Tenant screening can feel like a guessing game sometimes. Someone seems polite and says all the right things, but how do you really know they’ll be a responsible renter? One of the most important tools is learning how to check eviction history. This article will break it down in a simple, straightforward way, so you know exactly what to do and what to look for!
What Is an Eviction History?
An eviction history is a record of any legal actions taken to remove a tenant from a rental property. It typically shows whether someone has been formally evicted through the court system, not just asked to leave, but taken through the full legal process by a landlord.
These records can appear on a tenant's credit report or be found in court databases and tenant screening reports. While not every issue with a past rental shows up here, a formal eviction on file is a strong indicator that there were serious problems (like non-payment of rent, lease violations, or property damage).
What an Eviction History Includes — And Why It Matters
Eviction reports can include a surprising amount of detail. You might see:
- The date the eviction was filed
- The reason for the eviction (like unpaid rent or lease violations)
- The outcome of the case (whether the tenant was evicted or the case was dismissed
- Judgments, if any money was awarded to the landlord
- And in some cases, how much rent was owed
Why does this matter? Because past behavior is one of the best predictors of future behavior. It could signal financial instability, poor communication, or a lack of respect for lease terms.
When combined with other screening tools like credit checks, income verification, and references, eviction history helps round out the full picture.
Landlord Legal Responsibilities When Using Eviction Reports
Before you run any kind of background check, it’s important to understand your legal responsibilities as a landlord.
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you’re required to:
- Get written permission from the tenant or applicant before pulling a screening report
- Notify the tenant if you deny their application based on something in the report (this is called an adverse action)
- Provide them with a copy of the report and let them know how to dispute any errors
Note: Some areas limit the use of older evictions or require landlords to offer tenants a chance to explain their history.
3 Ways to Check a Tenant’s Eviction History
Thankfully, there are a few different ways to go about it, some more hands-on, and others that make the process almost effortless.
Manual Public Record Searches
Eviction cases are part of the public record, and in some states, you can search local court databases online for eviction lookup free. This method can work if you're only screening one or two applicants and have the time to dig.
To do this, you’ll need to know the applicant’s full legal name and the counties or states where they’ve lived. Then, you can search civil court records for any filings related to public records for evictions (often called "unlawful detainers").
Outsourcing to Third-Party Services
This is by far the most common method. Tenant screening companies pull from national databases to check eviction status, credit reports, background checks, and more, all in one go.
Services like LeaseRunner and others are designed to make this part of the process fast and reliable. You'll typically need the applicant’s permission, and the reports are usually available within 24–48 hours.
Pro Tip: Don’t know how to scan tenant screening reports and select suitable tenants? Check out our blog on How to Check Your Tenant Screening Report.
LeaseRunner’s All-in-One Screening Platform
Alternatively, if you're looking for a simple, no-fuss option, LeaseRunner is a great pick. It’s designed specifically for landlords, and it includes eviction lookup, credit reports, criminal background checks, and more.
You don’t need to collect sensitive information yourself. Just enter the tenant’s email, and they handle the rest (getting consent, verifying identity, and delivering the report straight to your inbox).
How to Check Eviction History with LeaseRunner: A Complete Guide
Then, how do you look up evictions? LeaseRunner makes the screening process feel less like a chore and more like a smooth step in finding the right tenant. Here’s how it works:
- Create a free LeaseRunner account. It only takes a minute, and there's no cost until you run a report.
- Navigate to your dashboard, select "Screen"
- Choose the "Eviction Check" option (and any others you’d like, such as credit or criminal checks). Enter the applicant’s name and email address.
- LeaseRunner sends an email to the applicant requesting their consent and any necessary personal details. This keeps you from having to ask for sensitive information directly.
- Wait for tenant approval. Once the applicant consents, LeaseRunner conducts a nationwide search across all major jurisdictions, covering over 36 million records. The eviction report, along with any other selected reports, will be available in your dashboard.
How to Read an Eviction Report (What Landlords Should Watch For)
The next step is knowing how to read it and what it’s telling you. These reports can vary slightly depending on the service you use, but most will include the same core details.
- Case Filing Date: When was the eviction filed? A recent eviction might raise more concern than one that happened several years ago.
- Case Status: Was the eviction completed, dismissed, or settled? A dismissed case might mean the tenant and landlord worked things out or that the case was filed in error.
- Judgment Details: Did the court rule in favor of the landlord? Was any money awarded? This shows whether the eviction was justified in the court’s eyes.
- Reason for Eviction: This can include non-payment of rent, property damage, or lease violations. Not every report will show this, but if it does, take note.
It’s also important to look at patterns. One eviction from five years ago, followed by years of stable renting, might not be a deal-breaker. But multiple public records for evictions? That’s a major red flag.
Why You Should Review Credit and Eviction History Together
When you pair the eviction history with a credit report, you will get the full idea of how a tenant manages their responsibilities.
While an eviction report shows past rental issues, it doesn’t reveal much about a tenant’s financial behavior outside of rent payments.
Credit reports provide important insights into how someone manages debt, pays bills, and handles financial obligations. If a tenant has a strong credit score but a distant eviction, they might still be a solid choice. However, if they have recent evictions paired with a poor credit score, it could indicate ongoing financial struggles.
How Long Does an Eviction Stay on a Tenant’s Record?
Evictions don’t follow tenants around forever, but they can stick around longer than many people expect.
The general rules are:
- On credit reports: A court-ordered eviction (also called a judgment) can stay on a tenant’s credit report for up to 7 years.
- In public records and screening databases: Many tenant screening services also keep eviction records for up to 7 years, though this can vary by state.
Some states are starting to pass laws that limit how eviction records can be used, especially in cases where the eviction was dismissed or filed during emergency periods (like during the COVID-19 pandemic). In a few places, eviction records can even be sealed after a certain period.
Bottom Line
Overall, tenant screening doesn’t have to be complicated. By checking eviction history along with credit reports, you can make better, more informed choices. Knowing how to check eviction history is key, and tools like LeaseRunner make it easy by providing quick access to all the essential tenant reports in one place!
FAQs
Q1: How to find out if I have an eviction?
To find out if you have an eviction on your record, you can check your public court records or tenant screening reports. You can search online court databases in the county where you lived, or request a copy of your eviction record from the courthouse. Additionally, you can use tenant screening services to run a background check that includes eviction history.
Q2: Where to find eviction records?
Eviction records are part of public court records and can usually be accessed through local government websites or directly at the courthouse. Many screening platforms will show you a tenant’s eviction history, including filing dates, reasons for eviction, and case outcomes.
