When landlords run background checks on new renters, they often run an eviction court record search to see if there are past eviction cases. It is possible to have an eviction record expunged (sealed) so that landlords will not see the record on a background report.

Any court eviction records (i.e. unlawful detainers – “UDs,” or forcible entry/detainers – “FEDs”) found are listed under this section. An unlawful detainer is a court order filed by a landlord in an attempt to either evict or collect money from a tenant who owes on his rent or has otherwise violated his lease agreement.

Many eviction cases end up being dismissed or settled, after paying any money owed or remedying any lease violations.

In most states, eviction records remain on your background report for 7 years – regardless if it resulted in an eviction.

Just because an eviction case was filed does not necessarily mean that the final outcome was an eviction.

Educate yourself about common eviction types


Restitution of Premises, Non-Payment of Rent
Restitution of Premises (RP) means the defendant must surrender the property to the Plaintiff and non-payment of rent (NPR) amount.
Mended Eviction, Non-Payment of Rent
The tenant admitted to not paying rent.
Mended Eviction, Non-Payment of Rent
The tenant admitted to not paying rent.
DISM
The plaintiff dropped the case or the case was thrown out by a judge.
Dismissed without Prejudice
The parties involved independently reached an agreement.
Dismissed with Prejudice
The case was thrown out by a judge and may not be re-filed by the plaintiff.
Settled
The parties involved independently reached an agreement.
Stricken
Stricken means one or both parties did not show up for the hearing.
Canceled
The case was canceled before the court hearing date.
Forcible Detainer
The judge agreed with the landlord that the tenant should be evicted.
Civil New Filing
If no other records follow a case labeled “civil new filing” then the case was canceled or dismissed.
Eviction court record search

Did you know?

If you have an eviction record on your background, you can petition the court in the county where the case was filed to have the record expunged, or sealed. This typically requires filing a petition with the court and paying a filing fee (fees vary widely by state – contact the county court for an exact amount). Your chances that a judge will agree to expunge a case are higher if the case did not result in an eviction. If you still have an outstanding balance from an eviction case, you should pay the balance before petitioning the court for an expungement.

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