Skip to content

Why does this site look like this?

Your browser cannot understand our style and presentation information so the page has been rendered without it. You're welcome to use the page as is (the content is still completely accessible to you), or upgrade your browser to its latest version. See your browser's website for more information about upgrading to a newer standards compliant version.

The Housing Site
Illinois Fair Housing Initiative

Consumer Credit Laws

Correcting Credit Problems

You should make sure the information in your credit report is correct. Not only is your credit score based on this information, but lenders also review this information in making credit decisions. Review your credit report from each credit reporting agency at least once a year and especially before making a large purchase, like a house or car. To request a copy, contact the credit reporting agencies directly:

Agency Phone Website
Equifax (800) 685-1111 www.equifax.com
Experian (formerly TRW) (888) 397-3742 www.experian.com
TransUnion (800) 888-4213 www.transunion.com

If you find an error, the credit reporting agency must investigate and respond to you within 30 days. If you are in the process of applying for a loan, immediately notify your lender of any incorrect information in your report. Your lender will need to reorder your credit report and score once any changes have been made to your information at the credit reporting agency. Small errors may have little or no effect on your score. If there are significant errors, however, the lender may disregard the score.

Note: only the credit reporting agencies have the data from which FICO scores are calculated; therefore, only they have the ability to change the information. It is up to the consumer to correct data at the credit reporting agencies.

Credit Repair Forms

Printable blank forms (word document) for requesting changes to your credit report