According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), tenant screening companies pull from nationwide databases, meaning your eviction records, credit history, and civil judgments travel right alongside you—even across state lines.
So, if you’re asking yourself, “Do evictions follow you from state to state?”—the answer is a loud yes. Whether you’re moving from sunny California to bustling New York, or from quiet Iowa to vibrant Florida, that old eviction could pop back up when your new landlord runs a background check.
How Do Evictions Get Recorded?
When a landlord files an eviction against you, it’s not just a simple private matter. Once it goes through the court system and a judge issues a judgment, your eviction becomes a public record.
Here’s exactly what happens:
- The court records your eviction case as a civil judgment.
- Public databases update with your information.
- Tenant screening companies scoop up this info and add it to background reports.
- Any landlord or property manager running a background check can access it nationwide.
In short, your eviction follows you because it’s stored in centralized databases accessible across all 50 states.
Does Rental History Follow You Across States?
Yes, it absolutely does. And not just for evictions!
Here’s what typically follows you:
- Eviction Judgments (civil court records)
- Rent Payment Histories (especially late payments reported to credit bureaus)
- Broken Leases
- Collections for Unpaid Rent
Tenant screening agencies build a seven-year rental history when creating reports for landlords. This data comes from:
- Nationwide civil court records
- Credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion)
- Former landlords providing references
➡️ Example: If you missed rent payments in Texas in 2021, a landlord in Michigan checking your background in 2025 could still see that record.
Where Do Evictions Show Up?
Evictions pop up in two main places:
- Tenant Screening Background Reports: Under civil judgments sections.
- Rental Histories: Included in your rental application report.
👉 Important: Evictions do not automatically appear on your standard credit report unless:
- Your landlord sends unpaid rent to a collection agency.
- The collection agency reports the debt to credit bureaus.
Otherwise, the eviction itself lives only in civil public records, not on your FICO score sheet.
How Long Do Evictions Stay on Your Record?
By law, according to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA):
- Evictions can stay on tenant background reports for seven years from the date of judgment.
Even if you move across the country, the eviction will still be visible during those seven years.
🔔 Heads up: A landlord digging through court records manually could find older eviction records even after seven years unless you’ve expunged them.
Can You Rent In Another State With An Eviction?
Yes, you can—but it won’t be easy.
Here’s how to boost your chances:
| Strategy | How It Helps |
| Pay Off Old Debts | Clears your name and shows responsibility |
| Find Second-Chance Rentals | Some landlords specialize in tenants with past evictions |
| Offer a Higher Security Deposit | Reduces the landlord’s risk |
| Use a Cosigner or Guarantor | Gives landlords extra financial assurance |
| Accept Month-to-Month Leases | Minimizes long-term risk for landlords |
Small landlords, private property owners, and “mom-and-pop” rental houses are often more flexible than big apartment complexes with strict corporate rules.
Evictions vs. Notices to Vacate: Know the Difference
Not every “please leave” request is an eviction!
| Term | Meaning |
| Notice to Vacate | A formal request to leave — no court involvement |
| Eviction Judgment | Court-ordered removal — becomes a public record |
If you receive a notice to vacate and leave by the requested date, it will not show up as an eviction on your record.
But if your landlord takes you to court and wins? Yep, now you’ve got an official eviction haunting your future applications.
How to Check If You Have an Eviction on Record?
✅ Here’s how you can find out:
- Run a Tenant Background Check on Yourself
Sites like MyRental.com, CoreLogic, or Experian RentBureau offer tenant reports. - Order Your Credit Reports
At AnnualCreditReport.com, you can get free yearly reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. - Check Local Court Records
Visit the courthouse or search their online databases where you previously lived.
Can You Remove an Eviction From Your Record?
Yes, but it’s tricky.
You’ll need to petition the court for expungement.
Expungement means:
- Sealing the record from public view.
- Keeping it out of background checks.
💬 Tip: Expungement rules vary by state. Generally, you need to show:
- The eviction was filed incorrectly.
- You resolved the issue (paid the owed rent, etc.).
- Time has passed and you’re rehabilitated.
Real Stories
Samantha’s Story (2023):
Samantha had an eviction filed in Ohio due to job loss during the pandemic. In 2024, she moved to Georgia hoping for a fresh start.
When she applied for a new apartment, the landlord pulled a nationwide tenant screening report and found her Ohio eviction—even though Samantha hadn’t mentioned it.
Samantha successfully rented a smaller studio apartment by:
- Paying three months’ rent upfront
- Offering double the standard security deposit
- Providing a letter from her current employer proving stable income
✅ Moral of the story? Transparency, preparation, and a little extra cash can help you overcome past evictions!
Final Thoughts
Getting an eviction isn’t the end of the world—but it is a big hurdle to clear.
The reality is simple: Evictions do follow you from state to state, but with smart planning, honest communication, and a little financial backup, you can still find a new place to call home.
🎯 Key Takeaways:
- Evictions stay on your record for 7 years.
- Rental history and unpaid debts follow you nationally.
- Expungement can clean your record in certain cases.
- Second-chance landlords offer real hope for tenants with past evictions.
🏡 Remember: Every setback is a setup for a comeback.
FAQs
How long does an eviction stay on your record across states?
Evictions stay visible on tenant background checks for seven years.
Will my new landlord know if I had an eviction in another state?
Yes, if they run a comprehensive background check, eviction records will show.
Can you rent again after being evicted?
Yes! Look for second-chance rentals, offer a larger deposit, or bring a cosigner.
Does an eviction affect my credit score?
Not directly—but unpaid rent sent to collections does hurt your credit score.
Do eviction laws vary by state?
Yes, eviction laws vary by state. Each state has its own rules for notice periods, court processes, and tenant rights.
How are evictions tracked?
Evictions are tracked through public court records and tenant screening databases that landlords and agencies can access nationwide.
Which state has the highest eviction rate?
As of recent reports, South Carolina has the highest eviction rate, with cities like North Charleston leading nationally.
If you have an eviction, can you still rent in another state?
Yes, you can still rent in another state if you have an eviction, but it may be harder. You might need to offer a higher security deposit, find second-chance rentals, or use a cosigner.
Do evictions show up in different states?
Yes, evictions show up in different states because background-checking agencies access nationwide public records during tenant screenings.
