How to Remove an Eviction from Your Record in Wisconsin
Having an eviction record in Wisconsin creates significant challenges for your housing prospects by damaging your credit score and making it hard to secure rentals while affecting your job prospects.
Wisconsin tenants possess legal procedures to minimize the damage of eviction records or completely eliminate them from their history.
A proper plan exists for addressing cases whether the landlord dismissed your case or you settled the matter or lost it.
You can restore your record and improve your standing after such incidents occur.
Does Wisconsin Allow Evictions to Be Removed from Your Record?
The eviction case resolution determines your ability to remove it from your record.
You qualify to expunge the record or at least reduce its lasting consequences through vacating the judgment.
Your ability to succeed increases by acting promptly while following the legal process.
When an Eviction Occurs in Wisconsin What Takes Place?
The Wisconsin court system handles all eviction matters through small claims court proceedings.
After landlords initiate court proceedings, their case enters public records regardless of your victory or settlement in the case.
Eviction can impact:
- Your rental history reports
- Your credit report (if there’s unpaid rent)
- Background checks for housing and employment
Taking immediate action stands as the best response instead of simply accepting the situation.
Tip: The tenant screening reports will display the filed eviction regardless of your final status.
Wisconsin residents can follow these procedures to eliminate an eviction from their records.
Step 1: Obtain a Copy of the Court Record
Start by reviewing what’s on file.
- Visit the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) site
- Search by name or case number
- Print or download your case details
This helps you verify:
- Whether the case was dismissed
- If a money judgment was entered
- What documents have been filed
Step 2: Determine Your Case Outcome
The outcome of your case will decide which steps you must take.
Was the case dismissed?
You can request the court remove or redact your record.
The landlord received a court-imposed judgment.
You still possess the right to ask the court for case reopening or to establish a stipulation to dismiss the case after the judgment has been entered.
Did you settle with the landlord?
When the landlord agrees to end the case before dismissal you can seek a court order to note the dismissal.
Step 3: File a Motion to Reopen or Vacate the Judgment
If you lost your court case due to notification issues or you settled the debt, you might submit a motion to reopen your case.
How to File:
- File a “Motion to Reopen” with the clerk of court
- Include evidence (e.g., lease agreement, payment records, settlement)
- Act fast: Wisconsin courts prefer motions within 12 months of the judgment
Learn more: Wisconsin Court Forms – Small Claims
When a case gets reopened you gain the right to fix or reverse the previous court decision.
Step 4: Request to Expunge or Remove the Record
Wisconsin state law prohibits the expungement of civil court records, yet you can file a petition to seal or edit specific information.
1. Judicial Discretion to Seal or Redact
Rare circumstances allow the court to seal specific portions of the case or remove identifying information through Wis. Stat. § 801.21 when your privacy needs protection or to stop future injury.
2. Stipulated Dismissal
Reach an agreement with your landlord to file a stipulated dismissal or vacate judgment when:
- You’ve paid what was owed
- You moved out voluntarily
- You’re experiencing housing discrimination
You must obtain a written agreement from your landlord that includes the stipulation before you can submit it to the court for approval.
Step 5: Wait for Records to Drop Off Naturally
Evictions disappear from your record over time even when you cannot lawfully delete them.
- Credit Reports: Evictions linked to collections fall off after 7 years
- Tenant Screening Databases: Each company has its own retention policy. If you locate old or inaccurate information, ask them to delete it.
Ask your rental history report from:
Tips to Minimize Eviction Impact While You Wait
The following smart steps help you build a better rental profile despite having an eviction record:
- Get Letters of Reference
Employers and previous landlords along with community leaders should write you letters confirming your character and reliability. - Offer a Larger Security Deposit
A larger security deposit demonstrates your dedication to tenants while lowering the risk for landlords. - Use a Co-Signer
A reliable co-signer enables you to qualify for a rental property despite previous eviction problems. - Be Honest
Don’t attempt to conceal your eviction history. Explain your past mistakes then describe your current improvements to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I request Wisconsin to delete my court records regarding eviction?
Yes, you can remove the case from your record when it gets dismissed or vacated.
You can ask the court to seal or redact specific information under specific circumstances.
A final judgment will make removal extremely difficult because Wisconsin allows removal only in rare situations.
How long does an eviction stay on your record in Wisconsin?
Your public court record will display the eviction until it gets dismissed or sealed.
A standard eviction will stay on your credit report for seven years.
What if the landlord agrees to dismiss the case?
A stipulated dismissal needs to be filed at court after you obtain written agreement from the landlord.
This action stops the eviction from appearing unfavorably in records.
Does Wisconsin allow eviction expungement?
Technically, no.
Wisconsin state law does not allow the expungement of civil court documents that include evictions.
The court may grant special permissions to remove records from public access.
TPS assists Wisconsin residents who seek eviction removal services.
Yes. TPS delivers individualized legal advice to tenants who need help with:
- Understand court procedures
- File motions to reopen or vacate judgments
- Negotiate with landlords
- Protect rental records
Reclaim Your Future: Take Control of Your Rental Record
Future prospects remain open to you even when evictions occur.
Wisconsin tenants who want to move forward can benefit from motions to reopen together with stipulated dismissals and redaction requests.The process of court document handling and landlord negotiations leads you toward a fresh start and better housing.