Wondering how to find out if you have an eviction on your record for free? The answer is yes—there are simple, no-cost ways to check. From searching your local court’s online records to requesting a free report from tenant screening companies, you can find out where you stand without spending a dime.
Did you know that most people only find out they have an eviction on their record when they’re trying to rent a new place? That surprise can feel like a major roadblock—especially when you’re already dealing with money problems or a tough financial situation.
That’s why it’s so important to know how to find out if you have an eviction on your record for free before you start applying for rentals. Understanding your record early helps you avoid surprises and gives you a chance to fix mistakes or prepare your explanation.
The good news is —you can check your eviction record for free.
And it's not as hard as it sounds.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through everything. We’ll keep it simple and talk about:
- What an eviction record is
- How to check your eviction status for free
- Where landlords get this info
- What to do if you find an eviction
- How to rent even with one on your record
Let’s start.
What Is an Eviction Record?
An eviction record is a legal document that shows when a landlord has taken formal action to remove a tenant from a rental property through the court system. These records become part of your public record and can significantly impact your ability to rent in the future.
What Triggers an Eviction Record?
Eviction records can result from various situations, including:
- Non-payment of rent - Missing one or multiple rent payments
- Lease violations - Breaking terms of your rental agreement (unauthorized pets, subletting, property damage, etc.)
- Holdover tenancy - Staying beyond your lease expiration date
- Nuisance complaints - Noise violations, disturbing neighbors, or illegal activities
- Property damage - Causing damage beyond normal wear and tear
Common Misconceptions About Eviction Records
Many tenants don't fully understand how eviction records work. Here are some key clarifications:
- "I moved out voluntarily, so there's no eviction" - False. If your landlord filed court papers before you moved out, the eviction case may still appear on your record.
- "I only get an eviction if I lose in court" - False. Even if you win your case, settle out of court, or the case gets dismissed, the filing itself often shows up on tenant screening reports.
- "Small claims court evictions don't count" - False. Eviction cases filed in housing court, civil court, or small claims court can all appear on your record.
- "Cash-for-keys agreements prevent evictions" - Partially true. If you accept money to move out before court papers are filed, there may be no record. But if papers were already filed, the record likely exists.
How Eviction Records Are Created and Tracked
When a landlord wants to evict you, they must follow a legal process:
- Notice to Quit/Cure - You receive written notice of the issue and time to fix it
- Court Filing - If unresolved, landlord files eviction papers with the court
- Public Record Created - The moment papers are filed, a public record is generated
- Court Proceedings - Hearings, judgments, and outcomes are all recorded
- Reporting to Databases - Court records get picked up by tenant screening companies
Where Does Eviction Records Appear
Your eviction history can show up in several places:
- Tenant screening reports used by landlords
- Credit reports (if there's a monetary judgment)
- Public court records searchable online
- Background check services
- Specialized rental history databases
Timeline and Duration of Eviction
Eviction records don't disappear quickly. Here's what to expect:
- Immediate impact - Records can appear in databases within days of filing
- Seven-year reporting - Most tenant screening companies report evictions for 7 years
- Permanent court records - Court documents typically remain public indefinitely
- Credit report impact - Monetary judgments can stay on credit reports for 7 years
📌 Critical Points to Remember:
- Filing vs. Winning: The act of filing an eviction case creates a record, regardless of who wins
- Moving Out Doesn't Erase Records: Voluntarily leaving doesn't eliminate court filings that already occurred
- Settlements Count: Even if you reach an agreement with your landlord, the initial filing may still be recorded
- Multiple Databases: Eviction information gets distributed across various screening services
- State Variations: Some states have laws limiting how eviction records can be used or reported
Eviction Impact on Future Rentals
Eviction records can make finding housing significantly more challenging:
- Many landlords automatically reject applicants with eviction histories
- You may need to pay higher security deposits
- Your rental options may be limited to less desirable properties
- Some landlords may require co-signers or additional documentation
Understanding your eviction record status is crucial for making informed decisions about your housing situation and knowing what challenges you might face when applying for future rentals.
How to Find Out if I Have an Eviction on My Record For Free
By now, we’ve covered the basics of eviction. But let’s get to the real question: How can you find out if you have an eviction record—for free? If you’ve had issues with a past landlord, you might be wondering if something was filed against you. Don’t worry.
Here are a few easy ways to check your eviction record without spending any money.
1. Search Your Local Court Records
Most eviction cases are filed in local civil or housing courts. These are public records.
Here’s how:
- Go to your county court’s website (Google “your county name + court records”)
- Look for a “Case Search” or “Public Records” tool
- Enter your name and search for any filings
Example: If you live in Cook County, IL, visit https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov and use their online search tool.
🧠 Pro Tip: Try checking every county you’ve lived in within the past 7 years.
2. Ask the Big Tenant Screening Companies
Did you know that some companies specialize in tracking rental history—just like how credit bureaus track your credit? These are called tenant screening companies, and big names include CoreLogic, RentGrow, and Experian RentBureau.
These companies collect all kinds of rental information, like:
- Late rent payments
- Lease violations (like breaking rules or damaging property)
Eviction court filings—even if the case was dropped
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have the right to see what’s in your report—for free.
Here’s how to get your report:
- Visit myrentalhistoryreport.com
- Or contact CoreLogic SafeRent or Experian RentBureau directly through their websites
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), you can request one free tenant report per year from each of these companies. (Source: FTC.gov)
This is a smart way to check if an eviction or any other issue is showing up on your rental record—before a future landlord does.
3. Check Your Credit Report
Sometimes, evictions don’t show up directly on your credit report—but related activity might. For example, if a landlord or property manager sent unpaid rent to collections, that collection account will appear on your credit report.
Here’s how to check for free:
- Go to AnnualCreditReport.com
- This is the official site where you can request a free credit report from all three major bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
- Look for collection accounts or public records related to rental debts
Why this matters:
Even if the eviction case itself isn’t listed, a collection account tied to past rent can hurt your credit score and raise red flags for future landlords. This helps you catch issues that tenant screening companies—and landlords—might see. Checking if you have eviction records, specially for free can help you rent with confidence!
How Do Landlords Check for Evictions?
Most landlords don’t dig through court files by hand. Instead, they use tenant screening services—kind of like a credit check, but for your rental history.
These tools can quickly show:
- Public eviction records
- Rent payment history
- Court filings related to housing
- Judgments from past landlords
- Bankruptcy or property liens
Public Eviction Records: What They Show
When a landlord or screening company checks your record, they’ll see:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Outcome (dismissed, judgment, settled)
- Balance owed (if any)
- Dates you were asked to leave
Even if the case was dismissed, it could still affect you.
Do all landlords check this stuff?
Not always. Larger apartment complexes or property management companies almost always run full background checks, including eviction history. But some smaller, private landlords may not check as deeply—or they might just go with their gut feeling after talking with you.
How soon do eviction records show up?
Eviction filings can show up as soon as they’re entered into the court system—sometimes within a few days. That means even if you move out before the eviction is official, it could still show up on your record.
Can a landlord find out if you were evicted, even if you left early?
Yes. If your previous landlord filed a court case, it will appear in public records—even if the eviction was later canceled or settled. This can still raise red flags for future landlords.
Tip: That’s why it’s always smart to check your own record first—so you’re not surprised later when a landlord brings something up.
Can You Stop an Eviction by Paying?
Sometimes, yes—but it depends on your landlord, your lease, and your state laws.
In many places, if you're behind on rent and your landlord files for eviction, you may still have a chance to fix things before it becomes official. This is often called a “pay and stay” rule. If you pay all the overdue rent—plus any late fees—before the court date, your landlord might drop the case, and you can stay in your home.
✅ Example Scenario:
Let’s say you live in Texas, and you fell behind on rent due to a job loss. Your landlord files an eviction notice and gives you a court date. But the week before court, you get paid and offer to pay all the back rent. In many cases, the landlord can agree to accept the payment and cancel the eviction—and you avoid getting an eviction on your record.
According to a Forbes article, some states have laws that protect renters like this. These laws say that if you pay what you owe before judgment, you can stay in your home and keep your record clean. (Source: Forbes)
⚠️ But be careful:
Some landlords may still go through with the eviction filing, even if you pay late. In those cases, the court might still record an eviction on file, even if you eventually settled the balance. That’s why it’s so important to act fast and know your rights.
Pro Tip: Always check your state’s landlord-tenant laws or speak to a local housing counselor. Some places give you more protection than others.
How to Rent with an Eviction on Your Record
Okay, so let’s say you checked—and yes, there’s an eviction there. Now what?
Don’t worry. You can still find a place to live. Here’s how:
1. Be Honest
Let the landlord know upfront. Explain what happened and how you’ve changed. Maybe you lost your job or had a health issue. Being real can go a long way.
2. Show Stability
Offer:
- Proof of steady income
- Good references
- A co-signer
3. Offer to Pay More
Sometimes offering a larger deposit or several months upfront can make landlords feel safer renting to you.
We also created an in depth article about this topic, which you can check below.
How to Get an Eviction Off Your Record
It’s tough—but not impossible. Eviction records can follow you for years, but you do have options to clean things up.
Here are a few ways people get an eviction off their record:
1. Expungement (Court Order)
Some states allow you to ask the court to expunge or seal your eviction record—especially if:
- The case was dismissed
- You won the case
- A certain number of years have passed
Example: In California, tenants can request to seal eviction records if the court ruled in their favor or if the case was settled or dismissed before trial.
2. Dispute Errors
Mistakes happen. If the eviction on your record is wrong—or doesn't belong to you—you can dispute it with the credit bureau or tenant screening company. They’re required by law to investigate and remove incorrect info.
Tip: Always get a copy of your tenant report first so you can see what’s being reported.
3. Negotiate with Your Old Landlord
If you still owe money or left on bad terms, try talking to your old landlord. In some cases, if you pay the balance or work out a deal, they may agree to:
- Update the record
- Mark the case as settled
- Even request removal (though that depends on local rules)
Can ASAP Credit Repair Help?
Yes, credit repair companies like ASAP Credit Repair can sometimes help remove evictions—especially if the case has errors or wasn’t filed properly. Our services analyze your report, file disputes, and negotiate on your behalf. While we can’t guarantee results, since each situation is different, we can help if:
- You’re not sure how to dispute items yourself
- You’ve tried and failed to fix it on your own
- You want professional help managing the process
⚠️ Important Note: Real credit repair takes time.
Recommended Content: How to Remove Eviction from Your Credit Report: Step-by-Step Instructions
💬 Final Thoughts
Finding out if you have an eviction on your record can feel scary—but checking is free and easier than most people think. Start with local court records, then check with tenant screening services.
We get that…Dealing with an eviction on your record is never easy.
It can feel overwhelming, especially when you're just trying to move forward and find a stable home. The truth is, eviction usually doesn’t happen because someone’s careless—it happens because life gets hard. Many people face eviction due to sudden job loss, medical emergencies, or unexpected financial hardship.
If you’re struggling and want to turn things around, we highly recommend checking out this article: Stop Being Poor Now. It offers practical advice and mindset shifts to help you take control of your financial future and avoid housing problems before they start.
Take action today: There are free ways to check if you have an eviction. Knowing where you stand puts you in control—whether you need to correct an error or explain your story to a future landlord.
✅ Quick Summary
- Use county court websites to check for eviction filings
- Request a free tenant report from CoreLogic or Experian RentBureau
- Yes, landlords check for evictions using screening companies
- You can stop some evictions by paying before court
- Even with an eviction, you can still rent—just take the right steps
- You can remove or seal an eviction in some states
Want more free tips on tenant rights, credit repair, or renting with challenges? Check our credit repair blog for more helpful articles!