
Past Eviction Filings
Many landlords use prospective tenants’ past eviction court records as a reason to deny them housing. This is often done without any regard for the outcome of the case–even if the tenant wasn’t ultimately evicted. In other instances, an individual may have been evicted for falling behind on rent because of other expenses or extenuating circumstances. Evictions make it more difficult for disproportionately impacted populations, like low-income families and people of color, to find housing. If given the opportunity to provide additional details about a past eviction, a potential landlord may change their mind about an individual’s fitness for tenancy. Relying on a court record alone without any context creates a barrier to housing for many people.