Mumbai, September 2024 – In a pioneering step set to transform India’s rental landscape, RentenPe is introducing the country’s inaugural Rent Credit Score and Residence Card (R-Card). This trailblazing initiative, endorsed by market research from the global consultancy firm Ernst & Young, seeks to fill a notable void in the financial ecosystem by acknowledging and rewarding tenants for their reliable rent payments— a vital yet often undervalued financial responsibility.

Transforming the Rental Sector

With almost half of India’s population under 40, a significant number of young professionals are moving from smaller towns to major urban centres, significantly contributing to the national economy. These individuals typically allocate a considerable portion of their earnings— up to 30% towards rent, while also aspiring to achieve homeownership, which is highly valued in Indian culture.

Despite the importance and regularity of these rent payments, they have been largely ignored by traditional financial assessments. Unlike credit card payments or loan instalments that positively influence credit scores, rent payments have historically been disregarded, leaving renters without proper financial acknowledgement

Harnessing the Potential of Rent

RentenPe aims to address this issue by launching the Rent Credit Score, a groundbreaking metric tailored for the residential rental sector. Utilizing an advanced algorithm, this score evaluates a range of financial, qualitative, and quantitative factors. It allows tenants to establish a credit profile based on their rental history, potentially leading to improved rental agreements, rent-related loans, pre-approved home loans, and potential savings on rent.

Sarika Shetty, Co-Founder & CEO of RentenPe, comments, “We believe that rent, a major monthly financial obligation, should receive the same recognition as EMIs and credit card payments. Our Rent Credit Score and R-Card are designed to empower tenants by acknowledging their financial commitment and supporting their long-term goals, including homeownership. While we do not engage in property listings, our initiative will be advantageous for prop-tech companies as well

Global Validation and impact

RentenPe’s approach is backed by extensive research conducted in partnership with Ernst & Young, which revealed the potential of integrating rent payment data into financial assessments. It is a point of pride for India that RentenPe is the first in the world to recognize the importance of including rent in credit scoring. The company began its research and development in 2021 with EY Parthenon.

Three years later, the Canadian government acknowledged the same issue and proposed measures in their budget to incorporate rental payment history into credit scores and mortgage evaluations based on rental payment patterns.

The R-Card: India’s First Digital Rental Identity

Complementing the Rent Credit Score is the R-Card, India’s first digital rental identity. Unlike a payment card, the R-Card acts as a digital ID, functioning as your rental passport with a verified profile and Rent Credit Score, enabling tenants to access better rental deals, quicker approval processes, and potential rent discounts. For landlords, it provides instant access to verified tenant profiles, early rent facilities, and more, streamlining the rental process and fostering trust.

A Paradigm Shift in India’s Rental Market

As RentenPe prepares for its official launch, the platform is set to drive a fundamental shift in how rent is perceived. By turning rent payments into a powerful financial tool, RentenPe is not just launching a new product—it is revolutionizing the rental landscape by making every rent count, and not treating it as an expense but as a step closer to owning a home.