How to Remove an Eviction from Your Credit Report

Having an eviction on your record can make it difficult to secure a new rental property. However, with some assistance and effort, it is possible to have this record removed. By taking action, you can avoid the stress and challenges of facing eviction when looking for a new place to live. Before searching for a new home, ensure the eviction has been removed from your record. This will help you correct any inaccuracies and improve your rental history.

How to Check if You Have an Eviction on Your Record

An eviction occurs when a property manager removes a tenant from their residence. This action creates a public record, visible in credit and tenant screening reports. Regardless of the eviction reason, it will appear on background checks and tenant screening reports. To get a copy of your report, contact the screening agency. You can ask the property manager which screening agency they use so you can reach out to them directly.

It’s important to note that your credit report is different from a tenant screening report. While the credit report reflects past payments and debts collected by credit agencies, tenant screening reports focus on rental history. If you were evicted for non-payment and still owe money, the property manager may send the debt to a collection agency. This could result in collections activity appearing on your credit report within 30 to 60 days.

You are entitled to a free credit report once a year from the three major credit agencies. You should regularly check your credit report to monitor your financial status. If you were denied housing due to something on your credit or tenant screening report, the Fair Credit Reporting Act entitles you to a free report from the agency that provided the information.

How to Remove an Eviction from Your Record in 3 Steps

1. Pay (or Settle) Your Rental Debts
   If you have outstanding debts due to your eviction, pay them off as soon as possible. If you can’t pay the full amount, try negotiating with the collection agency or property manager. They may be willing to settle the debt for a lower amount or work out a payment plan.
2. Request Removal of Collections from Your Credit Report
   Even after settling a debt, collection activity may still appear on your credit report. Contact the property manager or collection agency to request that they remove the collection from your record. Make sure to get this agreement in writing, which will help if you need to dispute the item with the credit bureau.
3. Ensure Negative Items Are Removed
   After following these steps, verify that all items related to the eviction have been removed from both your tenant screening and credit reports. If there are discrepancies, dispute them with the relevant agencies.

How to Dispute an Eviction on Your Credit Report

• Send a Dispute Letter to Request Reinvestigation
  While evictions don’t directly appear on your credit report, they can show up if a collection account related to the eviction has been reported. If you believe certain items shouldn’t be on your report, you can dispute them by providing evidence to the credit bureau. Documentation such as bank or credit card statements proving you paid rent on time can support your case.The credit bureau must respond within 30 days of receiving your dispute. If they agree with your claim, they will remove or correct the entry. If they don’t, they will explain why the changes weren’t made.
• Consult with a Credit Repair Company
  For expert guidance on disputing an eviction on your credit report, consult with a credit repair company. Our team at Imax Credit Repair is experienced in helping clients navigate these issues and can provide the necessary assistance.

How Long Do Evictions Stay on Your Record?

Evictions and judgments can remain on your record for up to seven years, even after being removed from your credit report. They may still appear in tenant screening and background checks.

How Does an Eviction Affect My Credit?

Although an eviction itself doesn’t directly affect your credit score, it can impact your credit if a collection agency is involved. If the landlord hires a collection agency to recover unpaid rent, the agency may report the debt, potentially lowering your credit score unless you resolve the debt.

How to Fix Your Credit After an Eviction

To improve your credit score after an eviction, focus on paying off any outstanding debts and avoiding further debt accumulation. Once debts are settled, clear them with the credit bureau to ensure they’re removed from your report.

Do Evictions Show Up on Credit Karma?

Credit Karma will not display the eviction process itself, but any resulting collections or judgments could show up on your report, affecting your score.

Conclusion

Being proactive with your property manager can help prevent eviction. If you’re already dealing with this issue, taking steps to clear your record is beneficial. It may require effort, but ultimately, you can find a suitable home by addressing any eviction-related issues on your record.