Delaware has become the second state in the nation to complete a statewide rent reporting pilot program, marking a major step toward helping renters build credit and gain access to crucial financial opportunities.
Governor Matt Meyer joined Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay and Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) officials Tuesday to announce the results of the initiative, which allows renters to have their on-time rent payments reported to credit bureaus—something that traditionally doesn’t happen.
“Rent reporting gives hardworking Delawareans credit for the payments they’re already making and opens doors to opportunity—whether that’s buying a car, securing a mortgage, or achieving financial stability,” Governor Meyer said. “I’m proud of the partnership that made this pilot possible and of the real, measurable progress it represents for families across our state.”
Credit scores often determine access to loans, credit cards, and mortgages at lower interest rates. Yet rent—typically a household’s largest monthly expense—rarely counts toward a person’s credit history. The statewide rent reporting pilot was designed to change that, offering renters a path to strengthen their financial standing through payments they already make.
The idea for the program originated with then–State Senator Kyle Evans Gay, now serving as Lieutenant Governor, who proposed the initiative to DSHA and helped secure $200,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to bring it to life.
“I will always push for innovative and effective policies that can help Delawareans succeed,” said Lt. Governor Evans Gay. “As the results of the pilot program show, we can create opportunities for our neighbors when we work together. I’m grateful to have partnered with DSHA to make this program a reality and look forward to using these findings to inform future decisions.”
The program provided 12 months of free rent and utility reporting for 225 Delaware participants who either received housing assistance through one of the state’s five public housing authorities or had household incomes at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. Participants received access to monthly credit score updates, credit alerts, and the option to report up to two years of previous rent and utility payments.
“We are excited by the potential demonstrated in our rent reporting pilot program and we hope that it encourages more individuals to participate in on-time payment tracking programs,” said DSHA Director Matthew Heckles. “We need a variety of tools in our toolbox to help solve the affordable housing crisis in Delaware. Helping renters build credit is one of those tools.”
The program was conducted in partnership with Self Financial and the nonprofit NeighborGood Partners. Self Financial provided its Rent and Bills Reporting product, which connects to participants’ bank accounts, identifies when rent and utility payments are made, and reports them to the major credit bureaus.
“By making it easier for people to get credit for the payments they’re already making, this program can help residents build a stronger financial path forward,” said Kristian Lund, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Market Innovation at Self Financial. “We’re proud to work with the state to make credit building simpler, accessible, and more impactful for everyday people.”
NeighborGood Partners offered participants free financial coaching, providing them with tools to manage credit, budgeting, and long-term savings goals.
“We at NeighborGood Partners were pleased to be a part of the Rent Reporting Pilot, which demonstrated an economical way for renters to increase their credit score,” said Karen Speakman, Executive Director of NeighborGood Partners. “Reporting one’s rent payments to the credit bureaus makes a lot of practical sense and when combined with financial education, it’s a terrific combination for renters who want to improve their financial situation.”
