What Is an Eviction Report Check?
An eviction report check is a critical screening tool that helps landlords identify tenants with a history of eviction filings. By searching nationwide eviction records, landlords can avoid renting to individuals who have been evicted for non-payment, lease violations, or property damage.
Running eviction history checks should be a standard part of every tenant screening process. Many problem tenants move from one rental to another, and an eviction report reveals patterns of behavior that might not show up on a credit report or criminal background check.
Why Eviction Reports Matter
Eviction records provide crucial information that protects your rental business:
- Identify Repeat Offenders: Some tenants have a history of being evicted multiple times
- See Patterns of Non-Payment: Eviction filings often reveal tenants who stop paying rent
- Prevent Property Damage: Many evictions result from lease violations or property damage
- Avoid Costly Legal Processes: The average eviction costs $3,500+ and takes 5.5 months to complete
What Does an Eviction Report Include?
An eviction history report typically includes:
- Nationwide eviction records from courts across the country
- Civil court records related to landlord-tenant disputes
- Filing and judgment details including dates, amounts, and outcomes
- Current eviction status showing if an eviction is active or completed
How to Check Eviction History on a Tenant
- Get authorization from the applicant to run a screening report
- Use a tenant screening service that includes eviction history searches
- Provide the applicant’s information including name and address history
- Review the eviction report for any past eviction filings or judgments
- Evaluate the results — not all eviction filings indicate a bad tenant, but patterns are concerning
Eviction Records and Your Legal Responsibilities
When using eviction reports in your screening process, remember these legal considerations:
- Eviction records are public information but must be used fairly and consistently
- Some states limit how far back you can consider eviction records
- Dismissed evictions or sealed records may not appear on standard reports
- Always apply your screening criteria consistently to all applicants
- Provide adverse action notices if you deny tenancy based on the report
How Far Back Do Eviction Records Go?
Eviction records can remain on a person’s record for 7-10 years, depending on state laws. However, some states limit how far back landlords can consider eviction history when making rental decisions. For example, some jurisdictions prohibit considering evictions older than 3-5 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a landlord evict someone without a record?
Informal evictions — where a landlord asks a tenant to leave without going through court — may not appear on eviction reports. Only formal evictions filed through the court system are recorded.
Do eviction reports show pending evictions?
Yes, most eviction reports include both current and past eviction filings, including evictions that are still in progress.
How much does an eviction report cost?
Eviction reports typically cost $10-$20 per search. Many screening services offer eviction checks as part of a comprehensive screening bundle.
Run an Eviction Check with ThoroughScreen
ThoroughScreen offers nationwide eviction history reports starting at just $14.99 per report. Add them to your screening process to catch problem tenants before they sign a lease.