How to Remove an Eviction from Your Record in New Jersey (NJ)
An eviction on your record in New Jersey can significantly affect your ability to rent a home, pass background checks, or even secure employment. Even if your eviction case was dismissed or settled, it can still appear on public records or tenant screening reports—causing you unnecessary trouble.
The good news? New Jersey offers legal tools to help you remove or minimize the impact of an eviction record. Whether you want to seal a dismissed case or vacate a wrongful judgment, this step-by-step guide will help you understand what to do next.
Can You Remove an Eviction from Your Record in New Jersey?
Yes, under certain conditions. While New Jersey does not offer automatic expungement of eviction records, you can take legal steps to:
- Dismiss or vacate a judgment
- Seal a dismissed or settled eviction case (in limited situations)
- Correct or challenge eviction reports from tenant screening agencies
If your case was resolved in your favor or filed unfairly, you may be eligible to have it removed from public access.
New Jersey Judiciary – Landlord/Tenant Information – Official guidance from the NJ Courts.
Why Removing an Eviction Record Matters in NJ
- Improves your rental application success
- Prevents tenant screening denials
- Protects you from housing discrimination
- Helps you rebuild your rental reputation and move forward
Steps to Remove an Eviction from Your Record in New Jersey
Step 1: Get a Copy of Your Eviction Case
Start by identifying the current status of your eviction record:
- Search for your case using the New Jersey Judiciary Case Search
- Select “Civil Case Public Access”
- Enter your name or docket number
- Review the case outcome: dismissed, judgment, default, or settled
Also check your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com and request rental history reports from tenant screening agencies such as CoreLogic, Experian RentBureau, or TransUnion SmartMove.
Step 2: Understand Your Case Outcome
Your next step depends on how your case was resolved:
Case was dismissed or ruled in your favor:
You may request the court to seal the case or remove the record from public access.
Default judgment was entered against you:
You may file a motion to vacate the judgment under NJ Court Rule 4:50-1, especially if you were not properly served or have new evidence.
Case was settled:
You may request the court to enter a stipulated dismissal, which you can then use to request sealing or removal from screening databases.
Step 3: File a Motion to Vacate a Default Judgment
If you lost the case by default, and believe it was unfair, you may request the court to vacate the judgment.
File a Motion to Vacate if:
- You were not properly served
- You had a valid reason for missing your hearing
- You’ve resolved the issue (e.g., paid back rent or moved out)
- You believe there was fraud or misrepresentation
Legal Basis:
New Jersey Rule 4:50-1 – Relief from judgment or order.
You’ll need to file in the Special Civil Part of the county where the eviction case was handled.
Step 4: Request Dismissal or Sealing of a Dismissed Case
Even if your eviction case was dismissed, it may still appear in public records and background checks.
How to Handle It:
- File a motion to seal the case based on dismissal
- Include the dismissal order and explain how the record is causing harm (e.g., rental denials, job rejections)
- Request the court to seal the record from public view or redact identifying details
While New Jersey doesn’t have a formal eviction sealing statute, courts can exercise discretion in sealing dismissed or unfairly filed cases.
Some counties may require a written affidavit showing how the public record negatively affects you.
Step 5: Negotiate with the Landlord for a Stipulated Dismissal
If your case is still pending or was resolved out of court, you can ask your landlord to file a stipulated dismissal.
What You’ll Need:
- A written agreement stating that both parties agree to dismiss the case
- Proof of settlement (e.g., rent payment, move-out agreement)
- A court filing signed by both parties
Once the dismissal is entered, you can request that the court limit access to the record and notify third-party screening agencies.
Step 6: Dispute and Remove Eviction Reports from Background Check Databases
Tenant screening agencies may still report an eviction, even if the case was dismissed or sealed.
What You Should Do:
- Request a copy of your rental history from tenant screening companies
- Dispute the record with proof of dismissal, sealing, or judgment vacated
- Ask the agency to correct or remove the information under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – Rental Background Checks
How to Improve Your Rental Chances With an Eviction on Your Record
While you’re working to clean your record, you can still strengthen your rental applications:
Provide Documentation
Attach proof of case dismissal, payment, or resolution to your application.
Be Honest and Proactive
Disclose the eviction, explain what happened, and highlight how the issue was resolved.
Offer Financial Incentives
Consider offering a larger security deposit, prepaid rent, or using a co-signer.
Secure Personal References
Obtain letters from former landlords or employers vouching for your character and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I remove an eviction from my record in New Jersey?
Yes—especially if the case was dismissed, settled, or entered by default. You can vacate judgments, request sealing, or challenge tenant screening reports.
Does New Jersey allow expungement of eviction cases?
No formal expungement law exists for civil eviction cases in NJ, but you can request dismissal, sealing, or vacating of records under certain rules.
How long does an eviction stay on your record in New Jersey?
- Court records: Indefinitely unless sealed or vacated
- Credit reports: Up to 7 years
- Tenant screening databases: Typically 3–7 years, depending on the company
What happens if the landlord agrees to dismiss the case?
You can file a stipulated dismissal, then request the court to seal the record and notify screening agencies to remove the case from your file.
Can TPS Help Remove an Eviction from My Record in New Jersey?
Yes! At TPS, we provide legal support and eviction record removal services tailored to New Jersey tenants. Our services include:
- 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
Don’t Let an Eviction Hold You Back—Clean Your Record Today
Even a dismissed or resolved eviction can stand in your way—unless you take action. In New Jersey, you have real legal tools to vacate wrongful judgments, seal dismissed cases, and restore your rental opportunities.
Let TPS guide you through the process and help you regain control of your housing future.