While eviction records do not appear on your credit reports, outstanding rent or fees sent to collections can affect your credit score, if they are reported.
Eviction records are not included in consumer credit reports. However, if you owe money to a landlord and the landlord sends the debt over to collections, that information could be reflected in your credit history. This could potentially damage your credit score. Collection accounts can remain on your report for up to seven years from the date of the missed payment.
Do Evictions Appear on Your Credit Report?
Evictions are public records but do not show up on traditional credit reports. This means they can be tricky. Only bankruptcy filings are included as public records in this context.
Landlords typically check your credit history and score through tenant screening reports. These reports may also contain your rental history (including any evictions), employment details, criminal background checks, and whether you’re listed on any watchlists. Additionally, some screening reports feature a risk score specifically tailored for landlords.
Duration of Eviction Records
Eviction records can stay on tenant screening reports for a maximum of seven years. This timeline aligns with other public records such as judgments and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In contrast, Chapter 7 bankruptcy may remain on your report for up to ten years, and there is no time limit for criminal convictions.
Removing Evictions from Your Record
While evictions don’t show up on credit reports, there may be ways to have them removed from tenant screening reports:
Dispute Any Inaccuracies
You have the right to contest inaccuracies in your consumer reports. If you find duplicate entries or incorrect information, you can dispute these with the reporting agencies. A significant portion of eviction cases may contain inaccuracies—studies have shown up to 22% of records can be ambiguous or false.
Research Your State’s Laws
Some states have processes to seal or expunge eviction records, limiting access to them or removing them entirely. Depending on the situation, the court might automatically seal or expunge records, or you may need to take legal action.
Consult With an Attorney
Seeking advice from a legal professional who specializes in housing law can provide insights into your specific case. ConsumerShield has a wealth of legal information and can connect you with the best attorneys in your area.
Renting After an Eviction
If you've faced eviction, securing a new rental may be challenging, but several strategies can improve your chances:
Communicate the Context: If circumstances have changed since the eviction, explain your situation to potential landlords.
Increase Financial Commitment: Offering a larger security deposit or prepaying rent can demonstrate your commitment.
Provide References: A letter of recommendation from your former landlord can be beneficial, especially if you've resolved issues since the eviction.
Gather Other References: References from previous landlords, employers, or colleagues can strengthen your application.
Secure a Cosigner: A creditworthy friend or family member may be willing to cosign your lease.
Seek Less Conventional Rentals: Some landlords do not conduct tenant screenings. A landlord with one rental may be more understanding than a corporation. While they may check credit scores, they might overlook eviction records.
Generally speaking, landlords with less properties may be more flexible than larger, corporate property management companies.
