How Long Does an Eviction Stay on Your Record?

An eviction on your record can damage your chances of renting another apartment. It can also hurt your ability to get insurance policies.

The eviction process starts when your landlord takes specific actions:

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Files for eviction in court
Hires debt collectors to recover unpaid rent
Sues you in small claims court
Reports late or missed payments

Unpaid rent and eviction records get stored in credit bureau databases. Other landlords can access these records when screening tenants. Most landlords won’t rent to people with eviction or nonpayment history.

If your landlord sues you for unpaid rent, you have options. Our partner Solo can help you respond with an attorney-approved answer quickly.

Evictions stay on your credit report for seven years minimum. If you file bankruptcy and include unpaid rent, it remains for ten years.

Only a judge can order an eviction removed from your record. Most eviction cases never go to trial, making removal extremely rare.

What’s the Impact of Eviction on Your Credit Report?

Evictions can severely damage your credit score. Your landlord might sue you in small claims court for late or unpaid rent. Winning that case creates a civil judgment against you.

Civil judgments hurt your credit history. They remain on your record for seven years.

Eviction information might not appear directly on your credit report. However, it shows up in your rental history report. Landlords check this report when screening potential tenants.

Your landlord might sell your unpaid debt to a collection agency. When that happens, the debt appears on your credit report. Collection accounts significantly lower your credit score.

How Can You Remove an Eviction from Your Record?

You must petition the court to remove an eviction. Winning that petition is your only option for removal.

Follow these steps to dispute your eviction:

1. Petition the Court

Go to the county where your eviction case was filed. Submit a petition to the local court requesting removal.

2. Prove You Didn’t Violate Your Lease

Show evidence that you paid rent on time. Demonstrate that you left the property in good condition. Documentation like payment receipts and photos helps your case.

3. Prove Your Landlord Didn’t Follow Legal Procedures

State laws govern eviction processes differently. Research the legal requirements in your state. Show the court that your landlord violated proper eviction procedures.

You have a strong case if you can prove either point. The judge will remove the eviction if you demonstrate no wrongdoing.

Need help responding to an eviction lawsuit? Our partner Solo makes it easy to file your response and fight back.

What If You Lose the Eviction Lawsuit?

You can still negotiate with your landlord after losing. Reach out to discuss a mutual settlement.

Request a mediator from the court if needed. Mediators help both parties reach fair agreements.

After reaching an agreement, you can apply for expungement. You’ll need your landlord’s written permission to proceed.

Document everything during mediation. Keep records of:

All mediation proceedings
Your landlord’s consent
The mutual agreement terms

These documents support your expungement application. Even with successful expungement, you must still clear your name with credit reporting agencies separately.

How to Rent with an Eviction Record

Landlords often deny rental applications when they see evictions. You can take steps to improve your chances.

Explain the Eviction

Be honest with potential landlords about what happened. Explain your circumstances clearly. Many landlords appreciate honesty and may give you a chance.

Offer to Pay Upfront

Show financial responsibility by offering advance payment. Pay several months of rent upfront if possible. Security deposits larger than standard amounts also help.

Get a Co-Signer

A co-signer with good credit reduces landlord risk. Your co-signer guarantees payment if you can’t pay. Choose someone with stable income and strong credit history.

Provide Strong References

Get references from previous landlords, employers, or character witnesses. Strong references can offset negative rental history.

Look for Private Landlords

Private landlords are often more flexible than property management companies. They may consider your individual circumstances rather than strict screening policies.

Rebuilding Your Rental History

Once you secure a rental, focus on rebuilding your reputation. Pay rent on time every month without exception.

Keep the property in excellent condition. Document your maintenance with photos. Request a positive reference letter when you move out.

Good rental behavior over time can outweigh past evictions. Future landlords value recent positive history over old problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an eviction stay on my record?

An eviction stays on your record for seven years minimum. If you file bankruptcy and include unpaid rent, the eviction remains on your record for ten years.

Can I remove an eviction from my record?

You can only remove an eviction by petitioning the court and winning your case. You must prove either that you didn't violate your lease or that your landlord didn't follow proper eviction procedures.

What happens if I lose an eviction lawsuit?

You can negotiate a settlement with your landlord after losing. With your landlord's consent, you can apply for expungement. You'll still need to clear your name separately with credit reporting agencies.

How do I rent an apartment with an eviction on my record?

Explain the eviction honestly to potential landlords, offer to pay rent upfront, get a co-signer with good credit, or look for private landlords who may be more flexible than property management companies.

Does an eviction appear on my credit report?

Evictions don't appear directly on credit reports but show up in rental history reports. However, if your landlord sells unpaid debt to collectors, it appears on your credit report as a collection account.