Answer By law4u team
An eviction can have significant and lasting effects on a tenant's rental history. The consequences of an eviction can extend far beyond the immediate loss of housing, potentially making it more difficult for the tenant to secure future rental opportunities. Landlords and property managers typically review a tenant’s rental history when evaluating rental applications, and an eviction can be a red flag that hinders a tenant’s ability to rent a property in the future.
How Does Eviction Impact The Rental History of a Tenant?
Permanent Mark on Rental History
An eviction generally leaves a permanent record in the tenant’s rental history. When landlords or property managers conduct a background check or review a rental application, they typically look for any prior evictions. A past eviction is a red flag and may raise concerns about the tenant's reliability and ability to pay rent on time.
The eviction record may be included in a tenant's rental history report, which can be shared with future landlords. This information may make it more challenging for tenants to be accepted for future rentals, especially in competitive rental markets.
Impact on Credit Report
While eviction itself may not directly appear on a tenant's credit report, if the tenant owes back rent or any court-ordered fees from the eviction, these amounts may be reported to credit bureaus. If the debt is not paid, it could result in a negative mark on the tenant's credit report, which can impact their credit score and future financial opportunities.
Unpaid rent, legal fees, and court judgments related to the eviction may show up as collections accounts on the tenant’s credit report, making it difficult to secure housing or obtain loans in the future.
Increased Scrutiny by Future Landlords
When a tenant applies for a new rental, potential landlords may closely scrutinize the tenant’s background, including their rental history. The presence of an eviction can signal to landlords that the tenant has had issues in maintaining a lease or fulfilling their financial obligations, leading landlords to either reject the application outright or impose stricter terms, such as requiring a larger security deposit or a co-signer.
Landlords may also require tenants with eviction records to provide additional references or evidence of improved financial responsibility, which can create additional barriers for the tenant.
Difficulty in Securing Rental References
A tenant who has been evicted may struggle to obtain positive references from previous landlords. Many landlords are reluctant to provide favorable references for tenants with eviction records, as they may be concerned about future legal or financial issues.
If the eviction was due to non-payment of rent or other lease violations, the tenant may face difficulties in finding new landlords willing to provide references, making it harder to prove their reliability as a tenant.
Potential for Higher Security Deposits
Even if a tenant is able to secure a new rental after an eviction, landlords may require a higher security deposit to mitigate any potential risks. This is because landlords often view tenants with eviction records as higher-risk tenants who may be more likely to default on rent payments or cause damage to the property.
Impact on Future Lease Terms
If a tenant is able to secure a rental despite an eviction on their record, they may be subject to less favorable lease terms. These terms could include shorter lease durations, higher rent, or stricter rules regarding property maintenance or behavior.
In some cases, landlords may only offer month-to-month leases or short-term contracts, giving the landlord the option to terminate the lease early if issues arise.
Long-Term Consequences
The effects of an eviction on a tenant’s rental history can persist for several years. Even after the tenant has paid off any debts associated with the eviction, the eviction itself may still appear on background checks or rental history reports, which can impact the tenant’s ability to secure housing for a long period.
In some regions, an eviction may remain on a tenant's record for up to seven years, although this duration can vary depending on local laws and regulations.
Example
A tenant who was evicted for non-payment of rent may find it difficult to rent again in the future. When applying for a new apartment, the tenant’s rental history report shows the eviction, and the landlord decides to reject the application due to concerns about the tenant's ability to pay rent. The tenant may have to wait a long time before they can find a landlord willing to accept them or may need to pay a much higher security deposit to offset the perceived risk.
Conclusion
Eviction can have serious consequences for a tenant's rental history, affecting their ability to rent in the future. A prior eviction can serve as a red flag for future landlords, leading to increased scrutiny, the need for additional references, or even outright rejections of rental applications. The eviction may also impact the tenant's credit report and security deposit requirements. To minimize the long-term effects of eviction, tenants should work to maintain good communication with their landlord, address any payment issues promptly, and try to resolve disputes before legal action is necessary.
