How to Remove an Eviction from Your Record in Texas

Having an eviction record will produce various difficulties such as hindering your search for housing, damaging your credit score and affecting job applications through background checks.

Texas residents who have experienced eviction can find legal solutions that help minimize their eviction record’s effects.

This post provides all the necessary details about eviction record removal to assist Texans in understanding their legal rights and potential solutions.

Does Texas Allow Eviction Records to Be Removed from Your History?

Yes, Texas allows eviction records removal under particular circumstances.

Legal procedures including filing motions to expunge or vacate judgments or reaching a settlement with the landlord to stop the eviction process, are typical for removal.

Why You Need to File an Expungement for an Eviction from Your Record

• Improve rental opportunities
  
• Protect your credit rating
  
• Avoid future legal complications
  
• Reclaim your financial peace and stability
  

Your record remains vulnerable to eviction marks even if it happens only one time so removing it becomes essential to maintain your future housing prospects.

A Guide to Eliminate an Eviction from Your Record in Texas

Step 1: Verify the Status of Your Eviction in Your Official Documents

Review your public record alongside your credit report to see the current status of your eviction proceedings.

Here’s what you should do:

• Texas Court Record Search: Use Texas Judicial Branch Case Search to review your past evictions.
  
• Credit Report: AnnualCreditReport.com grants free credit reports for you to review possible evictions listings.
  

Having full knowledge about your record begins your protective strategy.

Step 2: Determine the Type of Eviction Judgment

An eviction proceeding results in one of two possible judgments between landlords and tenants.

1. Dismissed or Non-Suit Cases

You may obtain an expungement from the court when the landlord stops pursuing the case or it gets dismissed.

2. Judgment in Favor of Landlord

Removing the eviction becomes harder when the court sides with your landlord but remaining legal options exist.

Step 3: File a Motion to Expunge or Seal the Record

When your case results in a dismissal or you win then you can file a petition for sealing or expunging your eviction record with the court.

How to Do It:

• Submit your petition for sealing or expunging to the court that handled your eviction case.
  
• The motion should be accompanied by relevant supporting evidence including dismissal documents or a copy of your agreement with your landlord.
  
• The court requires you to submit a filing fee which ranges from $50 to $300 depending on the county.
  

Tip: It is possible to seal your record during the hearing process according to some jurisdictions so it is crucial to ask the court about it.

Step 4: A Motion to Vacate Judgment Serves as Your Legal Solution When You Lose the Case

You might still erase the judgment by submitting a Motion to Vacate after losing your case.

This is often successful if:

• You never received the eviction notice (improper service)
  
• You have new evidence
  
• The landlord violated tenant rights
  
• You’ve since paid and settled the debt
  

Where to File:

Submit your petition to the Justice of the Peace Court that presided over the original case.

The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure provide detailed instructions for obtaining relief following a judgment.

Step 5: Apply for Non-Disclosure or Record Sealing When Eligible

Texas law does not require automatic sealing of eviction records regardless of the outcome.

However, you can:

• Filing for non-disclosure of eviction records (the procedure differs between courts).
  
• Filing a motion to seal the record is possible when an eviction creates significant problems such as housing challenges or job loss.
  

The Texas Legal Services Center – Eviction Help provides further information about the topic.

Step 6: Wait It Out (If Legal Removal Isn’t Possible)

When time works in your favor even though your eviction remains on your record.

• Credit Report: An eviction remains on your credit report for seven years after which time it should be automatically removed.
  
• Rental Screening Databases: These databases may retain information for longer periods. Request removal directly or dispute any errors.
  

Tip: Always ask future landlords if they use a third-party screening service like Experian RentBureau or CoreLogic SafeRent. You can reach out to these agencies to request a correction.

Pro Tips to Improve Your Rental Chances After an Eviction

Despite the fact that your rental history may still include an eviction, these tips may help you move ahead:

• Get References
  You can get someone to vouch for your reliability from past landlords or employers.
• Pay Off Outstanding Debts
  If you have outstanding rent, pay it off and have the landlord provide you with a settlement letter.
• Be Honest with Future Landlords
  Present your case to them as early as possible and show them some improvement.
• Offer a Larger Deposit or Co-Signer
  They may be more willing to work with you if they feel they are covered financially.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can an eviction be expunged in Texas?

Yes, if the case was dismissed, non-suited, or ruled in your favor. You will have to go to court and file a motion to expunge.

How long does an eviction stay on your record in Texas?

Evictions are usually on your credit report for 7 years, but they are usually still in court records unless sealed.

Can I get an eviction removed if I paid the rent later?

You can attempt to come to some kind of agreement with your landlord and then you can file a motion to vacate or file to seal the record.

How much does it cost to remove an eviction from my record in Texas?

Filing fees can be anywhere from $50 to $300 depending on the court and type of motion you are filing. The price will be higher if you need a lawyer to help you with the process.

Can TPS Help Me Remove an Eviction from My Record in Texas?

Yes. At TPS, we offer full legal services and can assist you with the process of filing the paperwork you need to file, going to court, and working with your landlord to get an eviction removed from your record.

Smart Legal Moves: Clear Your Path to Better Housing

It is not always easy to get an eviction off your record in Texas but it can be done the right way.

Whether you are filing motions, working out with landlords, or simply regaining the trust of your landlord over time, every step counts towards securing a better future.

Don’t let one mistake define your housing journey.

Get in touch with TPS today, and let us help you throughout the whole process.