How long does a broken lease stay on record?
Asked by: Elmore Armstrong | Last update: February 1, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (60 votes)
A broken lease, if it results in unpaid debt sent to collections or a court judgment, typically stays on your record for seven years from the date of the first delinquency, impacting your credit and rental history, though paying it off makes it look better to future landlords. Evictions are more severe and can stay on records (including specific tenant screening databases) for up to 7-10 years.
How long will a broken lease stay on your record?
How long does a broken lease stay on your record? A broken lease doesn't appear on your credit report, but its consequences might. If unpaid rent or fees are sent to collections, the resulting collection account can stay on your credit report and impact your credit score for up to seven years.
Will breaking a lease affect rental history?
Impact on Future Rental Applications
Common consequences include: Poor rental history: Unpaid rent, collections, or broken leases can stay on your record and make future landlords hesitant to approve your application.
Can I get an apartment with a broken lease?
Although every rental management company evaluates broken leases differently, if you owe money to another rental company, most won't rent to you. However, if you've broken a lease and either don't owe money or previously owed money and paid it off, it's less likely to adversely affect your application.
How badly does a broken lease affect your credit?
Breaking a lease doesn't impact your credit unless you fail to pay any lease-breaking fees or remaining payments due as spelled out in your lease's contract. You should read your contract to see what those are and decide if you're willing to pay them.
How To Break Your Lease | Get Out Of Your Lease With No Penalty
Can a broken lease be removed from credit?
Breaking a lease itself isn't a direct entry on your credit report. The real risk comes from unpaid financial obligations and, if these remain unresolved, your landlord could send the balance to collections, which may impact your credit score.
What is the best excuse to break a lease?
The best excuses to break a lease legally without penalty are usually active military duty, uninhabitable living conditions (like no heat, mold, major repairs ignored by landlord), or being a victim of domestic violence/stalking, as federal and state laws often protect these situations. Other strong, negotiable reasons include a landlord harassing you, a major health crisis, or a job transfer, but these often require landlord negotiation, finding a replacement tenant, or paying a fee, rather than being automatic legal outs.
Is it hard to rent after breaking a lease?
Depending on the situation, a tenant that leaves a contract with no forewarning and no reason could face these consequences: Termination/penalty fees. Legal action taken against the renter. Difficulty renting future apartments.
Does bad rental history go away?
Even dismissed cases can appear for up to 7 years under FCRA §1681c. Order your report from Experian RentBureau / TransUnion SmartMove. File a dispute and request sealing if case was dismissed (California courts seal after 60 days).
Can landlords see if you broke a lease?
Rent violations is a crucial element that prospective landlords review through a Tenant Background Check. This check will reveal if you've had evictions, violations of lease agreements, or even property damages. A broken lease can leave a mark on this history, making it more challenging to secure future rentals.
Is it better to be evicted or break a lease?
Some assume that breaking a lease is the same as eviction, but that's not entirely true. While both involve ending a rental contract, the legal and financial consequences differ significantly. A broken lease can lead to financial penalties, lawsuits, or even an eviction record, depending on how it is handled.
What looks bad on rental history?
Bad rental history includes evictions, frequently late or missed rent payments, significant property damage, breaking lease terms (like having unauthorized pets or subletting), lease violations (noise complaints, illegal activity), unpaid balances to previous landlords, and even a poor credit score or criminal record, all of which signal instability or risk to new landlords. A previous landlord marking "would not rerent" is a major red flag.
Can you rent an apartment if you owe money to another?
Put simply, if a new landlord finds out that you have outstanding apartment debt, it is likely that they will deny your application and forbid you from living in their apartment complex.
Does breaking a lease look bad on rental history?
If the tenant ends the lease due to legitimate circumstances—such as job relocation, medical emergencies, or other unforeseen personal issues—this can sometimes be mitigated. However, if the termination appears to be without valid justification, it could lead to a negative mark on the tenant's rental history.
How do I get around bad rental history?
What Are the Best Strategies for Renting with an Eviction?
- Be Willing to Compromise. ...
- Try to Remove the Eviction From Your Record. ...
- Focus On Private Landlords. ...
- Look At Complexes in Smaller Towns and Cities. ...
- Look for Landlords Skipping Credit Checks. ...
- Talk to Your Last Landlord. ...
- Work On Your Credit Score. ...
- Offer Rent In Advance.
Does breaking a lease have a negative impact?
Negative rental references: Renters who break leases under less-than-desirable circumstances will receive negative references from past landlords, making it harder for them to secure future rentals.
How to rent with a broken lease?
How to Get an Apartment With a Broken Lease
- Pay Any Money Owed. ...
- Be Honest with Decision-Makers. ...
- Apply for Private Rentals. ...
- Get People to Vouch for Your Character. ...
- Get Someone to Co-sign for You. ...
- Offer to Pay a Larger Deposit. ...
- Consider Your Priorities. ...
- Minimize the Risk of Breaking your Lease.
How long does a broken lease stay on your rental history?
Fact checked by Ashleigh S. A broken lease stays on your credit report for 7 years, hurting your score until it drops off-especially if unpaid rent goes to collections. Landlords typically report it within 30 days, and paying won't remove the negative mark, though it may help.
How far back do landlords look at rental history?
Most rental history reports cover the last seven years and can help landlords assess payment history and lease compliance. Using automated tenant screening services can help speed up the process while staying compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
What is the best excuse to break the lease?
The best excuses to break a lease legally without penalty are usually active military duty, uninhabitable living conditions (like no heat, mold, major repairs ignored by landlord), or being a victim of domestic violence/stalking, as federal and state laws often protect these situations. Other strong, negotiable reasons include a landlord harassing you, a major health crisis, or a job transfer, but these often require landlord negotiation, finding a replacement tenant, or paying a fee, rather than being automatic legal outs.
Will breaking a lease affect background checks?
If your landlord reports the early move-out to a tenant screening service or credit bureau, it could make getting another apartment more difficult. A broken lease on your record can raise red flags for future landlords.
Should I get a lawyer if I break my lease?
Remember to read your lease to better understand your options and the potential financial impact of each one. In the right situation, having a lawyer call to negotiate or write a lease termination letter on your behalf can get even better results than handling the situation on your own.
Does breaking a lease hurt your credit?
Key Takeaways. Breaking a lease doesn't automatically impact your credit score. If unpaid rent or fees go to collections after you break your lease, your credit score may be affected. Communicating with your landlord before breaking your lease could help you find options with fewer penalties.
What to say when breaking your lease?
It's typically best to provide a written notice to your landlord, at least 30 to 60 days in advance of moving out, that you plan to break the lease on your house or apartment. In your notice, include a move-out date and your reasons for breaking your lease.
How can I negotiate a lease buyout?
You can negotiate with the financer directly to see if they'll accept a lower total cost for the vehicle. With this information, you can start your end-of-lease negotiation. Make an offer – After your research is completed and your finances are in order, visit the dealership with a lease buyout offer.