How Long Does an Eviction Stay on Your Record?
If you’ve been through an eviction, you may wonder: Will this eviction haunt me forever? It’s a fair question—and an important one if you’re planning to rent again, apply for a mortgage, or even rebuild your credit.
In this article, we’ll explain how long an eviction can stay on public records and credit reports. You’ll also learn how an eviction affects your ability to rent and what steps you can take to improve your future housing opportunities.
How Long Does an Eviction Impact Your Record?
An eviction can leave a mark that follows you longer than many people expect. But where exactly does it show up—and for how long? Let’s break it down.
How Long an Eviction Stays on Your Public Record
When a landlord files for eviction, the case becomes part of your public record. This record can remain visible for at least seven years in most states. In some states, it can remain indefinitely unless sealed by a court.
Even if the case was dismissed, or you settled with your landlord, the filing itself may still appear in court records. Background check companies often pull these records when screening rental applicants.
Landlord screening databases: Many landlords use third-party screening services that collect eviction records and tenant data. These databases can hold eviction information beyond seven years. If your name is in one of these databases, it could affect your rental prospects even after the official public record no longer appears.
How Long an Eviction Stays on Your Credit Report
It’s important to know that the eviction itself does not appear on your credit report. However, if your landlord or property manager sends an unpaid debt—such as back rent or court fees—to a collection agency, that collection account will appear on your credit report.
Evictions themselves vs. collection accounts: The eviction filing won’t appear on your credit report, but any unpaid rent or fees sent to a collection agency will. While landlords may win a monetary judgment in court, credit bureaus no longer include civil judgments on credit reports. The collection account is what can affect your credit report and credit score.
Typical reporting duration: Collection accounts remain on your credit report for up to seven years from the date the account first became delinquent. During this time, the collection account can lower your credit score and affect your ability to rent or borrow money.
Changes due to credit reporting rule updates: Recent credit reporting changes have removed some types of civil judgments from credit reports, but collection accounts related to unpaid rent are still reported. Paying the debt may reduce the negative impact, but it will not automatically remove the account from your credit report.
How an Eviction Affects Your Ability to Rent Again
Many renters worry that an eviction will automatically disqualify them from future housing. While it can make renting more difficult, it depends on several factors.
Tenant Screening and Background Checks
Most landlords perform tenant screening when reviewing rental applications. These screenings typically include a background check, credit report, and public records search. If an eviction appears in any of these areas, it may raise a red flag.
Some landlords are more forgiving than others. Independent landlords may consider your current income, references, and efforts to resolve past issues. Large property management companies often have stricter policies.
Impact on Future Landlords’ Decisions
An eviction can make it harder to secure housing with major landlords or large apartment complexes. These landlords often have rigid screening standards that automatically reject applicants with eviction records or recent collection accounts.
Smaller landlords or individual property owners may take a more personal approach. If you can show stable income, positive references, and an improved credit report, some may be willing to overlook a past eviction.
How Long Landlords Typically Care About Past Evictions
The impact of an eviction usually lessens over time. Many landlords focus on the most recent three to five years of your rental history. If you have built a clean record since your eviction, your chances of approval improve.
That said, if your eviction is still showing in landlord databases, or you have an unpaid collection account on your credit report, it can remain an obstacle. Proactively addressing these issues gives you the best chance of moving forward.
How to Remove an Eviction From Your Record
If you’re trying to move forward, the good news is that an eviction does not have to follow you forever. But removing it from your record takes action. Here are steps to consider.
Was the Eviction Legally Valid?
Start by confirming whether the eviction was filed correctly. If the landlord violated local or state eviction laws, you may be able to have the record dismissed or sealed.
Examples of improper filings include lack of proper notice, discrimination, or failure to follow legal procedures. Consult with a local attorney or legal aid office if you suspect the eviction was invalid.
How to Dispute Errors in Tenant Screening Reports
Tenant screening reports can contain mistakes. If an eviction appears in one of these reports but was dismissed, settled, or entered in error, you have the right to dispute it.
Request a copy of the report from the screening company. If you find incorrect information, submit a written dispute along with supporting documentation. The company must investigate and correct any verified errors.
Negotiating With Landlords for Dismissal
If the eviction case is still open or was filed recently, you may be able to negotiate with your landlord to have it dismissed.
For example, offering to pay past due rent or cover court costs might lead the landlord to agree to a dismissal. In some cases, you can include this agreement in writing to ensure the case does not appear in tenant databases.
Sealing or Expunging Eviction Records (State Laws Vary)
Some states allow you to request that eviction records be sealed or expunged after a certain period or under specific circumstances.
Sealing means the record will no longer be visible to the public or landlords. Eligibility varies widely by state. Some states offer automatic sealing for dismissed cases, while others require you to file a formal request with the court.
Check your local laws or speak with a housing attorney to see what options are available where you live.
How to Rebuild After an Eviction
Even if you can’t fully erase an eviction, you can still rebuild your rental profile and credit. Here’s how to make yourself a stronger rental candidate.
Rebuilding Your Rental History
Focus on establishing a clean rental history after the eviction. Positive reports from new landlords can outweigh an older eviction record.
Consider starting with smaller landlords or individual property owners who may be more flexible. Once you secure a new lease, pay on time and keep communication open with your landlord.
Strengthening Your Credit Profile
Improving your credit report can help offset a past eviction and increase your appeal to landlords.
Pay off any collections tied to the eviction, even if it won’t immediately remove them from your credit report. Then, focus on positive credit habits such as making on-time payments, reducing debt, and keeping credit card balances low.
If you don’t have much credit history, consider opening a secured credit card or credit builder loan to establish new positive activity.
Using References and Cosigners for New Leases
Strong personal references and a reliable cosigner can help you secure a lease despite a past eviction.
Ask former landlords, employers, or professional contacts to provide letters of reference. If possible, have someone with strong credit and income co-sign your lease to give landlords additional reassurance.
Conclusion
An eviction can make renting more difficult, but it is not a permanent stain on your record. Over time, its impact fades—especially if you take proactive steps to address it.
Focus on cleaning up your records, improving your credit profile, and building a positive rental history. With patience and persistence, you can move past an eviction and secure housing again.
