An eviction doesn’t show up on your credit report, but unpaid rent or fees sent to collections can hurt your score.
Evictions may also appear in public records and tenant-screening reports that landlords use when reviewing rental applications.
What is eviction?
Eviction is when a landlord gets a court order to remove a tenant, usually because the tenant has violated the terms of the lease. Some common reasons why people are evicted are:
- Repeated missing or late rental payments.
- Breaking lease terms, such as smoking, having an unauthorized roommate or pet, or running a business out of the home.
- Property damage beyond normal wear and tear.
- Illegal activity.
- Disturbing neighbors.
Some states require that the landlord give the tenant a certain amount of time to fix any violations, called a "cure period," before filing a court case seeking an eviction order.
If you are evicted, you may be charged for back rent, damage repair, cleaning or other fees.
Is eviction on my credit report?
No, an eviction does not show up on your credit reports. But if you owe money and the debt is sent to collections, that collection account can show up and hurt your credit. Collections can stay on your credit report for up to seven years.
Because your credit score is based on the information in your credit reports, your credit score might drop due to the collections.
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Evictions may appear on tenant-screening reports, which are separate from credit reports. Landlords may report issues like unpaid rent or lease violations to these screening services, and many landlords check both credit and tenant reports when reviewing an application.
You have the right to see your tenant-screening reports once every 12 months from each company. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has a list of credit screening companies with their contact information. If there’s an eviction listed on your tenant reports, it typically stays there for seven years.
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How to minimize the damage
While the best thing is to avoid an eviction order if you can, that’s not always possible. Here are some other strategies:
- Resolve unpaid rent as soon as possible: If you owe money, reach out to your landlord early. This may help you pay or settle the balance before it’s sent to collections. If your balance has been sent to collections, you might be able to settle for less than you owe through one lump-sum payment or a payment plan. The collection will still remain on your credit reports, but it will be settled.
- Ask about settlement options: Some landlords might accept partial payment or set up a payment plan, which can reduce your risk of long-term credit damage.
- Be ready to provide context when renting again. Future landlords may ask about past issues. Showing proof that debts were paid or resolved can help demonstrate financial stability.
- Monitor your credit reports: Check your reports monthly from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion to make sure any eviction-related accounts are accurate and up to date.
- Rebuild your credit: Even if a collection appears on your credit report, you can take steps to improve your credit over time. Paying bills on time and keeping credit card balances low can help your score rebound.
