When looking for a new place to live, you may come across a potential roadblock – an eviction on your record Having an eviction on your record can make it challenging to secure a new rental property, but the first step is determining if you actually have an eviction in your history Here’s how you can find out if you have an eviction on your record:
Check Your Credit Report
One of the easiest ways to determine if you have an eviction on your record is to check your credit report Evictions are often reported to the major credit bureaus, so they will appear on your credit report if they have been formally filed.
You can request a free copy of your credit report once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion Reviewing your credit report will give you a comprehensive look at your financial history, including any evictions that may be listed.
Contact the Court
If you suspect that you may have an eviction on your record but it doesn’t appear on your credit report, the next step is to contact the court in the county where the eviction would have taken place Evictions are legal proceedings, so there should be a record of the eviction filed with the court.
You can usually contact the civil court or housing court in the county where you lived at the time of the eviction to request information about any eviction filings Be prepared to provide your full name and any other relevant details to help the court locate the records.
Reach Out to Previous Landlords
Another way to find out if you have an eviction on your record is to reach out to your previous landlords They may be able to provide information about any evictions that were filed during your tenancy.
If you had a positive relationship with your previous landlords, they may be willing to share this information with you how do you find out if you have an eviction. Keep in mind that not all landlords are required to disclose eviction information, so this method may not always be successful.
Utilize Online Resources
There are several online resources that can help you determine if you have an eviction on your record Websites like Rentberry and MyRental offer tenant screening services that include eviction checks.
By entering your information on these platforms, you can quickly find out if there are any evictions listed under your name Keep in mind that some of these services may charge a fee for access to your rental history.
Hire a Tenant Screening Service
If you’re having trouble finding information about an eviction on your own, you can hire a tenant screening service to help you with your search These services are typically used by landlords and property managers to vet potential tenants, but they can also be utilized by individuals looking to check their own rental history.
A tenant screening service will gather information from various sources, including credit reports, court records, and previous landlords, to provide you with a comprehensive look at your rental history This may be a more expensive option, but it can be worth it if you’re having trouble finding information on your own.
In conclusion, finding out if you have an eviction on your record is an important step in securing a new rental property By checking your credit report, contacting the court, reaching out to previous landlords, utilizing online resources, or hiring a tenant screening service, you can get a clear picture of your rental history and take steps to address any potential issues Don’t let an eviction derail your housing search – be proactive in checking your rental history to set yourself up for success.