Your Credit and Eviction Records: How to Protect and Repair Your Rental History

California Tenant Defense System | Justice Foundation

An eviction on your record — or a negative credit report entry from a former landlord — can prevent you from renting a new unit for years. Understanding what information appears in rental screening reports, what landlords are permitted to consider, and how to dispute inaccurate information protects your ability to find housing even after a difficult tenancy.

What Rental Screening Reports Contain

Landlords use tenant screening services that compile information from multiple sources: credit reports (showing payment history, debts, and any collection accounts), eviction records from court databases (showing unlawful detainer filings, not just judgments), criminal background checks, and employment and income verification. The unlawful detainer record is particularly damaging — many screening services report any UD filing, even if the case was dismissed or you won at trial.

California Restrictions on Screening Information

California law restricts what landlords can use in tenant screening. Criminal history: California AB 1076 (2020) limits the use of criminal history in rental applications, and many local ordinances restrict it further. Eviction records: California has enacted restrictions on the use of unlawful detainer court records during COVID-era periods, and courts have the ability to seal UD records in some circumstances. Reporting period: consumer reporting agencies generally cannot report most negative information older than seven years. Source of income: landlords cannot screen out voucher holders.

How to Dispute Inaccurate Records

Review your credit report annually at AnnualCreditReport.com. Obtain a copy of your tenant screening report from the screening service (you have the right to a free copy if an adverse action was taken based on it). Dispute any inaccurate information directly with the credit bureau or screening service — inaccuracies must be corrected within 30 days under the FCRA. For eviction records that were resolved in your favor, consider petitioning the court to seal the UD record. The Justice Foundation kit covers the dispute process and petition to seal procedures for California tenant records.