{"id":369223,"date":"2019-10-14T09:23:01","date_gmt":"2019-10-14T14:23:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/is-it-possible-to-get-an-eviction-expunged.html"},"modified":"2026-09-14T12:26:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T17:26:00","slug":"is-it-possible-to-get-an-eviction-expunged","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/is-it-possible-to-get-an-eviction-expunged.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Get an Eviction Expunged"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

How To Get an Eviction Expunged<\/h1>\n\n
\n
\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n
\n
\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n

An eviction expungement removes your case from public view, helping you pass future tenant screenings and secure housing more easily. Depending on your state, you may qualify for expungement if the eviction involved foreclosure, landlord retaliation, or legal errors in the case.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

\n

Before signing a lease with a new tenant, most landlords run the applicant’s name through a tenant screening agency. These agencies run background checks and look for\u00a0a tenant’s past evictions\u00a0<\/a>and other undesirable qualities. Your rental history follows you from building to building, making it extremely difficult to get a new lease.<\/p>\n

But there are ways to remove an eviction from your rental history. An eviction expungement clears your history and prevents prospective landlords or tenant screening services from learning about your eviction record. This process requires precise filings and evidence. Many renters benefit from an attorney’s guidance<\/a> to improve their chances of success.<\/p>\n

What Is Eviction Expungement?<\/h2>\n

Eviction expungement seals the\u00a0court records of your eviction<\/a>, preventing anyone from seeing them. Expungement also lets you check the “No” box on the rental application form asking whether you were ever evicted.<\/p>\n

The process differs by state, but eviction expungement generally means filing paperwork with the local courts. But you may be able to make your case without attending a hearing.<\/p>\n

If you do not get your eviction removed, it will stop appearing on your credit report<\/a> and the public record after about seven years.<\/p>\n

Types of Eviction Expungements<\/h2>\n

No matter where you live, courts recognize three types of eviction expungement:<\/p>\n