Real-estate agents and landlords aren’t able to access your credit report, so being on a lease with someone or having a housemate isn’t going to directly impact your credit score. However, splitting your utility bills with a housemate that is slack paying their share could land you in hot water.

Remember, a default can be recorded on your credit report if your payment of $150 or more is overdue by 60 days or more. This includes your payments on your utility accounts such as your energy, phone and internet accounts. If your name is on your utility accounts, make sure your housemate is prompt in paying their share. If or when it’s time to move out, make sure you take your name off the account.

If a default is listed on your credit report, it will remain there for 5 years even after it has been repaid. This can lower your credit score and could impact your ability to access credit in the future.

Have you or your housemate checked your credit scores? Check your Experian credit score right now for free at Credit Savvy.

This article was originally published on Credit Savvy.