How long do evictions stay on record?

Asked by: Jalon Kuphal Sr.  |  Last update: June 24, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (25 votes)

Eviction records can stay in your tenant screening reports for up to seven years. The same seven-year timeline also applies to other public records, such as judgments, Chapter 13 bankruptcy and information about lawsuits.

How long does eviction show up on a background check?

Time factor: Eviction records generally remain on public records for a set time, often up to seven years. After this period, the eviction may no longer appear on background checks, removing it from the tenant's immediate rental history.

How badly does an eviction hurt your credit?

Fortunately, an eviction itself won't appear on your credit report. However, if you've been evicted for non-payment of rent, the landlord will likely hire a collections company to pursue your debt. This collections account will appear on your credit report and hurt your credit score.

Can evictions be expunged in Michigan?

A judgment for possession (eviction order) was entered at least three years before the motion to expunge the records, the court determines that the expungement is clearly in the interests of justice, and the interests of justice are not outweighed by the public's interest in knowing about the records.

Does an eviction stay on your rental history forever?

In California an eviction cannot remain on your record for more than seven years.

How Long Do Evictions Stay on Record? | American Landlord

15 related questions found

How do I get rid of an eviction on my record?

How to get an eviction off your record: 6 easy steps
  1. If you believe you were wrongfully evicted, take it to court. ...
  2. Pay (or settle) your rental debts. ...
  3. Ask to have collections removed from your credit report. ...
  4. Ask to have the eviction removed from tenant-screening reports. ...
  5. Make sure negative actions have been removed.

Does an eviction prevent you from renting again?

You can still rent an apartment after being evicted and rebuild your rental history. So, don't worry about how to rent with an eviction on your record.

How long does an eviction stay on your record in MI?

While an eviction generally only stays on your credit report for seven years the court records are a matter of public record and if you look hard enough they can usually be found.

How to rent with an eviction on your record near me?

If your potential landlord is still hesitant about renting with you, propose having a guarantor or cosigner. This is a good option if you have an eviction on your record, but it can be tricky. You'll have to ask someone to cosign for you, and they'll be held responsible if you miss a rent payment.

Does an eviction affect your ability to buy a house?

Having been evicted makes it more difficult to get a home loan or to get one with favorable terms. If you've been evicted, you likely need to rebuild your credit before you can buy a home.

Can you get a house with an eviction on your record?

The simple answer to the question “Can an eviction stop you from buying a house?” is no, an eviction alone won't stop you from being approved for a mortgage. However, there are many elements to consider, especially when it comes to non-payment, which can harm your credit score.

How do landlords check rental history?

Request a rental history report from a screening company. This report will provide you with information on the applicant's rental history, including any eviction records or negative rental references. There are a number of online tenant screening services that can provide you with rental history reports.

How do landlords know if you've been evicted?

There are three ways in which a landlord can check for evictions: your credit report, eviction report, or landlord reference checks. Although evictions don't usually show on your credit report, they can if your landlord won a court judgment against you for unpaid rent or money to cover property damage.

How long does failure to pay rent stay on your record?

Background Checks: Again, evictions typically stay on your background checks, including your rental history, for 7 years. Public Records: Evictions usually stay on public records for 7 years, although this can vary by state.

Can landlords see evictions from other states?

If you lost the case, it would normally remain a matter of public record indefinitely, and could well come up if the prospective landlord runs a background check - even if the prospective landlord- is not located in California.

How to get an apartment with an eviction?

Tips for Renting After Eviction
  1. Understand your situation. ...
  2. Get references — including previous landlords or employers if possible. ...
  3. Try an apartment locator service. ...
  4. Find a landlord that does not do background checks. ...
  5. Find someone who can co-sign. ...
  6. Stay on top of your credit. ...
  7. Be Honest.

How hard is it to rent after an eviction?

Some landlords will immediately refuse to rent to any tenant who has been evicted. Other property owners are more lenient and may require only proof of employment, a higher monthly payment, or a larger security deposit from prospective tenants.

How can I hide my bad rental history?

Look into an eviction expungement in your county. By proving that you've since paid the debt or that the eviction was unfairly brought against you, you stand a good chance of having the request granted. The reporting company will then be required to remove the information via the FCRA.

How can I look up to see if I have an eviction on my record?

The tenant can check state and county court systems for any cases that would appear on the public record. Evictions can stay on their record for up to seven years, so if the issue in question was long ago, they may be in the clear.

Do evictions show on background checks?

Can evictions appear on background checks even if they are not on a person's credit report? Yes. They're public records so the records of the court filings will show up on a good background check.

Will an eviction prevent me from renting?

Even though the eviction doesn't show up on your credit report, it is a matter of public record and will show up on a tenant screening or background check. Being truthful about your eviction gives you a chance to explain the circumstances and offer reasons it won't happen again.

Does dismissed eviction stay on your record?

How long a dismissed eviction stays on your rental record depends on how rental databases and agencies report it. Usually, it stays on your record for a few years. But as time goes on and you build a solid rental history, the impact of the dismissed eviction tends to fade away.

Can I buy a house with an eviction?

So, while an eviction won't automatically disqualify you from getting a mortgage, it does raise red flags. Expect lenders to dig deeper into your rental history and require extra reassurances before approving a home loan.

How do I check my rental history?

The Best Tools to View Your Rental History
  1. Experian RentBureau. Experian RentBureau gathers rental payment data directly from property management companies and includes it in tenants' credit reports. ...
  2. Equifax. ...
  3. TransUnion SmartMove. ...
  4. MyRental by CoreLogic. ...
  5. Tenant Background Search. ...
  6. Credit Karma.

Can a landlord lose an eviction case?

Procedural Errors: You must follow proper legal procedures in the eviction process. Otherwise, the court can dismiss the case if found procedural errors when evicting a tenant. This can include not serving the tenant with the proper notices or not filing the eviction paperwork correctly.