Will an Eviction Show Up on a Credit Report?

Evictions usually do not appear on credit reports unless the landlord files a lawsuit and wins a judgment. A judgment is a legal decision ordering you to pay money. Experian, one of the major credit bureaus, reports that the judgment is listed on your credit report for "unpaid rent and violation of the rental agreement." Other landlords reviewing your credit will immediately recognize this as an eviction. However, not all landlords file lawsuits following evictions. Some just move on with a new tenant.

Tenant Screening

Landlords usually order two reports when screening applicants: a credit report and a tenant screening check. The eviction usually appears on the report from the screening company. Tenant screening companies regularly review court records for evictions and sell the information to landlords. Even if your credit report doesn't show the eviction, it will show up during this process.

Collection Items

Landlords can place other information on your credit report not related to eviction. For example, you could move out voluntarily and receive a bill for damages to the apartment. If you fail to pay, the landlord could turn the account over to a debt collector who reports it to the credit bureau as a delinquent debt called a collection item. Collection items hurt your credit and can remain on your credit report for seven years.

Settlement

Avoid a judgment by settling with the landlord before the court date for the lawsuit. Pay the past-due rent in exchange for a signed agreement that the landlord will drop the lawsuit. This prevents judgment information from being placed on your credit report. Judgments are very harmful for your credit and also will remain on your credit report for seven years.

Alternatives

Eviction makes it very difficult to find another place to stay. Other landlords will view you as a credit risk and may reject your application or demand a larger deposit or several months rent paid in advance. You're much better off moving out before the landlord actually goes to court to start the eviction process. Leaving voluntarily and making payment arrangements on the missed rent could avoid having an eviction added to your credit and tenant screening reports.