The letter should include an explanation regarding the negative event, the date it happened, the name of the creditor and your account number. It should also include an explanation of why you don't see this problem happening again.
Keep in mind that all these strategies take planning on your part to make them work. Find a landlord who doesn't need a credit check. Ask a real estate agent about your options. Prove your income and savings. Explain your poor credit history. Highlight how you're addressing credit issues. Consider paying more upfront.
Your letter should identify each item you dispute, state the facts, explain why you dispute the information, and ask that the business that supplied the information take action to have it removed or corrected. You may want to enclose a copy of your report with the item(s) in question circled.
Tips for writing a letter of explanation Provide all details the best you can, including correct dates and dollar amounts. Explain how and when all situations were resolved. If they are not resolved, explain that as well. Detail why problems won't happen again.