Imagine getting evicted in error, then spending months trying to rebuild your life, only to discover the eviction is still haunting you. For one Georgia renter, that nightmare became reality. Despite promises that the issue would be resolved, she kept hitting the same roadblock: housing applications denied over and over again.
What she didn’t know is that her rental record still showed an eviction – something most landlords use as a red flag to deny applications outright.
One Mistake, Long-Term Consequences
Evictions, whether valid or not, can carry serious consequences. Rental management companies frequently use third-party background screening services to evaluate tenants. If an eviction appears (even one that’s unfounded or filed in error) it can make you virtually untouchable in the rental market.
In this case, the consumer was told the eviction would be fixed. But six months later, nothing had changed. She’d already spent hundreds of dollars on application fees, only to be rejected again and again.
Sadly, she’s not alone. Housing advocates say it’s alarmingly common for inaccurate records to go uncorrected. A simple clerical error can lock renters out of housing for years if not properly addressed.
Here’s What You Can Do If This Happens to You
First, don’t assume the error will fix itself – you need to take action. Start by requesting a free copy of your credit report from all three major bureaus: Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. Look for any sign of the eviction, especially under collections or public records.
Most landlords rely on tenant screening platforms like AppFolio, RentGrow, or RealPage to run background checks. These reports often pull eviction data from court filings or third-party databases, and they’re not always accurate or up to date.
If you see an eviction that shouldn’t be there:
- Dispute the entry directly with the screening company.
- Provide supporting documents, such as a letter from your previous landlord or court records showing the case was dismissed.
- Ask for a written investigation and resolution timeframe.
- Follow up regularly. Don’t rely on email alone. Call and keep records of who you spoke with and when.
You can also ask the company for a copy of the tenant screening report that landlords are using to deny your applications. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you're entitled to this information when you're rejected due to data in a consumer report.
Don’t Let the System Beat You
The reality is, these background screening tools are not infallible. They're automated, overused, and sometimes wrong. But they carry massive weight in housing decisions. If you’ve been wrongfully evicted or denied housing based on an inaccurate report, you have rights, and you can fight back.
The process can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to find a new place to live. But persistence is key. The good news? Once the wrongful eviction is removed from your record, you can finally start applying with confidence again.
Take Back Control
If your rental history is keeping you locked out of homes, don’t go it alone. Get informed, get your records, and get help if needed.
Pro Tip: Keep a personal file of your rental history, including all lease agreements, payment receipts, and correspondence with property managers. It may save you from major headaches down the road.
