How to Dispute an Eviction on Rental History
- Lease Runner
- Apr 11
- 4 min read
Finding the perfect rental is tough enough. But if an eviction shows up on your rental history, things can get a lot harder—fast.
The truth is, even one eviction record (even if it’s incorrect or outdated) can hurt your chances of getting approved. Luckily, you have the right to fix it.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to dispute an eviction on rental history step by step—and show you how tools like Portable Tenant Screening Reports (PTSRs) can help you stay in control of your rental journey.
Why Evictions Appear on Rental Reports
Most landlords use third-party background checks to screen applicants. These reports include public court filings, such as eviction cases—even if the case was dismissed or settled.
That means even a non-judged or withdrawn eviction might still pop up on your file.
These records can stay on your report for up to 7 years, depending on your state.
Step 1: Request Your Tenant Screening Report
Before you dispute anything, you need to see what’s being reported.
You can ask for a copy of your screening report from:
The landlord who denied you
The background check provider
A trusted service like LeaseRunner's tenant background screening, which shows eviction, credit, and criminal history
Once you have it, review the eviction record carefully:
Is your name listed correctly?Was the eviction ever completed—or just filed?Is the outcome correct? (Judged, dismissed, settled?)
If anything looks off, you may have grounds to dispute it.
Step 2: Identify Why It Should Be Disputed
Not every eviction record is valid. You can challenge one if:
You were never actually evictedThe eviction case was dismissed or settledYou weren’t the person listed in the recordThe case is outdated (typically older than 7 years)There’s a clerical or data error
If one or more of these apply to your situation, it’s time to take action.
Step 3: File a Dispute with the Reporting Agency
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you the right to dispute inaccurate tenant data.
Most tenant screening companies will have a dispute process on their website. When filing a dispute, include:
A clear explanation of the errorA copy of your screening reportSupporting documents (such as court dismissals or landlord letters)
The company must investigate and respond within 30 days.
If they confirm an error, they’re required to update or remove the eviction from your report.
Step 4: Contact the Courthouse if Needed
If the eviction shows up due to incomplete court records, you may need to contact the court that handled your case.
You can ask for official proof showing:
The case was dismissedYou were not the named tenantThe court ruled in your favor
Then, send that documentation to the reporting agency to support your dispute.
Step 5: Add a Personal Statement
If the eviction can’t be removed, you still have options.
You can add a 100-word consumer statement to your file explaining the context. For example:
“Filed eviction was dismissed after roommate paid rent. I left the property voluntarily and have since maintained a clean rental record.”
This isn’t guaranteed to change a landlord’s mind—but it shows transparency and accountability.
You can also reference this explanation directly in your portable tenant screening report, giving future landlords more context upfront.
Step 6: Use a Portable Tenant Screening Report (PTSR)
One of the best ways to protect your application is by using a portable tenant screening report—a modern solution that lets you provide your own background screening to landlords. This means:
You control what’s shared and when
The report can be reused for multiple applications
You can attach personal notes or updated info directly
To better understand how a portable tenant screening report works, and why it’s becoming the go-to option for renters who want transparency, read the full guide on what is a portable tenant screening report.
Even if your dispute is pending or partially resolved, providing your own screening documentation helps avoid errors caused by outdated third-party reports.
A portable screening report is especially useful if you’ve already cleared up an old eviction and want to make sure it doesn’t come back to haunt you.
Step 7: Rebuild Your Renter Profile
An eviction doesn’t have to hold you back forever. Here’s how to move forward confidently:
Bring strong landlord referencesShow steady income and employmentBe upfront if asked about past issuesHighlight positive history since the incidentUse trusted tools like LeaseRunner to present your application professionally
Landlords value honesty, and many are open to working with tenants who take accountability and have shown improvement.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to dispute an eviction on rental history gives you power. It lets you correct outdated info, clarify misunderstandings, and move forward with confidence.
Pair that with a portable screening report, and you take control of how landlords see your rental story.
For a complete overview of the benefits and how to build your own PTSR, visit the blog post on what is a portable tenant screening report today.
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