Evictions On Background Checks: What You Need To Know

Hey guys! Ever wondered if evictions show on background checks? It's a super common question, especially when you're looking for a new place to live. The short answer is: it's complicated. Background checks can vary a lot, and whether or not an eviction shows up depends on a bunch of factors. Let's dive in and break down what you need to know about evictions, background checks, and how they impact your rental journey. We'll cover everything from what landlords are looking for to how to check your own record.

The Basics of Background Checks

First off, let's chat about what a background check actually is. Think of it as a detailed look into your past, usually conducted by a company that specializes in these kinds of searches. Landlords use them to assess your reliability as a tenant. They want to know if you'll pay rent on time, take care of the property, and be a good neighbor. These checks typically dig into a few key areas, and here's where it gets interesting.

• Credit History: This is a big one. Your credit report shows how you've handled debt in the past. Landlords look for things like late payments, outstanding debts, and overall creditworthiness. A low credit score can definitely raise red flags, but it doesn't automatically disqualify you.
• Criminal Records: Landlords often check for criminal convictions. This helps them ensure the safety of other tenants and the property. The scope of the search can vary, from a county-level check to a nationwide database search.
• Rental History: This is where evictions come into play. A rental history report shows your past addresses and any issues you've had with previous landlords. This is crucial for them to know about past behavior.

Now, here's the tricky part: not all background checks are created equal. Some may be more thorough than others, and the information available can vary depending on the databases used. And the methods available to get the information are a lot. This means that whether or not an eviction shows up can depend on the specific company conducting the check and the databases they access.

Where Eviction Information Lives

So, do evictions show on background checks? Well, the answer depends on where the background check gets its information from. Here's a rundown of the key places where eviction records might surface:

• Rental History Databases: These databases are specifically designed to collect information about tenants. Companies like CoreLogic and Experian RentBureau are common sources. Landlords often report evictions to these databases, so they're a primary place to look for this kind of information.
• Court Records: Evictions are legal proceedings, so they're documented in court records. Background check companies often access these records to look for evictions. This is usually the most reliable way to find this information, but access can vary by jurisdiction.
• Credit Reports: While credit reports primarily focus on financial information, some may also include eviction records. This is because evictions often involve unpaid rent, which can become a debt and get reported to credit bureaus.
• Landlord References: This is the most direct way for a landlord to learn about any past problems you've had. If a landlord contacts your previous landlords, they can ask directly about your rental history, including any evictions.

The Impact of Evictions on Your Rental Application

Okay, so let's say an eviction does show up on your background check. What does that mean for your chances of getting approved for a new apartment? Look, it's not great news, but it's not necessarily the end of the world. Landlords will definitely take it into consideration, but they'll also look at other factors.

• Reason for the Eviction: Was it due to non-payment of rent, or something else? Landlords will want to know the circumstances. If it was a one-time thing or due to something beyond your control (like a job loss or medical emergency), they might be more understanding.
• Payment History: Even if you had an eviction in the past, a good payment history since then can help. If you've been a responsible tenant in the years since, it shows you've learned from your mistakes.
• Credit Score: A solid credit score can help offset the negative impact of an eviction. It shows you're generally responsible with your finances, even if you had a rough patch in the past.
• Other Factors: Landlords will also consider your income, employment history, and references. A strong application overall can sometimes outweigh a past eviction.

How to Check Your Own Record

It's super important to know what's in your own background check, so you're not caught off guard. Here's how to do it:

• Get a Copy of Your Credit Report: You're entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) annually. You can get these at AnnualCreditReport.com.
• Review Your Rental History: Check your credit report carefully for any eviction records or negative marks related to rental history. Some specialized tenant screening services also provide access to your rental history.
• Check Court Records: You can often search local court records online to see if any eviction cases are listed under your name. Some jurisdictions may require an in-person visit to access these records.
• Contact Previous Landlords: Reach out to your former landlords to ask if they reported any issues to rental history databases. They might be able to provide information or context about any evictions.
• Use a Tenant Screening Service: There are services that help tenants check their own records, and provide reports to use when you apply for a place.

Tips for Handling an Eviction on Your Record

If you know you have an eviction on your record, don't panic! Here's how to increase your chances of getting approved for a new apartment:

• Be Honest: Don't try to hide the eviction. Landlords will likely find out, and honesty is always the best policy. Be upfront about what happened.
• Explain the Circumstances: Prepare a brief explanation of why the eviction occurred. Explain what you've learned from the experience and what steps you've taken to prevent it from happening again. A lot of times, the reason is out of your control.
• Provide Supporting Documentation: Gather any documentation that supports your explanation, such as proof of employment, letters of reference, or a record of on-time rent payments since the eviction.
• Offer a Higher Security Deposit: This can help reassure the landlord that you're serious about taking care of the property.
• Get a Co-signer: If possible, ask a trusted friend or family member with good credit to co-sign your lease. This can significantly increase your chances of approval.
• Consider Renting from a Private Landlord: They might be more willing to work with you than a large property management company.

The Future of Eviction Records

The way eviction records are handled is constantly evolving. There's ongoing debate about how long eviction records should remain on a person's record, and whether they should be weighted differently depending on the circumstances. Some states and cities are also implementing laws to limit the use of eviction records in tenant screening, particularly for older evictions or those that were the result of specific circumstances.

Final Thoughts

So, do evictions show on background checks? The answer is