How to Remove an Eviction from Your Record in New Jersey (NJ)

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

Having an eviction on your record in New Jersey can make it tough to rent a home, pass a background check, or find a job. Even if your eviction case was dismissed or settled, it remains visible on public records and tenant screening reports—causing unnecessary challenges.

Good News: You Have Legal Options!

New Jersey law provides legal resources to help you remove or reduce the effects of eviction records. This step-by-step guide explains what you need to do to seal a dismissed case, vacate a wrongful judgment, or correct background reports.

Can You Remove an Eviction from Your Record in New Jersey?

Yes—under specific conditions.

While New Jersey does not offer automatic expungement of eviction records, you can:

  • Vacate a judgment
  • Seal dismissed or settled cases
  • Correct or dispute tenant screening agency reports

A dismissed or vacated judgment remains part of court records unless you take further action. However, you can request to seal these cases or limit public access if they were decided in your favor or filed incorrectly.

Official Resource: New Jersey Judiciary – Landlord/Tenant Information – Official guidance from the NJ Courts.

Why It Matters to Remove an Eviction from Your Record

  • Improve your chances of getting approved for rentals
  • Avoid tenant screening denials
  • Protect yourself from housing discrimination
  • Rebuild your rental reputation and secure housing

Steps to Remove an Eviction from Your Record in New Jersey

Step 1: Get a Copy of Your Eviction Case

  • Use the New Jersey Judiciary Case Search
    • Select “Civil Case Public Access”
    • Enter your name or docket number
    • Check whether your case was dismissed, settled, or resulted in a judgment.
  • Check your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com
  • Request your rental history reports from tenant screening agencies (CoreLogic, Experian RentBureau, TransUnion SmartMove).

Step 2: Understand Your Case Outcome

Your next steps depend on how your case was resolved:

  • Dismissed or ruled in your favor: → You can request to seal your case records.
  • Default judgment entered against you: → File a motion to vacate if you were not properly served or have new evidence.
  • Settled case: → File a stipulated dismissal to remove the information from screening databases.

Step 3: File a Motion to Vacate a Default Judgment

If a default judgment was entered because you didn’t appear in court, and you believe it was unfair, you can file a motion to vacate under New Jersey Court Rule 4:50-1.

File a Motion to Vacate if:

  • You were not properly served
  • You had a valid reason for missing court
  • You’ve resolved the underlying issue
  • There was fraud or misrepresentation

File the motion with the Special Civil Part of the county court that handled your eviction case.

Step 4: Request to Seal a Dismissed Case

Even if your case was dismissed, it can still appear in public records and tenant screening databases.

How to Seal It:

  • Submit a petition to seal your case after dismissal.
  • Provide the dismissal order and evidence showing how the record is negatively impacting you (e.g., rental denials).
  • Request that the court block public access to your record or remove identifying information.

Note: Some counties require written statements explaining how your public record is harming you.

Step 5: Negotiate with Your Landlord for a Stipulated Dismissal

If your case was resolved out of court, you can work with your landlord to file a stipulated dismissal.

What You’ll Need:

  • A written agreement between you and your landlord
  • Proof of settlement (e.g., rent payment or move-out agreement)
  • A court filing signed by both parties

After the dismissal is official, ask the court to seal the case and notify tenant screening agencies to remove the record.

Step 6: Correct Tenant Screening Reports

Tenant screening agencies may still report evictions even if the case was dismissed or sealed.

Here’s What to Do:

  • Get your rental history report from the agencies.
  • Use your dismissal, sealing, or vacated judgment documentation to dispute the record.
  • Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), request corrections or removal of the inaccurate information.

Resource: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – Rental Background Checks

Tips to Improve Your Rental Applications While Clearing Your Record

  • Provide documentation – Show proof of dismissal or resolution.
  • Be honest – Explain the situation and how you resolved it.
  • Offer financial incentives – Larger security deposit, prepaid rent, or a co-signer.
  • Provide references – Statements from past landlords or employers attesting to your character and reliability.

FAQs

How can I remove an eviction from my record in NJ?

You can vacate judgments, seal dismissed cases, or challenge tenant screening reports—especially if your case was dismissed, settled, or entered by default.

Does NJ allow expungement of eviction cases?

There’s no formal “expungement” law for civil eviction cases in NJ, but you can seek to dismiss, seal, or vacate records through court petitions.

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

  • Court records: Indefinitely, unless sealed or vacated
  • Credit reports: Up to 7 years
  • Tenant screening databases: Typically 3–7 years, depending on the agency

What if the landlord agrees to drop the case?

File a stipulated dismissal and ask the court to seal the record and notify screening agencies to delete it.

TPS Can Help Remove Your Eviction Record in New Jersey

At TPS, we offer tailored legal support for New Jersey tenants, including:

  • Filing motions to vacate judgments
  • Negotiating stipulated dismissals with landlords
  • Preparing motions to seal or redact eviction records
  • Assisting with disputes against tenant screening agencies

Contact TPS today to start clearing your record and improving your housing opportunities!

Don’t Let an Eviction Hold You Back—Clean Your Record Today!

A dismissal or resolution doesn’t automatically remove the impact of an eviction. In New Jersey, you have legal tools to clear wrongful judgments, seal dismissed cases, and rebuild your housing future. Let TPS guide you through the process and help you reclaim control of your housing prospects.

Posted in Eviction Services