How to Find Out if I Have an Eviction on My Record for Free
Learn how to access and verify eviction records using free tools, with guidance on resolving errors and understanding your rental history.
Knowing whether an eviction appears on your record is crucial when applying for housing, as landlords use this information to assess potential tenants. Even past evictions can hinder approval.
There are several ways to check for eviction records without paying fees, allowing you to identify and potentially correct errors before applying for a new home.
Checking Court Records
Evictions are legal actions handled by the court system, typically in civil, small claims, or housing courts within the county or district where the rental property was located. These court proceedings create official records.
Because court proceedings are generally public information, these records are often accessible for free. Many court systems provide online portals or electronic databases where the public can search for case information using names or case numbers. If online access is unavailable or limited, you can usually visit the courthouse clerk’s office for the relevant jurisdiction. Clerks maintain the official files and often provide public computer terminals for searching electronic records at no cost. Requesting physical copies of documents typically involves a fee. While basic searches are often free, some systems might require registration, and older or sealed records may have restricted access.
Reviewing Tenant Screening Agency Reports
Landlords frequently use reports from specialized tenant screening agencies to evaluate applicants. These companies compile rental history information, which can include eviction filings and judgments.
Operating as consumer reporting agencies under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), these companies must follow regulations regarding data accuracy and consumer rights.1Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act The FCRA entitles you to request one free report every 12 months from nationwide specialty consumer reporting agencies, including many tenant screening firms. You can find a list of these agencies through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Unlike the major credit bureaus, there isn’t a single website for requesting all tenant screening reports; you must contact individual agencies, often those commonly used in your area.
If a landlord denies your application or imposes stricter terms based on information from a tenant screening report, they must issue an “adverse action notice.”2Federal Trade Commission. Using Consumer Reports: What Landlords Need to Know This notice identifies the agency that provided the report, and you then have the right to request a free copy of that specific report from the agency, usually within 60 days.3Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. What Should I Do if My Rental Application Is Denied Because of a Tenant Screening Report? Reviewing these reports helps you understand what information landlords are seeing.
Inspecting Credit Reports
Standard credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion do not typically list eviction judgments themselves, as these reports focus on borrowing and repayment history.
However, financial debts resulting from an eviction can appear. If a landlord claims unpaid rent or damages and sends the debt to a collection agency, that agency may report the collection account to the credit bureaus. This collection account will then show up on your credit report and can negatively impact your credit scores.
Under the FCRA, you are entitled to one free credit report from each of the three major bureaus every 12 months through the official website, AnnualCreditReport.com, or via phone or mail.4Federal Trade Commission. Free Annual Credit Reports: The Only Official Website Review these reports carefully for collection accounts, particularly those linked to past addresses or property management companies, as they might indicate debt stemming from a previous tenancy or eviction. Collection accounts generally remain on credit reports for up to seven years.
Searching Public Record Databases
Information about evictions might also exist in broader public record databases that compile data from various government sources, including court filings and property records.
While many comprehensive databases are subscription-based, some government entities offer free online search tools for specific records, such as county property records or state court case information. Public libraries may also provide free access to subscription databases. The scope of free government databases varies, often providing basic index information without charge but requiring payment or an in-person visit for detailed documents. These resources can supplement searches of court and tenant screening records.
Addressing Discrepancies
If you discover incorrect or outdated information—such as an eviction listed that never occurred or was dismissed, or inaccurate debt information—you have the right to seek corrections. The process depends on where the error was found.
For inaccuracies in reports from tenant screening agencies or credit bureaus, the FCRA provides a formal dispute process. You can dispute incomplete or inaccurate information directly with the agency that issued the report. Submit your dispute in writing, clearly identifying the error and providing copies of supporting documents (like court records showing dismissal or proof of payment). Sending disputes via certified mail is recommended.
The reporting agency generally must investigate within 30 days, forwarding your information to the entity that supplied the data.5Federal Trade Commission. Disputing Errors on Your Tenant Background Check Report If the investigation finds the information is inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable, the agency must correct or delete it from your report and notify you of the outcome, providing a free copy of the revised report if changes were made. If the dispute doesn’t resolve the issue, you can add a brief statement to your file explaining your position.
Correcting errors in official court records requires contacting the clerk’s office of the court where the case was filed. Clerical errors, like misspelled names or incorrect dates, may be correctable through administrative procedures, sometimes using specific forms provided by the court. Addressing substantive legal errors might necessitate filing a formal motion, which could involve fees or legal assistance. Inquiring with the clerk’s office about the process for correcting potential errors is typically free.
