How Long Does an Eviction Stay on Your Record?

By: ROS Team

Most people don’t think about eviction until it’s happening to them or someone they know. It’s one of those things that happens in moments but leaves lasting consequences. One of the most common worries is whether an eviction stays on your record and if so, for how long.

To be honest, the truth is, while eviction isn’t the end of the road, it can make things tougher for a while.

If you’re facing eviction, already went through one, or are simply trying to understand how it works, you are probably having some queries in your mind. By the end of this guide, you’ll have answer to all of them and you’ll be an informed person in this matter

Does an Eviction Go on Your Record?

Yes, but it depends on what you mean by “record.” There’s no single national “eviction record,” like a criminal record or credit file. Instead, eviction can appear in a few different ways:

Credit Report: If your landlord gets a court judgment against you for unpaid rent, that judgment may show up on your credit report. According to data from Experian and TransUnion, this can affect your credit score and stay there for up to seven years.
Tenant Screening Reports: Many landlords use third-party tenant screening services that pull records of past evictions. Even if it doesn’t hit your credit report directly, these databases can flag you as a high-risk renter.
Court Records: Most eviction filings are public, which means anyone including landlords can look them up. That includes both successful and unsuccessful evictions. In some states, the filing alone can leave a digital trail, even if the case was dismissed or settled.

Are Evictions Public Record?

In almost all states, the answer is yes. When a landlord files an eviction also called an unlawful detainer suit, it becomes part of the public court record. That means it’s searchable by employers, background check companies, or future landlords.

According to a study by the Eviction Lab at Princeton University, more than 3.6 million eviction cases are filed in the U.S. each year. In most states, there’s no automatic process to seal or remove those cases unless a judge rules in your favor or you take legal steps to request expungement.

If you were evicted, even five years ago, that case could still be present on a tenant screening database, creating a problem for you every time you apply for a new place to live.

How Long Do Evictions Stay on Your Record?

The impact of an eviction can linger anywhere from a few years to nearly a decade, depending on where and how it’s reported:

Credit Reports: If the eviction resulted in a money judgment, it can stay on your credit report for seven years from the filing date, just like any other civil judgment.
Tenant Screening Databases: These services can retain eviction records for up to seven years, but some may report for even longer depending on the state’s rules.
Court Records: Unless sealed or expunged, eviction cases stay on court record indefinitely in most jurisdictions.

How to Get an Eviction Off Your Record

There are a few ways to remove or lessen the impact of an eviction, depending on the situation.

1. Dispute Errors

Sometimes screening reports include outdated or incorrect information. If the eviction was dismissed, resolved, or never happened in the first place, you can dispute it. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have the right to request a correction with the reporting agency.

2. Request Expungement or Sealing

Some states allow you to petition the court to seal or expunge an eviction, especially if:

You won the case
The case was dismissed
You settled with the landlord

3. Negotiate with the Landlord

In some cases, you might be able to settle the debt and ask the landlord to help remove the record or withdraw the case. Some landlords may be open to signing an agreement to vacate the judgment if you pay what’s owed or reach a settlement.

How to Rent with an Eviction on Your Record

Renting with an eviction on your record is tough but it’s not impossible. Landlords care about risk but if you can show you’ve turned things around, some may be willing to give you a second chance. Here are few strategies:

Don’t Hide: Hiding it rarely works. Be honest about the situation and explain what happened.
Get a Co-Signer: A parent, friend, or partner with good credit can back your lease. This gives landlords extra peace of mind.
Offer a Higher Deposit: If local laws allow it, offering a larger security deposit can help offset their risk.
Provide References: A letter from an employer, former landlord, or property manager can help you here. Personal recommendations help the landlord to give you a chance.
Focus on Individual Landlords: Large property management companies often have strict criteria and automated checks while independent and smaller landlords may be more flexible.

Final Thoughts

Evictions don’t vanish overnight but they also don’t define your future forever. While an eviction can stay on your record for up to seven years or longer in court records, there are steps you can take to remove it.

For that purpose you need to start with understanding the system and working within it and after that whether you’re trying to clear your name or just looking for a second shot at renting, it’ll not be tough for you. Eviction can be a hurdle, but it cannot stop you renting a place to call home.

How Long Do Evictions Stay On Your Record: FAQs

Does an Eviction Automatically Show Up on My Credit Report?

Not always. The eviction itself doesn’t go directly on your credit report but if the landlord sues you and wins a money judgment like for unpaid rent that judgment can show up and stay there for up to 7 years.

Can a Landlord See My Eviction if It Happened Years Ago?

Yes. Even if it’s not on your credit report anymore, it could still appear in tenant screening databases or court records, depending on where you live. Many landlords run deep background checks that include old eviction filings.

If the Eviction Was Dismissed, Is It Still on My Record?

In many cases, yes. The filing itself is a public record, even if you won the case or it was dropped. But you can petition the court to seal or expunge it especially if you weren’t at fault.

Will Paying off What I Owe Remove the Eviction?

Not automatically. Settling your debt is a great step but the eviction record may still exist in public files or screening databases. You’ll usually need to take legal action to seal or expunge it.