EVICTIONS AND CREDIT SCORES — What California Renters Need to Know
What California Tenants Need to Know About Credit and Rental History — And How R23 Law Can Help
Facing an eviction can be overwhelming. Whether it's due to missed rent payments or a lease dispute, the process is often stressful and confusing — and the consequences may follow you for years.
One of the most common concerns we hear at R23 Law is: Will this eviction ruin my credit?
The short answer is: not directly — but it can still damage your financial future.
Our R23 Law California Consumer Protection Attorneys help renters understand how evictions can affect their credit, rental history, and legal rights. Here’s what you need to know — and how we can help.
Will an Eviction Show Up on My Credit Report?
An eviction itself does not appear directly on your credit report. However, if your landlord hires a collection agency or files a judgment to recover unpaid rent, that collection activity will show up on your credit report — and it can drop your score significantly.
In summary:
❌ The eviction record is not listed as an account on your credit report.
✅ But related debt (unpaid rent sent to collections) does appear as a derogatory tradeline.
This kind of entry signals to lenders and landlords that you are a credit risk.
Will an Eviction Impact My Ability to Rent Again?
Even if the eviction doesn’t hit your credit report directly, it will show up on your tenant screening report — a separate file landlords often review during the rental application process.
Landlords may deny your application based on:
Prior evictions in public court records
Collection accounts from unpaid rent
Late rent payment history
Low credit score due to unresolved housing debt
How Can I Rebuild My Credit After an Eviction?
If your eviction is linked to debt, here are some strategies that may improve your situation:
1. Apply for a Rebuild Loan
This is a small personal loan designed to help improve credit when paid back on time.
2. Settle or Dispute the Collection Account
Work with the collection agency — or contact R23 Law’s Credit Reporting Dispute Attorneys — to validate or resolve the debt. If the item is inaccurate, we can help dispute and remove it.
3. Use a Cosigner
A cosigner with strong credit can help you get approved for a new lease, giving you time to rebuild your own credit.
Your Legal Rights as a California Tenant
If you’ve been evicted unfairly, or if your credit report contains inaccurate housing-related information, you may have legal options.
At R23 Law, our team of California Consumer Protection Attorneys helps renters:
Dispute credit report errors related to evictions or rental debt
Stop illegal or deceptive debt collection tactics
Enforce your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and California tenant protection laws
Contact R23 Law Today
If you’re facing credit issues after an eviction, or struggling with tenant screening problems, we’re here to help.
📞 310-598-1588
🔗 Schedule your free consultation
📚 Learn more about our firm
👩⚖️ Meet our legal team
R23 Law is committed to protecting California renters from the long-term effects of credit reporting errors and eviction-related debt. Let us help you reclaim your peace of mind.
