Tenants dread evictions—and for a good reason. When you are evicted, that event will likely be included in your rental history. Your landlord or property manager could take notice. So, the big question is, how long does an eviction stay on your record? Let’s break down why evictions are recorded, how long they stay on your records, and which helpful tips you can use to help find housing.
Content for the Article
- Where Can Landlords Find Your Eviction Information?
- How Long Does an Eviction Stay on Your Record?
- Tips for Finding Housing After an Eviction
Where Can Landlords Find Your Eviction Information?
As you probably know, courts record various aspects of the eviction process. These are public records, so your landlord can access them. If your eviction involves unpaid rent or other fees, it also may show up on your credit report. Furthermore, when your landlord goes through the tenant screening process, they likely will access your rental history report. In particular, property management companies in Philadelphia know they could find the following information about each eviction you’ve faced:
- Your name
- Your landlord’s name
- The address of the property you were evicted from
- The eviction case files, case number, filing date, and filing location
- Reasons for eviction
- Court judgement and amount awarded (if applicable)
- Tenant’s testimony, documents, and evidence for the case
How Long Do Evictions Stay on Your Record
Let’s go back to our main topic of discussion: how long does an eviction stay on your record? The answer is different for different types of records:
Credit Report: Certain eviction results usually stay for 7 years on your credit report. That is, if you didn’t pay for due fees, your landlord could offload your debt to a collection agency. This debt could show up on your credit report. Also, if you are enrolled in a program that reports your rent payments to your credit bureau, or if your landlord is able to report them, unpaid rent could make a dent in your credit score. In turn, that damaged credit score can impact your rental application.
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. As such, you should double-check your area’s regulations.
Tips for Finding Housing After an Eviction
It can certainly be challenging to find housing after an eviction. Luckily, you can still take steps to finding housing. Let’s take a look at what these steps involve:
Be Upfront and Honest
In your rental application and interview, you might be asked about your eviction history. When it comes to this, honesty is the best policy. By being transparent about your past, you show accountability for it. Furthermore, since recent evictions are on public record, your landlord likely could still discover it. They might as well discover it on your terms.
As you broach the topic, you could show proof that you have learned and grown since the incident. For instance, if you were evicted because of unpaid rent, you could present paystubs of steady income you’ve received in the past year. Also, you could show financial obligations that you’ve consistently met. This can demonstrate your ability to meet financial obligations.
Consider Looking for a Cosigner
Another way you can convince landlords to rent to you is by finding a cosigner (also known a guarantor) with a clean rental history. The cosigner can agree cover the rent if you are unable to pay. As you can imagine, it’s important to choose someone who is financially stable and trustworthy. Remember, you should make every effort to pay your rent on time. After all, you want to avoid breaking their trust and placing them in a difficult situation.
Look for Other Types of Housing
If you’re unable to secure housing through conventional means, it’s worth exploring other housing options. For instance, people in this situation could consider renting a room in someone’s home, a townhome, a guest house, or even half of a duplex. And if possible, having roommates to share the costs could be a smart choice.
Find Better Housing with BMG
Facing an eviction can feel overwhelming, especially when it lingers on your record for up to seven years. It can impact your ability to rent or secure loans, but it doesn’t mean your journey ends there. By understanding how evictions are recorded and taking proactive measures, you can rebuild yourself and move forward.
At Bay Property Management Group, we value transparency and professionalism. While eviction histories are taken seriously, it isn’t the only factor that decides applicant approval. Our team ensures a thorough screening process for all applicants, including those seeking a fresh start. Ready to explore your options? Contact us today to speak to one of our dedicated leasing agents.
