Does an Eviction Go on Your Credit Report?
Leasing agents run credit checks on prospective tenants to gauge their financial status. A low credit score is an indication that someone may have trouble paying their rent in the future. Credit reports show a person's history of debt management, open credit accounts and any late payments. Many prospective tenants wonder whether past evictions will show up on their credit report. Since not all evictions result from non-payment, it is an important question.
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Evictions on the Credit Report
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If an eviction is the result of missed payments, it will show on the credit reports of all three credit reporting bureaus -- Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Receiving an eviction notice will not automatically result in a notation on your credit report. However, failure to abide by the notice or bring the account current may result in a court judgment against you, and that will appear on your credit report and stay there for up to seven years.
Other Reports Run by Landlords
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Landlords have access to more information than what is found in credit reports. Companies such as Experian's Rent Bureau as well as Rent Check and TeleCheck track rental records of tenants and report them to participating leasing agencies and landlords. These records are important to a renter, because even if the eviction did not result from a missed financial obligation, it will show up on these rental agency reports. Late payments also show on these reports. Leasing companies usually do not report to the three credit agencies, except in the case of evictions. Late payments normally are not shown on regular credit reports.
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How to Deal with an Eviction on Your Credit
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If you have an eviction on your credit report, be forthcoming about it when dealing with a leasing agent, especially if there is a judgment against you. The credit report will reveal this information anyway, and it may help to explain the circumstances surrounding the eviction. The leasing agent may be more willing to work with you. Be prepared to pay a higher security deposit because of the perceived credit risk you present. Some leasing agents may request first and last month's rent in addition to the increase in security deposit.
Considerations
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The best way to avoid having an eviction on your credit report is to not get evicted. If you are in a situation that might lead to your eviction, talk to your landlord to determine whether a resolution can be reached. If the eviction is already on your report, consider private rentals. Many private landlords do not run credit checks and would be more willing to work with you despite past mistakes.
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