usc 15 § 1681h
Conditions and form of disclosure to consumers (COMMERCE AND TRADE (15 U.S.C.))
Operative Text
A consumer reporting agency shall require, as a condition of making the disclosures required under , that the consumer furnish proper identification. Except as provided in subsection (b), the disclosures required to be made under shall be provided under that section in writing. If authorized by a consumer, a consumer reporting agency may make the disclosures required under 1681g of this title— other than in writing; and in such form as may be— specified by the consumer in accordance with paragraph (2); and available from the agency. A consumer may specify pursuant to paragraph (1) that disclosures under shall be made— in person, upon the appearance of the consumer at the place of business of the consumer reporting agency where disclosures are regularly provided, during normal business hours, and on reasonable notice; by telephone, if the consumer has made a written request for disclosure by telephone; by electronic means, if available from the agency; or by any other reasonable means that is available from the agency. Any consumer reporting agency shall provide trained personnel to explain to the consumer any information furnished to him pursuant to . The consumer shall be permitted to be accompanied by one other person of his choosing, who shall furnish reasonable identification. A consumer reporting agency may require the consumer to furnish a written statement granting permission to the consumer reporting agency to discuss the consumer’s file in such person’s presence. Except as provided in sections 1681n and 1681 of this title, no consumer may bring any action or proceeding in the nature of defamation, invasion of privacy, or negligence with respect to the reporting of information against any consumer reporting agency, any user of information, or any person who furnishes information to a consumer reporting agency, based on information disclosed pursuant to section 1681g, 1681h, or 1681m of this title, or based on information disclosed by a user of a consumer report to or for a consumer against whom the user has taken adverse action, based in whole or in part on the report except as to false information furnished with malice or willful intent to injure such consumer. o
Under 15 U.S.C. § 1681h, consumer reporting agencies must verify a consumer's identity before releasing file disclosures, and those disclosures must generally be provided in writing unless the consumer authorizes another format such as in-person review, telephone, or electronic delivery. Agencies are also required to have trained staff available to explain the disclosed information, and a consumer may bring one companion to any in-person disclosure appointment. The provision further limits the types of civil claims—such as defamation, invasion of privacy, or negligence—that can be brought against reporting agencies, information users, or furnishers based on disclosures made under this section, with an exception preserved for false information shared with malice or willful intent to harm.
Plain English — not legal advice.
While 15 U.S.C. § 1681h primarily governs consumer reporting agencies rather than landlords directly, property owners and managers who use consumer reports in tenant screening should be aware that the provision shapes how applicants receive their own file disclosures from those agencies. A compliant operator who takes adverse action based on a consumer report generally ensures that the applicant is informed of their right to obtain disclosures from the reporting agency, consistent with the framework established under § 1681h. Understanding the limited liability protections this section extends to 'users of information' can inform how landlords document and communicate screening decisions.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under 15 U.S.C. § 1681h, you have the right to receive a disclosure of your consumer file from a reporting agency, and the agency must verify your identity before providing it. You may request that the disclosure be delivered in a format that works for you—such as in person, by phone, or electronically if the agency offers it—and the agency must provide trained personnel to help you understand what is in your file; you may also bring one person of your choosing to an in-person review. If you believe a reporting agency or information user has acted improperly in connection with a disclosure under this section, tenant-rights organizations or a consumer law attorney can help you understand what remedies may be available given the civil action limitations outlined in § 1681h.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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