How to Remove an Eviction from Your Record in Illinois

By Fahim | April 9, 2025
How to Remove an Eviction from Your Record in Illinois

An eviction on your record in Illinois can make it hard to rent a new home, impact your credit, and affect your ability to pass background checks. Fortunately, Illinois law provides clear legal options for removing or limiting the impact of an eviction—especially if the case was dismissed or unfairly entered against you.

This guide offers a step-by-step process to help Illinois residents remove or reduce the damage of an eviction and reclaim their housing opportunities.

Can You Remove an Eviction from Your Record in Illinois?

Yes. As of May 2022, Illinois has expanded its laws allowing expungement of eviction cases in certain situations. If your eviction was dismissed, settled, or filed during COVID-19 hardship, you may qualify to have the court seal or expunge it.

Even if your case resulted in a judgment, you may still be able to vacate it under specific conditions.

Reference: 735 ILCS 5/9-121 – Illinois Code of Civil Procedure on eviction sealing.

Why Removing an Eviction Matters in Illinois

  • Improves your chances of renting in competitive markets
  • Clears your public court history
  • May help restore creditworthiness
  • Prevents future landlords from denying applications due to old evictions

Steps to Remove an Eviction from Your Record in Illinois

Step 1: Look Up Your Eviction Case Details

Start by locating your eviction record:

Also check your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com and request your tenant screening report from providers like CoreLogic, Experian RentBureau, or TransUnion.

Step 2: Determine If You’re Eligible for Sealing or Expungement

You can petition to seal your eviction case if:

You meet any of these criteria:

  • The case was dismissed
  • The court ruled in your favor
  • You and your landlord agreed to settle the case
  • The eviction was filed during COVID-19 hardship
  • The judgment was more than 7 years old

You can file a motion to seal or expunge your record to prevent landlords and the public from viewing it.

Note: Sealed records are not visible to future landlords, employers, or the general public.

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

Here’s how to do it:

  • File the “Motion to Seal Eviction Record” with the circuit court where the eviction case was filed.
  • Include all required information: case number, dates, outcome, and reason for sealing.
  • Explain how the eviction record is creating hardship (e.g., denying housing, impacting job prospects).
  • Submit the Notice of Motion and schedule a hearing date.
  • Serve a copy of your motion to the landlord or property manager involved.

Get the official forms from:

Tip: Be ready to appear in court and explain why the record should be sealed. Judges want to see that sealing the record is in the “interests of justice.”

Step 4: If You Lost the Case, File a Motion to Vacate the Judgment

If the court entered an eviction judgment against you, and you believe it was unfair or made in error, you can request to vacate the judgment.

Reasons to Vacate:

  • You weren’t properly served
  • You were absent due to emergency or hardship
  • You have since paid or resolved the dispute
  • The landlord agreed to settle after the judgment

Use:

Illinois Compiled Statutes – Post-Judgment Relief

Step 5: Request the Landlord’s Cooperation for a Stipulated Dismissal

If you’ve resolved the issue with the landlord (e.g., paid rent, moved out), they may agree to jointly dismiss or seal the case.

Here’s what to do:

  • Ask the landlord to sign a stipulated agreement to seal or dismiss
  • File the agreement with the court as part of your motion to seal

This increases your chances of approval, especially if the case did not end in a judgment.

Step 6: Dispute or Correct Records on Background Checks

Even after sealing your court record, eviction data may remain in third-party tenant screening databases.

What you should do:

  • Contact CoreLogic, TransUnion SmartMove, and other agencies
  • File a dispute with proof of sealed or dismissed case
  • Request deletion or correction

CFPB Guide: Fixing Rental Screening Errors

Improve Your Rental Chances While the Eviction Is Still on File

Until the eviction is officially sealed or removed, consider these best practices:

Offer Transparency

Explain the eviction in your rental application and include a letter of explanation.

Provide Strong References

Ask past landlords or employers to write letters vouching for your reliability.

Offer More Security

A larger deposit or several months’ rent upfront may help you get approved.

Use a Co-Signer

A co-signer with good credit can help offset concerns about your history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I expunge an eviction in Illinois?

Yes, if your case was dismissed, settled, or qualifies under the new sealing law. You must file a motion and attend a hearing.

How long does an eviction stay on my record in Illinois?

  • Court records remain unless sealed
  • Credit reports show related debts for up to 7 years
  • Tenant screening reports may store eviction data for several years

What is the difference between sealing and expungement in Illinois?

In eviction cases, the terms are often used interchangeably. Sealing hides the case from public view; expungement deletes it entirely, but it’s rarer in civil court.

Does sealing guarantee landlords can’t see my eviction?

Yes. Sealed cases are not accessible to landlords or tenant screening services.

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

Absolutely. TPS provides tailored legal assistance to tenants in Illinois looking to:

  • File motions to seal or expunge records
  • Draft and submit court petitions
  • Negotiate with landlords for dismissal or settlement
  • Improve housing chances with legal guidance

Get in touch with TPS today and let us help you navigate your path to a clean record.

Take the First Step Toward a Clean Slate

An eviction doesn’t have to hold you back. Thanks to Illinois’ updated eviction sealing laws, you now have a chance to clear your record and move forward with better housing options.

With the right legal knowledge and support from TPS, you can protect your future and open new doors.

Posted in Eviction Process