with the standard rejection communication in one letter. Saves sending two separate notices.
Free Adverse-Action Rejection Letter (Combined) — overview
A Adverse-Action Rejection Letter (Combined) combines an FCRA §615 adverse-action notice with the rejection communication into a single letter. Used when denying a rental application based in whole or in part on a consumer report.
Generate the Letter
This combined letter handles both the rejection communication and the federally-required FCRA §615 adverse-action disclosures in a single document. Complete the fields below to generate the letter.
Combined letter advantages: Combining the adverse-action notice with the rejection letter is the cleanest approach for denials based on consumer reports. The applicant receives one letter with all required information. Use this rather than sending separate adverse-action and rejection letters.
1. Letter Header (From / To)
2. Letter Body
⚠ FCRA §615 Adverse-Action Requirements (15 USC §1681m)
When a landlord takes any adverse action (denial, conditional approval, higher rent, larger deposit, cosigner requirement) based in whole or in part on a consumer report, the FCRA requires: (1) notice of the adverse action; (2) name, address, telephone of the Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) that furnished the report; (3) statement that the CRA did not make the decision and cannot explain it; (4) notice of the applicant’s right to dispute and obtain a free copy of the report within 60 days. Failure exposes the landlord to FCRA §616/§617 statutory damages ($100-$1,000 per violation) plus actual damages and attorney fees.
3. Signature
About the Adverse-Action Rejection Letter (Combined)
A combined adverse-action / rejection letter is the cleanest approach when DENYING a tenant application based in whole or in part on a consumer report. Federal FCRA §615 (15 USC §1681m) requires the adverse-action disclosures regardless of how they are communicated; combining them with the rejection letter is permissible and more efficient than sending two separate documents. The letter must still include all FCRA-required elements: (1) name, address, and phone of the Consumer Reporting Agency; (2) statement that the CRA did not make the decision; (3) right to obtain a free copy within 60 days; (4) right to dispute with the CRA. The rejection communication may be brief and should avoid specifying which report items drove the decision (the CRA’s report itself contains the data). Many landlords prefer this combined format for record-keeping and efficiency.
Key Requirements
- Federal: FCRA §615 (15 USC §1681m) requirements all present
- Combines rejection communication + adverse-action disclosures
- Single letter handles both — efficient for denials
- All FCRA disclosures: CRA name/contact, dispute rights, free-copy right
- Cleaner record-keeping than two separate notices
- State equivalents may require additional disclosures (CA, NY)
Common Mistakes
- Specifying exact reasons in the letter (could create discrimination claims; CRA report contains data)
- Missing required FCRA elements while combining with rejection
- Sending rejection but not adverse-action notice (separate letter still required if missing)
- Not retaining a copy in the applicant file
- Delaying notice
Best Practices
- Use this combined format for denials based on consumer reports — cleanest approach
- Send promptly (same-day to next-business-day)
- Certified mail with return receipt for proof of delivery
- Retain copy for 5 years (FCRA SOL)
- Keep tone neutral and factual — avoid language that could suggest discrimination
- Add state-specific disclosures if required (CA CCRAA, NY GBL §380, etc.)
Make screening decisions with full information
An adverse-action notice is only as defensible as the underlying screening report. Tenant Screening Background Check has been verifying renters since 2004 — credit, eviction filings, criminal background, and employment — with proper FCRA permissible-purpose documentation built in.
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⚖ Legal Disclaimer
This letter template is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Federal FCRA (15 USC §1681 et seq.) requirements apply to all adverse-action notices based on consumer reports. State equivalents (CA CCRAA/ICRAA, NY GBL §380, others) impose additional requirements in some jurisdictions. For FCRA guidance, visit FTC FCRA and CFPB. Consult a qualified attorney before relying on this template for any adverse-action decision.
