How Long Does Eviction Stay on a Credit Report?

Introduction

The actual eviction is not usually found on a credit report, but the collection action to collect the past due rent is on the credit report and becomes part of your credit history. The actual collection attempt that shows on your credit report is what hurts your credit. The collection action lowers your credit score and can make it difficult to get another rental and other forms of credit, including credit cards or a mortgage.

Time

An eviction is a civil suit against a person for non-payment of rent. Pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, civil judgments (the results of civil suits) stay on your credit report for seven years. The seven-year time the collection stays on your credit report starts to accrue at the end of a 180-day waiting period, after the first attempt at collection.

Evictions

The actual eviction appears on tenant screening reports. A tenant screening report includes your rental history, credit history and criminal record. The tenant screening report may also contain your driving record, depending on the landlord. Information obtained for a tenant screening report is acquired from various agencies, including public records, motor vehicle departments and at least one of the credit reporting agencies.

Public Records

When you are evicted, a court action is filed against you. Court records are public records, which means that the public gains access to the information contained in your court file. When the landlord checks your history, he also checks public records for eviction and foreclosure actions.

References

• Experian Credit Reporting Agency - Ask Max
• Fair Credit Reporting Act