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How To Get an Eviction Off Your Record

Whether you’re a renter looking to start fresh or a landlord navigating the complexities of tenant screenings, dealing with eviction records can be stressful. But fear not – we’re here to guide you through the process with helpful tips and insights. So, grab a cup of coffee, cozy up, and let’s unravel the mystery of clearing that eviction off your record once and for all!

How to find out if you have any eviction records

So, you’re wondering if you have an eviction lurking in your record, huh? Well, don’t worry – it’s actually pretty easy to find out! The first step is to contact the court where the eviction took place. You can usually do this by phone or online. Just provide them with your name and any other identifying information they may need, and they should be able to tell you if there’s an eviction on file.

If the court doesn’t have any record of an eviction for you, you can also check with tenant screening services or credit reporting agencies. These organizations often keep track of eviction records and can provide you with information on whether or not you have an eviction on your record.

If you do find that you have an eviction on your public record, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to get it removed and start fresh.

How to get an eviction off your record: 6 easy steps

Alright, so you’ve discovered that pesky eviction on your public records – not ideal, but definitely not the end of the world! Here’s how you can tackle getting it removed and moving forward with a clean slate:

1. If you believe you were wrongfully evicted, take it to court

Now, if you believe that you were wrongfully evicted and that the eviction on your record is unjust, it’s time to take matters into your own hands. Don’t let this eviction hold you back from finding a new place to live or affect your future rental opportunities. Take it to court and fight for your rights!

Gather any evidence or documentation that supports your case. This could include emails, letters, or any other communication with your landlord leading up to the eviction. Make sure to present this evidence in court to prove that the eviction was unwarranted.

2. Pay (or settle) your rental debts

Alright, so you’ve found out that there’s an eviction on your record and you’re ready to tackle it head-on. One of the best ways to start is by paying off any outstanding rental debts that may have led to the eviction in the first place.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – money doesn’t grow on trees. But trust me, taking care of those debts can go a long way in showing future landlords that you’re responsible and reliable when it comes to paying your rent on time. If you’re unable to pay off the debts in full, consider reaching out to your previous landlord to see if you can negotiate a settlement or payment plan. This shows that you’re taking responsibility for your actions and working towards resolving the issue.

a credit report showing a 540 credit score in blue letters, calculator and reading glasses in corner

3. Ask to have collections removed from your credit report

Alright, so you’ve taken steps to clear up any outstanding rental debts that may have led to the eviction on your record. But what about those pesky collections showing up on your credit report? Don’t worry – there’s a way to tackle that too!

First things first, pull up your credit report and take note of any collections related to the eviction. Reach out to the collection agency listed and explain your situation. Ask if they would be willing to remove the collection from your credit report in exchange for payment or a settlement. Be polite and professional during this conversation, as you want to show that you are serious about resolving the issue.

If the collection agency agrees to remove the collections from your credit report, make sure to get this agreement in writing. You can also ask them to send a letter to each credit bureau requesting the removal of the collections from your report.

4. Ask to have the eviction removed from tenant-screening reports

Now, let’s tackle the next step in getting that eviction off your record – asking to have it removed from tenant-screening reports. These reports are often used by landlords and property managers to evaluate potential tenants, so it’s important to make sure that eviction doesn’t continue to haunt you.

Start by contacting the tenant screening service or agency that has the eviction listed on your report. Explain your situation and politely request for them to remove the eviction from their records. You can provide any evidence or documentation that supports your case, such as proof of payment or a settlement agreement with the landlord.

If the tenant screening agency agrees to remove the eviction from their records, make sure to follow up and confirm that it has been done. You can also request a copy of your updated report to ensure that the eviction no longer appears.

5. Make sure negative actions have been removed

Alright, now that you’ve taken steps to clear up the eviction on your record, it’s time to make sure all negative actions related to it have been removed. This includes any late payments, missed rent payments, or other negative marks that may be dragging down your rental history.

Start by reviewing your credit report and checking for any lingering negative items related to the eviction. If you see anything that shouldn’t be there, reach out to each credit bureau and dispute those items. Provide any documentation or proof that supports your case and explain why those negative items should be removed.

Additionally, reach out to your previous landlord and request a letter of recommendation or positive reference to help counteract the negative impact of the eviction. Having a landlord vouch for your reliability and responsibility can go a long way in convincing future landlords that you are a trustworthy tenant.

6. Dispute errors with the credit bureaus and tenant-screening agencies

Hey there! So, you’ve done the hard work of clearing up your rental debts, negotiating with collections agencies, and asking to have that pesky eviction removed from tenant-screening reports. But what if you come across errors on your credit report or screening agency records related to the eviction? Don’t worry – we’ve got a solution for that too!

First things first, pull up your credit report and carefully review it for any inaccuracies or errors related to the eviction . If you spot any discrepancies, such as incorrect dates, amounts, or other details, gather any supporting documentation you have to dispute these errors.

Contact the credit reporting agencies and tenant-screening agencies to inform them of the errors and request that they investigate and correct them. Provide copies of any documentation that supports your claim, such as receipts, payment records, or correspondence with your landlord.

It’s important to stay persistent and follow up regularly to ensure that the errors are properly addressed and removed from your record. Keep detailed records of all communication with the agencies and any documentation provided, so you can easily track your progress.

Remember, getting an eviction removed from your record is not an easy process, but with determination and perseverance, it can be done. By following these steps and taking proactive measures to dispute errors and clear up negative marks, you can improve your chances of finding a new rental home without the shadow of an eviction hanging over you. Stay focused on your goal and don’t give up – a clean slate is within reach!

couple sitting on floor, looking at eviction notice, moving box next to them, visibly worried

How long do evictions stay on your record?

So, you might be wondering, “How long do evictions stay on your record?” Well, the answer can vary depending on where you live and the specific tenant screening agency or credit reporting agency that has the eviction listed. Generally speaking, an eviction can stay on your record for up to seven years.

During those seven years, that eviction can continue to show up when potential landlords or property managers run a background check on you. This can make it more challenging to secure a new rental home. However, keep in mind that as time passes, the impact of the eviction on your rental history may diminish, especially if you have taken steps to improve your credit and rental behavior in the meantime.

While seven years may seem like a long time, it’s important to remember that you can still take proactive steps to mitigate the effects of an eviction on your record. By following the tips outlined in this article, such as clearing up any outstanding debts, disputing errors on your credit report, and obtaining positive references from previous landlords, you can demonstrate to future landlords that you are a responsible and reliable tenant despite past challenges. Evictions may stay on your record for a while, but with effort and determination, you can work towards removing them and moving forward toward a brighter rental future.

How many points does an eviction drop your credit score?

Ah, the dreaded credit score drop from an eviction – nobody wants to see that happen! So, just how many points does an eviction drop your credit score? Well, unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.

The impact of an eviction on your credit score can vary depending on various factors, such as your overall credit history, the severity of the eviction, and how recently it occurred. In general, though, an eviction can cause a significant hit to your credit score – potentially dropping it by anywhere from 50 to 100 points or more.

The exact impact will depend on the scoring model used by the credit reporting agency and how they weigh negative marks like evictions. However, it’s safe to say that an eviction can have a substantial negative effect on your credit score.

How to rent with an eviction on your record

So, you’ve got an eviction on your record and you’re worried about how it might affect your ability to rent a new place. Don’t panic! While having an eviction in your past can make things a bit trickier, it’s not impossible to find a new rental home. Here are some tips on how to rent with an eviction on your record:

1. Be upfront and honest

When applying for a new rental, don’t try to hide or downplay the fact that you have an eviction on your record. Be upfront and honest about it, and be prepared to explain the circumstances surrounding the eviction.

2. Provide additional documentation

Along with your rental application, consider providing additional documentation that showcases your current financial stability and responsible behavior as a tenant. This could include pay stubs, bank statements, letters of recommendation from previous landlords, or proof of a steady job.

3. Offer to pay a higher security deposit or rent upfront

To ease a landlord’s concerns about renting to someone with an eviction on their record, consider offering to pay a higher security deposit or even paying several months of rent upfront. This shows that you are serious about renting the property and can help alleviate any concerns the landlord may have.

4. Get a co-signer or guarantor

If your eviction is a major red flag for potential landlords, consider asking a trusted friend or family member to serve as a co-signer or guarantor on your lease. This person would be responsible for paying rent if you are unable to, which can provide added reassurance to the landlord.

5. Work with a rental agency

Some rental agencies specialize in helping individuals with evictions on their record find housing. These agencies often have connections with landlords who are more willing to rent to tenants with past evictions. Consider reaching out to a rental agency for assistance in finding a new place to live.

6. Improve your credit score

While an eviction can have a significant impact on your credit score, there are steps you can take to improve it over time. Make sure you are paying all of your bills on time, reducing your overall debt, and keeping a close eye on your credit report for any errors that may be affecting your score. By taking proactive steps to improve your credit, you may be able to mitigate some of the negative effects of an eviction on your record.

Remember, having an eviction on your record doesn’t have to mean the end of your renting days. By being honest, providing additional documentation, offering to pay more upfront, getting a co-signer or guarantor, working with a rental agency, and improving your credit score, you can increase your chances of finding a new place to call home.

How can Dovly help?

If you need help reviewing your credit report for errors bringing your score down, or if you’re trying to get an eviction removed from your record, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dovly for help. We’re a free AI credit engine that can help (re)build, manage, and protect your credit report. Get started HERE.

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Tedis Baboumian

Tedis Baboumian is Dovly’s Co-Founder and Chief Credit Officer. With over 20 years of experience in the consumer credit industry, Tedis is an authority on the credit industry and has cultivated dee… Read More