How to Get an Eviction Off Your Record [2025]

Evictions can affect your ability to secure a lease, and there are several strategies you can use to mitigate their impact. By following the right steps, you can work toward removing an eviction from your record, repairing your credit, and increasing your chances of getting approved for future rentals.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to check if you have an eviction on record, what happens if you’re rejected because of it, and the strategies you can follow to get an eviction removed.

How Do You Find Out If You Have an Eviction on Record?

There are two places you can check for an eviction on your record: a credit report or a tenant screening report.

Evictions are a legal procedure that property managers, such as landlords, use to remove tenants. During the eviction process, a public record of the eviction is created, which can follow you for a long time.

Renters are evicted for a variety of reasons, but regardless of the cause, the eviction will appear on background checks and tenant screening reports. You can ask for a copy of this report from a tenant screening agency.

If you’re searching for a new apartment, you can ask the landlord or property manager to identify the screening agency they use and contact them for more information.

Credit reports differ from screening reports, as credit bureaus gather information related to payment history and debts. Many people assume you can’t see an eviction on your credit report, but unfortunately, this isn’t true. If you were evicted for not paying fees or rent and owe money to the property, the landlord may submit your debt to a collection agency. Collections activity (such as non-payment of rent) typically appears on your credit report within 30 to 60 days.

Three credit reporting agencies allow you to request a free credit report once a year. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to request the free reports from Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. We recommend checking it annually to stay updated on your report information.

What Happens If You’re Rejected Because of Your Credit or Screening Report?

If you’ve applied and been rejected from a rental unit because of your renter screening or credit report, the landlord must inform you about the negative action on your report and offer contact information for the reporting agency. They are required to do this because of the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

If you’ve been rejected because of information on a screening company’s report, credit, or screening agency, you’re legally entitled to a free report from them.

How Do You Get an Eviction Off Your Record?

Here are the most effective strategies for removing an eviction from your record and improving your rental prospects:

1. If Wrongfully Evicted, Take It to Court

States have their own eviction laws and regulations, so you should check with your state’s eviction agency that’s in charge of renters' rights. You can find these agencies by searching “landlord tenant laws” plus the state you live in.

There may be situations where your landlord didn’t follow the right eviction protocols, and if you can prove that you didn’t violate the terms of your rental agreement, you might be allowed to petition the court to remove the eviction from your record.

Legal aid organizations may provide support in bringing your case to the court if your income is below a certain level.

2. Pay Off Your Rental Debts

If there are outstanding balances associated with your eviction, please pay them as soon as possible. If you can’t pay the full amount, consider negotiating with the landlord or the collection agency. In these situations, they may be willing to accept a lesser amount or set up a payment plan to clear the debt.

3. Request Collections Remove the Eviction From Your Credit Report

In some cases, you’ve paid the debt, but it still shows up on your credit report. When you make the payment (whether negotiating or paying in full), speak to the landlord or collection agency to ask that they remove the collection from your credit report. Get the agreement in writing so you can refer to it in the future if needed.

If the collection isn’t removed from your record, you can use the document to file a dispute with the credit bureau.

4. Ask to Remove the Eviction From Tenant Screening Reports

Submit a request to the landlord or property manager to have the eviction record removed from your tenant screening reports as part of the agreement of your payment in full or settling your debt. Get this in writing.

5. Verify That Negative Actions Were Removed

After following the above steps to have an eviction taken off your record, ensure that everything related to the eviction is removed from the tenant screening report or credit report. If something still shows up, move to step six.

6. Correct Errors With Credit Bureaus and Tenant Screening Agencies

If there are inaccurate items on your tenant screening report or credit report, start the process to submit a dispute with the credit bureau. You will need to submit proof that the report is inaccurate. Provide them with any written documentation or agreements that were signed when you paid off the rental debt or settlement amount.

Is It Possible to Rent With an Eviction on Your Record?

Yes, it’s possible to rent with an eviction on your record, but it will be harder to find a place to live. Most landlords and rental companies look for tenants who will pay their rent on time and have a clean rental history. Here are the top tips for renting after an eviction:

• Improve your credit score: Even if you have an eviction history, you can still work on improving your credit score by showing an upward trend and making on-time payments. This can show landlords that you’re serious about making changes.
• Be upfront and explain the eviction: Evictions are part of your public rental history, so being honest and explaining what happened can get a landlord on your side. Share what happened and what you’re doing now to ensure that never happens again.
• Make a renter resume: Think of this as a resume, but instead of landing you a job, it’s going to help you secure a lease. A renter résumé should include your employment history, contact information, income, background, and all of your references. This gives the landlord a better idea of who you are and why you’d make a good tenant.
• Get really good references: Evictions look bad on paper, but if you have enough high-quality references, then it may boost your chances of getting a new place.
• Rent from a private party: Most rental companies/agencies and complexes have restrictions for income and background checks, including past evictions. But private landlords or property owners can be more flexible.
• Pay a higher deposit: If you can afford it, consider offering to pay multiple months of rent upfront. This demonstrates your commitment to the application and your ability to make timely payments.
• Find a co-signer: If you can get a friend or family member on board, find a co-signer who can bolster your credit score or rent history with their own. If you’re unable to pay rent, the co-signer will be responsible for the payment.

How Long Will an Eviction Stay on Your Record?

An eviction or similar judgment may stay on your public record for seven plus years. Public records like this aren’t included in credit reports anymore, but they will show up in background checks and tenant screening reports, which your future landlord can see.

Does an Eviction Drop Your Credit Score?

Evictions on their own don’t decrease your credit score, but collections due to an eviction will. Your credit score can drop points for various reasons, and it will be unique to each individual. A renter with a solid credit history may experience a score drop of 40 or 50 points after an eviction, but this may be more detrimental to those with lower credit scores.

Collections can have a serious impact on your credit score, but it’s good to keep in mind that the older the information, the lower its impact will be. Collections affect your credit score the most (and carry the most weight) in the first two years after it’s added to your report.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting an Eviction Off Your Record

Is it harder to rent after an eviction?

Yes, it is typically more challenging to rent after an eviction, especially if it still appears on your tenant screening report or credit report.

How can I fix my credit after an eviction?

You can improve your credit score by making payments on time and increasing your credit limit.

Can rental history be removed?

Yes, certain information, such as an eviction, can be removed from your rental history. You’ll have to pay off any debt and request that the eviction be removed from your credit report or tenant screening report.