How long does an eviction stay on your record?

Question

I am ending my lease at my apartment early and therefore have to pay a fee(an extra months rent) when I leave. But I just got laid off from my job and I doubt I'll be able to pay that right when I leave.

Do you think that they will start the same process as they would if they where going to evict me or would it just stay on a record of some sort?

Answer 1

I was a property manager for many years. You are not being evicted. A landlord files for eviction in order to get a tenant to be removed from the property (several reasons, most often unpaid rent). Since you are leaving they cannot evict you. They will undoubtedly be willing to make payment arrangements with you. Management companies have enough people who simply leave owing money and it is never recovered so to have a tenant that is willing to pay what he owes, even if it is going to take time, is something that is a reasonable request. They would only take you to small claims court to recover unpaid rent if you do not pay. Make payment arrangements that you can afford - they will work with you, and pay on time. This will give you a good record with the company. If you are planning on moving into other rental property you will have to account for the time that you lived at this address, therefore needing a good rental reference. If you have made payment arrangements and there are no other problems with the company or landlord you should get a good reference to follow you to subsequent rentals. They can put it on your credit record if you do not pay, and they could tell a future company inquiring about a reference for you that you did not pay what you owed.

I worked in the Austin Texas market for several years, where rental requirements are quite stiff. I worked for several different major companies and was never allowed to rent to anyone who owed money to another complex. This was very important. Make small payments if you need to, but do it regularly until paid off. Smart that you are looking into this and taking care of it. Hopefully you will be back at work, or get a better job soon. Good luck.

Answer 2

In my case, my unpaid amount went to collections, and that stayed for a long time even after I had paid it off. Various credit agencies (and would-be landlords) could and would assume by the listing that I was evicted.

I didn't have any trouble getting a new place after eviction. I was honest with them, told them what happened (business failure) and never missed a rent payment after that.

I found out that if there is a reasonable explaination (divorce, illness, etc) for bad stuff on your credit that in many cases it is overlooked.

Answer 3

It changes from state to state. But, if you move out and terminate your lease they can't evict you. They can, however, report you to a collection agency for the money you owe them and could take you to court for it. That would go on your record, but it would probably not happen for several months.

Answer 4

It is a credit score document which more commonly remains for 7 years. Landlords use credit score bureaus to run again floor assessments. The small ones are more commonly participants of institutions that do it for them. It is a industry transaction of 06/27/09 underneath the Federal Credit Reporting Acts.

Answer 5

An eviction will not show up on your credit report. But the ensuing judgment will. Everything on your credit report lasts for 7 years. Except bankruptcies, which last for 10 years.

Answer 6

Unless they take you to court for the unpaid money, it will not go on your record. If they win a judgment at small claims court, that would show up on your record. Otherwise, it does not show up anywhere, including your credit report.

It would probably be good to see if you could make payment arrangements and save court costs.

Answer 7

I think if you talk to your Manager about how you were just laid off she would accept the fact that you can't pay the money right away.. talk to them see what they say.. it could never hurt..