How Long Does an Eviction Stay on Your Record in Texas?

Two different records

When people ask how long an eviction stays on their record, they usually mean one of two things: the court record of the case, and the tenant screening report a landlord pulls when you apply.

A court record is a public file kept by the court. Court records can generally remain available indefinitely unless a judge orders them sealed or otherwise removed. A screening report is a product compiled by a private company, and it is covered by federal consumer reporting law, which generally limits how long many negative items can be reported.

The seven year rule of thumb

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, many adverse items on a consumer report generally cannot be reported for more than seven years. Eviction filings and judgments that appear on tenant screening reports are commonly treated this way, so seven years is the figure you will hear most often.

Treat that as a general rule, not a promise. The seven year clock is usually measured from a specific date, such as the filing or judgment, and details can vary. If the timing matters to your situation, ask the reporting company directly or speak with an attorney.

Why an old eviction can still show up

Even after a screening report drops an item, a landlord who searches court records on their own may find the case. Some properties run that kind of search, and some do not. That is why an eviction can feel like it follows you longer than seven years.

Dismissed cases and cases settled before a judgment can also show up as filings. If your case did not end in a judgment against you, make sure that is clear in the record and on any report.

What about a broken lease?

A broken lease is treated differently from an eviction. It may appear if the landlord reported an unpaid balance to a collection agency or if a court judgment followed. Collection items can fall under the same general seven year reporting window, while a lease break with no balance may not appear on a report at all.

Landlords may still ask on the application whether you have ever broken a lease, and a former landlord can be asked for a reference. Answer honestly and be ready to explain.

Can an eviction be removed early?

In limited situations, yes. If information on a report is wrong, you can dispute it with the reporting company. If a case was filed in error or ended in your favor, there may be options through the court. Some Texas eviction cases may qualify to be sealed. Eligibility depends on the specifics, so a licensed attorney or a legal aid organization is the right place to start.

Be careful with companies that promise to erase accurate records for a fee. No one can promise a result, and you may pay for something that does not change what a landlord sees.

What to do while you wait it out

You do not have to wait seven years to rent. Many people with an eviction or a broken lease on their history get approved by applying at properties that review applications individually and by showing recent stability: steady income, good references and a settled balance.

Done Deal Cosign works with 121+ partner properties in Houston where rental history is reviewed case by case. Our general guideline is two or fewer rental issues. A counselor can review your situation and tell you where you have a real chance. If you are not pre-approved within 7 days, the Initial Fee is refunded.

Frequently asked questions