Does applying for an apartment hurt your credit explained

Does applying for an apartment hurt your credit is a common concern for renters navigating the housing market. Understanding the nuances of credit inquiries, particularly those related to rental applications, is crucial for maintaining a healthy financial profile. This review dissects the process, its potential implications, and strategies for responsible credit management.

Landlords and property managers often conduct credit checks to assess an applicant’s financial reliability and likelihood of fulfilling lease obligations. This process involves reviewing a potential tenant’s credit history to gauge their past financial behavior, including payment history, outstanding debts, and any instances of default. The information obtained helps them make informed decisions about approving rental applications.

Understanding Credit Inquiries

My dear friends, as we navigate the journey of finding a place to call our own, it’s natural to wonder about the whispers that credit reports might carry. Today, let us gently explore the world of credit inquiries, not as a daunting hurdle, but as a simple step in a larger narrative. Think of your credit report as a diary of your financial journey, and inquiries are simply entries made by those who wish to understand a chapter of that story.Credit inquiries are essentially requests made by lenders or other entities to review your credit history.

These requests are a standard part of many financial transactions, from applying for a loan to, indeed, seeking a new home. Understanding them helps us appreciate how our financial selves are perceived, and how best to present ourselves.

Types of Credit Inquiries

Credit inquiries are broadly categorized into two main types, each with a different implication for your credit score. It’s important to distinguish between them, as one is far more sensitive than the other.

• Hard Inquiries: These occur when you actively apply for credit, such as a mortgage, car loan, or credit card. They signify that you are seeking new debt.
• Soft Inquiries: These happen when your credit is checked for reasons other than a direct application for new credit. Examples include checking your own credit score, pre-approved credit card offers, or background checks by potential employers. Soft inquiries do not impact your credit score.

The Credit Inquiry Process for Apartment Applications

When you apply for an apartment, the landlord or property management company typically performs a credit check to assess your reliability as a tenant. This is a crucial step for them to gauge your financial responsibility.The typical process involves you filling out an application, which includes your consent for them to pull your credit report. They then use a credit reporting agency (like Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to access your credit history.

This action registers as a hard inquiry on your credit report.

Impact of a Single Credit Inquiry on a Credit Score, Does applying for an apartment hurt your credit

A single hard inquiry, in isolation, generally has a very minimal impact on your credit score. Most credit scoring models, like FICO, recognize that people shop around for the best terms on loans or housing. Therefore, a solitary inquiry might cause a slight, temporary dip, often no more than a few points.

A single hard inquiry typically lowers a credit score by less than 5 points.

Duration of Credit Inquiries on a Credit Report

The presence of credit inquiries on your report is not permanent; they fade over time, much like a gentle memory. Hard inquiries typically remain visible on your credit report for up to two years. However, their impact on your credit score usually diminishes significantly after a few months.

Factors Influencing the Severity of an Inquiry’s Impact

While a single inquiry is often negligible, certain factors can amplify its effect. Understanding these nuances helps us manage our credit journey with wisdom.

• Number of Inquiries: A cluster of hard inquiries within a short period can signal to lenders that you are in financial distress or taking on a lot of new debt, which can negatively affect your score. However, credit scoring models are often designed to distinguish between rate shopping for a mortgage or auto loan (which may be treated as a single inquiry within a specific timeframe) and multiple applications for different types of credit.

• Your Existing Credit Score: If you already have a strong credit score, the impact of a single inquiry will likely be less pronounced than if your score is already on the lower side. A robust credit history provides a buffer.
• The Scoring Model Used: Different credit scoring models may weigh inquiries slightly differently.

The Apartment Application Process and Credit Checks

When you embark on the journey of finding a new home, the apartment application is a crucial step, a gateway to your next chapter. It’s a moment where you present yourself, not just as a potential tenant, but as someone who can be trusted with the responsibility of a home. In this process, a credit check often plays a significant role, acting as a silent but important narrator of your financial story.

Landlords and property managers, with a heart full of responsibility for their valuable properties, use this tool to understand the reliability of those who wish to reside within.The landlord’s perspective is one of safeguarding their investment and ensuring a stable community. A tenant’s history with financial obligations, such as paying rent and other bills on time, often mirrors their commitment to fulfilling lease agreements.

It’s a way to gauge responsibility and reduce the risk of late payments or potential damages. This isn’t about judging, but about building trust and ensuring a harmonious living environment for everyone involved.

Reasons for Landlord Credit Checks

Landlords and property managers conduct credit checks for a fundamental reason: to assess the financial reliability of prospective tenants. This practice is rooted in the desire to minimize risk and ensure the smooth operation of their rental properties. A good credit history often signifies a pattern of responsible financial behavior, which can translate into a tenant who pays rent on time, takes care of the property, and adheres to the terms of the lease agreement.

It’s a proactive measure to prevent potential issues like evictions due to non-payment, costly property damage, or frequent late rent. By reviewing a credit report, landlords gain insight into an applicant’s past performance in meeting financial obligations, providing them with a more informed basis for making rental decisions. This due diligence helps maintain the value of their property and ensures a stable income stream, which is vital for their own financial well-being and for the upkeep of the rental community.

The Apartment Application to Credit Check Sequence

The transition from submitting an apartment application to a credit check is a structured process, designed to be transparent and consent-driven. It begins with your enthusiastic application, where you express your interest in a particular apartment. As part of this application, you will typically find a section or a separate form that requests your explicit permission to run a credit check.

This is where your consent becomes paramount, a cornerstone of the entire procedure. Once you provide this authorization, the landlord or property manager will then initiate the credit check, usually through a third-party screening service. This service accesses your credit report from one or more of the major credit bureaus. The results are then compiled and sent back to the landlord, who uses this information as part of their overall evaluation of your application.

Applicant Consent in Credit Checks

The role of your consent in the credit check process is not merely a formality; it is a fundamental legal and ethical requirement. No landlord or property manager can legally access your credit report without your explicit, written permission. This consent is typically obtained through a signed authorization form as part of the rental application. This form details that you are allowing them to obtain your credit information for the purpose of evaluating your rental application.

It’s a powerful affirmation of your rights, ensuring that your sensitive financial data is not accessed without your knowledge or agreement. This consent is a vital part of the trust-building process, demonstrating transparency and respect for your privacy.

Credit Checks for Renting vs. Loan Applications

While both involve a credit check, the process for renting an apartment and applying for a loan differ in their depth and purpose. When you apply for a loan, such as a mortgage or a car loan, the credit check is often more extensive. Lenders scrutinize your creditworthiness to determine your ability to repay a significant sum of money over an extended period.

They look at your credit utilization, payment history across various types of debt, length of credit history, and the types of credit you have.In contrast, an apartment credit check is generally focused on a more specific aspect of your financial behavior: your history of paying rent and other recurring bills. While it still looks at your overall credit score and payment history, the emphasis is on indicators of financial responsibility relevant to tenancy.

Landlords are primarily concerned with your ability to consistently meet monthly rent payments and your general reliability. The scope of the check might be slightly narrower, focusing on elements that directly predict your likelihood of being a good tenant.

Information Revealed by Rental Credit Checks

A credit check for rental purposes offers a snapshot of your financial habits, providing landlords with key insights. The information typically revealed includes:

• Credit Score: This three-digit number is a summary of your creditworthiness, offering a quick gauge of your financial health. A higher score generally indicates a lower risk.
• Payment History: This section details whether you have paid your bills on time in the past. Late payments, missed payments, or defaults are red flags.
• Public Records: This may include information on bankruptcies, judgments, or liens, which are significant indicators of financial distress.
• Credit Utilization: While not always the primary focus for rentals, this shows how much of your available credit you are using. High utilization can sometimes be a concern.
• Inquiries: The report will show recent credit inquiries, indicating how many times your credit has been checked. Landlords may look for an excessive number of recent inquiries, as this can sometimes signal financial instability.

This information helps landlords make an informed decision, ensuring that their properties are entrusted to reliable individuals.

Potential Negative Impacts on Credit Scores

My dear friend, it is with a heavy heart that we must now turn our attention to the shadows that might fall upon your credit score when you seek a roof over your head. Just as a gentle breeze can stir the leaves, so too can certain actions ripple through your financial history. We must tread carefully, understanding the delicate balance that credit scores represent.When you apply for an apartment, a credit check is often part of the process.

While necessary, it’s crucial to understand how these checks, especially when numerous, can subtly, or sometimes not so subtly, influence your score. Think of your credit score as a precious tapestry; each thread represents an aspect of your financial reliability, and careless handling can fray those threads.

Inquiries and Their Collective Impact

Imagine a skilled artisan meticulously weaving a masterpiece. Each carefully placed inquiry on your credit report is like a thread being added to this tapestry. When these threads are added too rapidly, it can raise a flag, suggesting a sudden need for credit, which lenders might perceive as a sign of financial distress. This is why multiple inquiries in a short span can have a more pronounced effect than isolated ones.

A cluster of credit inquiries within a short timeframe can be interpreted by lenders as a sign of increased financial risk.

Reasons for Apartment Application Denial Based on Credit

The dream of a new home can sometimes be deferred due to factors reflected in your credit report. Landlords and property managers use these reports to gauge your reliability as a tenant, looking for signs that you can consistently meet your financial obligations.Here are some common reasons why an apartment application might be denied based on your credit:

• Low Credit Score: A score that falls below a landlord’s minimum threshold is a primary reason for denial.
• High Debt-to-Income Ratio: If your existing debts consume a large portion of your income, it may signal difficulty in managing rent payments.
• History of Evictions or Late Rent Payments: Past issues with housing payments are a significant red flag.
• Outstanding Collections or Judgments: Unresolved debts or legal judgments can indicate financial instability.
• Insufficient Credit History: In some cases, a lack of credit history can be viewed as a risk, as there’s no established pattern of responsible credit management.

Hard vs. Soft Inquiries in Apartment Applications

It is essential to distinguish between the types of credit inquiries, for they carry different weights. Think of them as different levels of scrutiny. A “hard” inquiry is like a full, in-depth examination, typically occurring when you apply for credit, such as a loan or a credit card. A “soft” inquiry, on the other hand, is a more superficial glance, often used for background checks or when you check your own credit score, and it does not affect your score.When you apply for an apartment, the landlord usually performs a hard inquiry.

This is because they are assessing your creditworthiness for a significant financial commitment – the rental agreement. This hard inquiry will appear on your credit report and can have a minor, temporary impact on your score. Soft inquiries, such as those you might make to check your own credit score before applying, do not impact your score at all.

Problematic Credit Score Ranges for Renters

While landlords’ specific requirements can vary, certain credit score ranges are generally considered problematic for securing an apartment. These ranges often signal a higher risk to property owners.

Generally, credit scores below 600 are often considered a significant challenge for renting an apartment. Scores between 600 and 650 may require additional scrutiny or a co-signer.

It’s important to remember that these are general guidelines, and individual landlords may have different minimums. Some may accept scores as low as 580 with a larger security deposit or a qualified co-signer, while others might demand scores well above 700.

Demonstrating Credit Score Decrease Due to Application Activity

Let us paint a picture with numbers, my friend, to illustrate how seeking multiple apartments in a short period could gently lower your score. Suppose your credit score is a healthy 720, a score that usually opens many doors.If you were to apply for three different apartments within a two-week period, each application would likely trigger a hard inquiry. While a single hard inquiry might only reduce your score by a few points (perhaps 2-5 points), multiple inquiries in close succession can have a cumulative effect.For example:

• Initial Score: 720
• After 1st Application (Hard Inquiry): Score might drop to 715
• After 2nd Application (Hard Inquiry): Score might drop to 710
• After 3rd Application (Hard Inquiry): Score might drop to 705

This hypothetical scenario shows a decrease of 15 points. While this might seem small, it’s important to note that this is a simplified example. The actual impact can vary based on your overall credit profile, the specific scoring model used, and how recently these inquiries occurred. Furthermore, if your score was already borderline, a few hard inquiries could push it into a less favorable range for landlords.

It is also worth noting that the impact of these inquiries diminishes over time, with most credit scoring models giving them less weight after 12 months and removing them entirely after 24 months.

Mitigating Negative Credit Impacts

My dear friends, it’s natural to feel a pang of worry when we think about our credit scores, especially when embarking on a new chapter like finding a home. But remember, knowledge is our greatest ally. Just as a skilled craftsman prepares his tools before a delicate task, we too can prepare our credit to navigate the apartment application process with grace and resilience.

Let us explore together how we can minimize any potential ripples and ensure our financial journey remains smooth and untroubled.The landlord’s inquiry is a necessary step, a way for them to understand your reliability. But like a gentle breeze, it doesn’t have to become a storm. By being proactive and strategic, we can ensure these inquiries are handled with care, leaving our credit reports as pristine as a clear morning sky.

Minimizing Credit Inquiries During Apartment Search

The journey to finding a new home can sometimes involve multiple steps, and with each step, there’s a possibility of an inquiry. To keep our credit healthy and strong, we must be mindful of how many times our credit is checked. Think of it as visiting a few trusted friends rather than knocking on every door in the neighborhood.Here are some heartfelt strategies to keep those inquiries to a minimum, ensuring your credit remains a beacon of reliability:

• Plan Your Search: Before you even begin looking at apartments, have a clear idea of your budget, preferred neighborhoods, and essential amenities. This focused approach will prevent you from applying to places that are not a good fit, thus reducing unnecessary credit checks.
• Understand Landlord Policies: Many landlords will clearly state their application fee and credit check policy. Inquire beforehand about the specific process and whether they perform a hard or soft inquiry. Some may even offer a pre-approval or a rental history verification that doesn’t impact your score as heavily.
• Communicate with Landlords: If you’ve had a recent credit inquiry for a mortgage or car loan, politely inform the landlord. Credit bureaus often allow for a grace period (typically 14-30 days) where multiple inquiries for the same type of loan are treated as a single one. While this is more common for mortgage shopping, it’s worth a conversation.
• Focus on Strong Prospects: Only apply to apartments you are genuinely serious about and believe you meet the qualifications for. Applying to many places, even if you’re just “checking things out,” can lead to a cluster of inquiries that might raise a landlord’s eyebrow.
• Consider Rental History Services: Some landlords may accept alternative forms of verification, such as a detailed rental history report from a third-party service that doesn’t require a hard credit pull for every application.

Preparing Your Credit Before Applying

Imagine preparing a beautiful garden before planting your seeds. By tending to your credit beforehand, you lay the groundwork for a successful apartment application. A little foresight can yield abundant rewards, making the entire process feel less daunting and more hopeful.Here is a thoughtful checklist to help you nurture your credit profile before you even fill out that first application:

• Review Your Credit Reports: Obtain copies of your credit reports from the major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) at least a few months before you plan to apply. This allows ample time to identify and address any errors or discrepancies.
• Check for Accuracy: Scrutinize every detail on your report. Look for any accounts that don’t belong to you, incorrect personal information, or outdated negative marks. Even small errors can sometimes have an outsized impact.
• Pay Down High Balances: Aim to reduce the utilization on your credit cards. Keeping your credit utilization ratio below 30% (and ideally below 10%) is a significant factor in credit scoring. This shows you are managing your credit responsibly.
• Ensure On-Time Payments: Verify that all your past payments have been made on time. Payment history is the most crucial element of your credit score. If you have any past-due accounts, bring them current immediately.
• Avoid Opening New Credit Accounts: Unless absolutely necessary, refrain from opening new credit cards or taking out loans shortly before or during your apartment search. Each new application can result in a hard inquiry.
• Gather Proof of Income and Assets: While not directly credit-related, having documentation ready to prove your financial stability can sometimes help a landlord look past minor credit concerns.

Disputing Inaccurate Credit Report Information

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, errors can creep into our financial stories. If you find information on your credit report that doesn’t accurately reflect your financial life, it’s essential to address it promptly. Think of it as correcting a misprint in a cherished book; it needs to be set right for the story to be true.The process of disputing inaccuracies is a right you possess, and it’s a vital step in maintaining the integrity of your creditworthiness.Here’s how you can gently but firmly correct any misinformation:

• Identify the Inaccuracy: Clearly pinpoint the specific item on your credit report that is incorrect. This could be a late payment that was actually on time, an account that isn’t yours, or an incorrect balance.
• Gather Supporting Documentation: Collect any evidence that supports your claim. This might include bank statements showing payments, correspondence with creditors, or proof of identity if an account is fraudulent.
• Contact the Credit Bureau: You can file a dispute directly with the credit bureau that provided the report. Most bureaus have online dispute forms, or you can send a written letter. Be specific and polite in your communication.
• Contact the Furnishing Creditor: In addition to contacting the credit bureau, it’s often effective to contact the company that reported the information (the creditor). They are also obligated to investigate and correct errors.
• Keep Records: Maintain copies of all correspondence, dispute forms, and documentation you send. This creates a clear trail of your efforts.
• Follow Up: Credit bureaus are required to investigate your dispute within a reasonable timeframe (usually 30 days). If you don’t hear back or the issue isn’t resolved, follow up politely.

“Accuracy is not a goal, it is a prerequisite.”

Building and Improving Credit for Future Success

The path to a strong credit score is a marathon, not a sprint, and every positive step you take builds momentum. By cultivating responsible financial habits, you not only enhance your chances for future apartment approvals but also open doors to countless other opportunities. Think of it as planting seeds of good financial behavior that will blossom into trust and reliability over time.Here are some heartfelt ways to nurture your credit profile for a brighter financial future:

• Consistent On-Time Payments: This is the cornerstone of a good credit score. Make it a habit to pay all your bills, from credit cards to utilities, on or before the due date. Setting up automatic payments can be a lifesaver.
• Manage Credit Utilization Wisely: Keep your credit card balances low relative to your credit limits. Aim to use no more than 30% of your available credit, and ideally, keep it below 10%.
• Build a Positive Credit History: If you have limited credit history, consider a secured credit card or a credit-builder loan. These tools allow you to demonstrate responsible borrowing and repayment.
• Limit New Credit Applications: As we’ve discussed, each hard inquiry can slightly lower your score. Be judicious about when and why you apply for new credit.
• Monitor Your Credit Regularly: Periodically review your credit reports for any errors or signs of identity theft. Early detection is key to preventing significant damage.

Examples of Responsible Credit Behavior

The most beautiful melodies are often composed of simple, harmonious notes played consistently. Similarly, a strong credit score is built upon a foundation of consistent, responsible financial actions. These behaviors not only impress landlords but also bring a sense of peace and security to your own financial life.Let us look at some examples of how individuals have positively influenced their rental prospects through their credit habits:

• The Diligent Saver: Sarah consistently paid her rent on time for five years. She also managed her credit card balances diligently, always keeping them well below the 30% utilization limit. When she applied for her dream apartment, her landlord was impressed by her clean payment history and low credit utilization, readily approving her application.
• The Budget-Conscious Student: David, a recent graduate, started with a small credit card, using it only for essential expenses and paying it off in full each month. He also ensured his utility bills were paid promptly. This consistent, responsible behavior built a solid credit foundation, allowing him to secure his first apartment with confidence, even with limited credit history.
• The Resilient Rebuilder: Maria had faced some financial challenges in the past. However, she committed to rebuilding her credit by making all her payments on time, even for smaller debts. She also actively worked to reduce her credit card balances. When she applied for an apartment, her landlord saw a clear pattern of improvement and a commitment to financial responsibility, which swayed them to approve her.

• The Informed Consumer: John regularly checked his credit reports and disputed a minor error he found regarding a past utility bill. By proactively correcting this inaccuracy, he ensured his credit report was a true reflection of his good financial standing, making his apartment application process smoother.

“Consistency is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”

Distinguishing Rental Inquiries from Other Credit Checks

My dear friends, as we navigate the journey of finding a home, it’s natural to feel a flutter of concern about how our credit is perceived. We’ve touched upon the mechanics, but let’s delve deeper into a crucial distinction: how a rental application’s credit check differs from those for loans or credit cards. Understanding this will bring you peace of mind and clarity.Rental inquiries, while they involve a look at your creditworthiness, are often treated with a slightly different lens by landlords and property managers.

They are seeking a responsible tenant, someone who will pay rent reliably, rather than a borrower for a financial institution. This difference in purpose can influence how the inquiry is viewed and its potential impact.

So, does applying for an apartment hurt your credit? Generally, a single application is a soft inquiry and won’t significantly impact your score. For those curious about managing their credit health alongside their banking, you might wonder does credit genie work with chime. Regardless, it’s always good to know how apartment applications function to avoid unnecessary credit score dips.

Nature of Rental Credit Inquiries

When you apply to rent an apartment, the landlord or property management company typically pulls your credit report to assess your financial reliability. This is not a request for a loan, but rather a verification of your ability to meet your financial obligations, specifically rent payments. They are looking for a history of responsible financial behavior, such as timely payments on bills and a manageable level of debt.

This helps them gauge the risk associated with renting to you.

Credit Score Thresholds for Rental Approval

The credit score thresholds for apartment approval are generally more flexible than those required for obtaining loans or credit cards. While a high credit score is always beneficial, landlords may be more willing to consider applicants with scores in the mid-600s, provided other factors are favorable. For example, a stable income, a positive rental history, and a low debt-to-income ratio can often compensate for a score that might be too low for a mortgage or a premium credit card.Here’s a general comparison, though these are not strict rules and can vary significantly by landlord and market:

• Mortgage Approval: Often requires scores in the high 600s to 700s and above, with higher scores yielding better interest rates.
• Credit Card Approval: Can range from the mid-600s for secured or basic cards to 700+ for premium rewards cards.
• Rental Approval: Many landlords will consider applicants with scores in the mid-600s, with some accepting scores as low as the high 500s, especially if other positive factors are present.

Credit Bureau Categorization of Inquiries

Credit bureaus, like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, categorize credit inquiries to help lenders and other entities understand the nature of the check. Generally, inquiries are divided into two main types:

• Hard Inquiries: These occur when you apply for credit, such as a loan, credit card, or mortgage. They can have a small, temporary negative impact on your credit score because they suggest you are seeking new debt.
• Soft Inquiries: These occur when your credit is checked for non-lending purposes, such as a background check, pre-qualification offers, or by yourself when checking your own credit report. Soft inquiries do not affect your credit score.

Rental inquiries typically fall into the category of hard inquiries, as they are part of an application process for a service that involves financial commitment.

Weighting of Rental Inquiries Compared to Other Credit Checks

While rental inquiries are usually categorized as hard inquiries, their weighting on your credit score is generally less significant than that of multiple inquiries for new credit accounts within a short period. Credit scoring models, such as FICO, are designed to differentiate between someone “shopping for a rate” on a loan and someone applying for various credit products. The impact of a single rental inquiry is typically minimal and short-lived, often affecting your score by only a few points.

“Shopping for a Rate” in Apartment Hunting

The concept of “shopping for a rate” is most commonly associated with seeking loans, like mortgages or auto loans, where you might apply to several lenders within a short timeframe to compare interest rates. Credit scoring models often allow a grace period (typically 14-45 days, depending on the model) for multiple inquiries for the same type of loan to be treated as a single inquiry.While you aren’t “shopping for a rate” in the same way when applying for apartments, the principle of not overdoing it applies.

Applying to numerous apartments within a very short period might raise flags. However, landlords understand that finding a suitable home can take time and multiple applications. The key is to be judicious. Focus on properties you are genuinely interested in and qualified for, rather than applying indiscriminately. A few well-placed inquiries for apartments you truly want will have a negligible impact compared to the benefits of securing a good home.

Final Review: Does Applying For An Apartment Hurt Your Credit

In conclusion, while applying for an apartment can involve credit inquiries, their impact is generally manageable and often less severe than other credit-seeking activities. By understanding the types of inquiries, preparing your credit beforehand, and being mindful of the application process, renters can effectively mitigate potential negative effects and enhance their chances of securing a desirable living space. Responsible financial habits remain the cornerstone of a strong credit profile, benefiting both rental prospects and broader financial goals.

FAQ

What is a credit inquiry?

A credit inquiry is a record of when your credit report is accessed by a lender or other entity. There are two main types: hard inquiries, which occur when you apply for credit, and soft inquiries, which are typically for pre-approval offers or background checks and do not affect your credit score.

How do rental applications trigger credit inquiries?

When you apply for an apartment, the landlord or property manager will typically request your consent to perform a credit check. This authorization allows them to pull your credit report from one of the major credit bureaus, which results in a credit inquiry being recorded on your report.

Do all apartment applications involve a credit check?

Not all apartment applications necessarily involve a credit check, especially for smaller landlords or in certain rental markets. However, it is a very common practice, particularly with larger property management companies and in competitive rental environments, to ensure tenant reliability.

How long does a credit inquiry from an apartment application stay on my report?

Credit inquiries, including those from rental applications, typically remain on your credit report for two years. However, their impact on your credit score usually diminishes significantly after a few months.

Can I dispute an inquiry on my credit report if I didn’t authorize it?

Yes, if you find a credit inquiry on your report that you did not authorize, you have the right to dispute it with the credit bureau. You will likely need to provide evidence that you did not give permission for the inquiry to be made.