When renting an apartment or home, one of the most crucial factors landlords consider is your rental history. Having an eviction on your record can significantly decrease your chances of securing a desirable place to live. If you've faced an eviction in the past and want to improve your rental prospects, it's essential to know the steps to get that eviction removed or, at the very least, minimize its impact.
Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process of getting an eviction off your record.
1. Understand the Types of Evictions
Before diving into the steps, it's vital to understand that not all evictions are the same. Broadly, they can be classified into two categories:
For-cause evictions
Result from a breach of lease agreement, such as non-payment of rent or property damage.
No-cause evictions
Do not involve any lease breaches but are typically due to reasons like the property being sold or the landlord wanting to move in.
The process of removal might differ based on the eviction type.
2. Review Your Record
The first step in removing an eviction is knowing precisely what's on your record. Various tenant screening agencies provide reports to landlords. Obtain copies from major agencies, like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Analyze these reports to ensure the eviction details are accurate. Any discrepancies can be disputed, which can help in removing the eviction.
3. Negotiate with Your Previous Landlord
Often, open communication is a powerful tool. If the eviction was due to a misunderstanding or a one-time incident, consider discussing it with your previous landlord. They might agree to remove the eviction from your record if you pay any outstanding dues or rectify any damages. However, ensure any agreement you reach is in writing.
4. Petition the Court
If you believe the eviction was unjust or if there were errors in the process, you can petition the court to have it expunged. An expungement means that the eviction is sealed and will not appear on most background checks. Consult with an attorney to understand the requirements in your jurisdiction.
5. Check Statute of Limitations
Most evictions will not stay on your record forever. Depending on your state, evictions might remain on your credit report for 7-10 years. It's essential to be aware of these timelines, as you can then inform potential landlords that the eviction will soon be off your record.
6. Build a Positive Rental History
While you work towards removing the eviction, it's equally essential to focus on building a positive rental history. Ensure timely rent payments and maintain a good relationship with your current landlord. Over time, newer positive records can overshadow the past eviction, making it easier for future landlords to consider you.
7. Consider Professional Help
There are credit repair and legal firms that specialize in assisting individuals to clear negative marks on their records. They can guide you through the process, provide legal insights, and increase the chances of a successful eviction removal.
8. Be Honest with Future Landlords
If you're still in the process of getting the eviction off your record, be upfront with potential landlords about it. Explaining the situation and showing evidence of your efforts to rectify it can build trust. You might also consider offering a higher deposit as a sign of good faith.
9. Seek Mediation
In some situations, the conflict between a landlord and tenant can be resolved through mediation. Mediation involves a neutral third-party mediator who helps both parties come to an agreement. If both parties agree to mediation and subsequently reach an agreement, the landlord might be willing to remove the eviction from your record.
10. Update Your Personal Statement
Some tenant screening agencies allow individuals to add a personal statement to their reports. If you cannot remove the eviction from your record immediately, consider adding a statement that explains the circumstances of the eviction. This can provide context for future landlords.
11. Regularly Monitor Your Record
As with credit reports, it's a good habit to periodically review your tenant record. This ensures that once an eviction is eligible to be removed due to the statute of limitations, it indeed gets removed. If not, you can take proactive steps to ensure its removal.
12. Understand Your Rights
Different states have different laws pertaining to tenant rights. For instance, some states have more stringent laws that protect tenant records and their privacy. Familiarize yourself with these rights. In some jurisdictions, landlords may not deny housing solely based on an eviction record, especially if it's past a certain age.
13. Get Recommendations
Even if you have an eviction on your record, having solid references can be beneficial. Get recommendations from your current landlord, previous landlords (if they were different from the one who evicted you), employers, or other responsible figures who can vouch for your character and reliability. This can counterbalance the negative impression of an eviction.
14. Stay Informed
Laws and regulations regarding tenant records and evictions change over time. Staying updated with the latest legal changes in your state can offer you more avenues or solutions to deal with an eviction on your record.
Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of tenant screening reports can often feel overwhelming, especially when an eviction mars your record. It's essential to understand that tenant screening companies base their assessments on your past rental history. But even if you've had an eviction, there's still hope. By liaising with your local magistrate court clerk and understanding the nuances of the eviction notice you received, you can challenge the eviction case and potentially get the eviction expunged.
When you're proactive in this endeavor, reaching out to each tenant screening agency, especially local tenant screening agencies, can make a significant difference. Ensure that they have accurately recorded all details and that proper state eviction procedures were followed during your eviction. If there were any discrepancies, these could be your ticket to getting the eviction removed. Engaging with property managers or property management companies can provide additional insights and avenues to navigate this process more effectively.
While an eviction can feel like an indelible mark, it's important to remember that the process isn't infallible. If the landlord wins an eviction without following the proper channels, you have the right to challenge and seek eviction expungement. Familiarize yourself with the processes, reach out for professional advice, and always stay proactive in ensuring your tenant screening report represents the most accurate and favorable version of your rental history.
