Answering the Most Common Questions About Rent A Center and References
Welcome to our article dedicated to answering the burning question: Does Rent A Center call references for collection purposes?
As a rent to own company that has been in business for over 40 years, Rent A Center has been the subject of many rumors and speculations when it comes to their policies and practices. One of the most common concerns that people have when considering renting from Rent A Center is whether or not they will call their references. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about this topic, including some frequently asked questions.
The Introduction: What You Need to Know About Rent A Center
Rent A Center is a rent-to-own company that provides furniture, appliances, electronics, and other household items to customers who may not have access to credit or the financial means to purchase these items outright. With over 2,000 locations across the United States, Rent A Center has become a popular choice for many people who are looking for a flexible payment plan and a way to furnish their homes without a large upfront cost.
However, despite its popularity, Rent A Center has also faced criticism and concern from customers and consumer advocates alike. One of the most frequent concerns raised is whether Rent A Center calls references for collection purposes. This is an important question to answer because, for many people, having Rent A Center call their references could lead to embarrassment or even broader consequences.
So, does Rent A Center call references for collections? Let’s find out.
Answering the Question: Does Rent A Center Call References for Collections?
The short answer is yes, Rent A Center does call references for collection purposes.
When you apply to rent an item from Rent A Center, you will be asked to provide references as part of the application process. These references are used not only to confirm your identity but also to help Rent A Center track you down if you miss a payment or otherwise violate the terms of your rental agreement.
If you miss a payment or violate the terms of your rental agreement, Rent A Center will likely start by attempting to contact you directly. However, if you are unresponsive or cannot be reached, Rent A Center may begin to contact your references in an attempt to locate you and collect the money owed.
So, while Rent A Center may not always call your references, it is certainly within their rights to do so. With that said, it is important to remember that Rent A Center is a business and not a law enforcement agency. They do not have the authority to arrest or detain you for not making your payments.
How Does Rent A Center Contact References?
When Rent A Center needs to contact your references, they will typically do so by phone or email. They may also attempt to contact your references via text message or social media if they have that information.
When contacting your references, Rent A Center will typically identify themselves and explain that they are attempting to get in touch with you. They may also ask for updated contact information or other details that may help them track you down.
What Happens If Your References Are Unresponsive?
If your references are unresponsive or cannot be reached, Rent A Center may escalate their collections efforts by working with a collections agency or pursuing legal action.
It is important to note, however, that Rent A Center typically only pursues legal action as a last resort. In most cases, they will work with you to come up with a repayment plan that is manageable for you and allows you to keep the items you have rented.
Can You Refuse to Provide References?
While Rent A Center does require references as part of the application process, you are not obligated to provide them. However, if you refuse to provide references, Rent A Center may deny your application.
Additionally, it is worth noting that providing references can actually be to your advantage. If you have a good relationship with your references and they can vouch for your responsibility and reliability, it may increase your likelihood of being approved for a rental.
What Information Does Rent A Center Collect About Your References?
When you provide references to Rent A Center, they will typically collect the following information:
| Name | Phone number | Relationship to you |
It is important to make sure that the references you provide are aware that they may be contacted by Rent A Center in the future.
Can Rent A Center Call Your Employer?
While Rent A Center does not typically call employers as part of the application process, they may do so if they are unable to reach you or your references. However, they will only do so for the purpose of contacting you and attempting to collect the money owed.
What Happens If You Change Your References?
If you need to update or change your references, you can typically do so by contacting Rent A Center directly. They will likely ask for updated contact information and may require that you provide additional references if your previous ones are no longer available.
Can Your References Be Charged for Your Debts?
No, your references cannot be held responsible for your debts to Rent A Center. However, if your references provide false or misleading information about your identity or creditworthiness, they may be liable for any damages that result.
What Should You Do If You Are Unable to Make a Payment?
If you are unable to make a payment on your rental, it is important to contact Rent A Center as soon as possible. They are often willing to work out a repayment plan that is manageable for you and can help you avoid collections efforts.
How Can You Avoid Having Your References Called?
The best way to avoid having your references called by Rent A Center is to make sure that you make all of your rental payments on time and in full. If you are unable to make a payment, contact Rent A Center as soon as possible to discuss your options.
What Happens If You Default on Your Rental Agreement?
If you default on your rental agreement, Rent A Center may take legal action to collect the money owed. This could result in wage garnishment, a judgment against you, or other consequences.
What Should You Look for in a Rent to Own Company?
When considering a rent to own company, it is important to look for a company that is transparent about their policies and practices, has a good reputation, and offers flexible terms that work for you.
What Are the Benefits of Renting to Own?
The benefits of renting to own include flexible payment plans, the ability to furnish your home without a large upfront cost, and the ability to return items without penalty if you are no longer able to make payments.
What Are the Risks of Renting to Own?
The risks of renting to own include high interest rates, the potential for hidden fees and penalties, and the risk of damaging your credit if you are unable to make payments.
What Should You Do If You Have Concerns About Rent A Center?
If you have concerns about Rent A Center or any other rent to own company, you can contact your local consumer protection agency or the Better Business Bureau to file a complaint or get more information.
Can Rent A Center Take Legal Action Against You for Missed Payments?
Yes, Rent A Center can take legal action against you for missed payments. However, they will typically only do so as a last resort and will work with you to come up with a repayment plan before escalating their collections efforts.
Conclusion: What You Need to Know About Rent A Center and References
In conclusion, Rent A Center does call references for collection purposes. When you apply to rent an item from Rent A Center, you will be asked to provide references, and if you miss a payment or violate the terms of your rental agreement, Rent A Center may contact your references in an attempt to locate you and collect the money owed.
However, it is important to remember that Rent A Center is a business and not a law enforcement agency. They do not have the authority to arrest or detain you for not making your payments. Additionally, Rent A Center is typically willing to work with you to come up with a repayment plan that is manageable for you and can help you avoid collections efforts.
If you have concerns about Rent A Center or any other rent to own company, it is important to do your research and make sure that you understand the terms of your rental agreement before signing on the dotted line.
Thank you for reading, and we hope that this article has answered your questions about Rent A Center and references.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal or financial advice. The author and publisher disclaim any and all liability in connection with the use of this article. It is recommended that readers seek the advice of a licensed professional before making any decisions related to renting to own or collections.