VantageScore for Mortgages: A New Path for Renters

The Credit System Just Got an Upgrade

Paying rent on time is one of the clearest signs of financial responsibility, but for decades, those payments rarely helped renters build the credit needed to buy a home. That’s because mortgage lenders relied on outdates scoring models that overlooked rent in favor of traditional debt-based metrics.

That’s finally changing.

Starting in 2025, VantageScore 4.0 has been approved for mortgage underwriting by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This shift means bills you already pay – like rent, utilities, and phone service, can now help you qualify for a home loan, if they appear on your credit report. 

Why VantageScore 4.0 Is Different

VantageScore 4.0 was created by the three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, as a more inclusive scoring model. It’s designed to:

• Focus on your recent payment behavior, rather than penalizing you for old mistakes
• Incorporate alternative data, including verified rent, utility, and telecom payments
• Reflect real-world financial habits, even if you don’t use credit cards or loans

This makes it especially valuable for renters, young adults, veterans, and others who may have been excluded from traditional credit scoring systems despite managing their finances responsibly. 

Millions of Renters Could Now Qualify

According to VantageScore, more than 30 million people who couldn’t be scored under older models like FICO can now receive a VantageScore. Of those, around 13 million already meet the typical credit threshold to qualify for a mortgage backed by Fannie or Freddie.

For many renters, this isn’t just an update. It’s a real opportunity to take the next step toward homeownership. 

How to Get Your Rent Counted

To benefit from this change, your rent payments need to appear on your credit report. That’s where RentReporters comes in. 

When you enroll, we verify your rent history and report it to TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. That information becomes a part of your credit file, helping to strengthen your score and show lenders that you are reliable.

Many customers may see a credit boost in as little as 10 days, depending on their profile and bureau update cycles. That kind of progress can improve your mortgage rate, reduce upfront costs, and increase your chances of approval.

Make Your Rent Work Toward a Mortgage

You don’t need to take on new debt or open new accounts – just report what you’re already paying.

If you’re planning on buying a home, now is the time to act. With VantageScore 4.0 in place and rent reporting activated, you can start building a stronger credit profile that puts you in a better position when it matters most.

Final Thoughts

Renters have waited a long time for a credit scoring model that reflects how they actually manage money. VantageScore 4.0 changes that. And when paired with rent reporting, it puts homeownership within reach for people who’ve always done the right thing, even if the credit system didn’t recognize it before.