Credit reporting agencies must follow regulations in the Fair Credit Reporting Act. This law dictates that consumers have the right to dispute inaccurate information in their credit reports. You must do this in writing either online or in a dispute letter. The credit bureaus must investigate and provide you with the results of the investigation within 30 days and you can expect the following results:
- Incorrect information must be corrected
- Inaccurate information must be deleted
- Incomplete information must be completed
It is recommended that items under dispute should be resolved before you submit your application for a mortgage.
Here is a sample letter to dispute errors on your credit report. Your letter should identify each item you are disputing, stating the facts and requesting that the items be removed. Send the letter certified mail with return receipt requested. Click here to download a sample letter.