If you have experienced an eviction in Ontario, you may be worried about your credit history and how eviction records can impact your future housing opportunities. This guide explains what tenants can do in Ontario to address eviction records, improve credit, and move forward, including government-backed steps and key support resources.

Eviction Records in Ontario: What Tenants Should Know

Eviction orders issued by the Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario (LTB) can become part of your public record and may affect your credit if a landlord reports any unpaid rent or damage debts to a credit bureau. However, it's important to understand that Ontario does not have a general process for sealing eviction records from court or tribunal databases; instead, there are targeted steps you can take.

How Eviction Records Can Affect Credit

• Unpaid rent, damage charges, and some debts may be reported to credit bureaus by landlords or collection agencies
• LTB eviction orders can be accessed publicly unless restricted by special order
• Negative credit entries can make it harder to secure new rental housing

While there is no routine record-sealing process, Ontario tenants have the right to correct inaccurate credit information and can sometimes minimize the impact of eviction records.

Repairing Your Credit After an Eviction

Credit repair is possible by addressing debts and errors. Here are key steps tenants can take after an eviction:

• Request a free copy of your credit report from major bureaus such as Equifax or TransUnion
• Check for errors or incorrect listings related to your eviction or unpaid rent
• Contact the landlord, LTB, or collection agency to negotiate payment or resolution of debts
• Submit a correction request to the credit bureau if any information is wrong

Official Forms for Credit Correction

• Equifax – Consumer Credit Report Update Form: Use this to request corrections or dispute an eviction listing. View and submit the form here. Example: A tenant spots an unknown eviction-related debt on their report and uses the form to initiate an investigation.
• TransUnion – Request for Investigation Form (PDF): Use this for correcting records or disputing reported debts. View and submit the form here.

Always provide documentation such as paid receipts, tribunal decisions, or correspondence if available.

Is Record Sealing Possible in Ontario?

Unlike some other jurisdictions, Ontario does not have an automatic statutory process to seal or expunge eviction records held by the Landlord and Tenant Board or civil courts. Records are generally part of public proceedings. However, you may apply to the LTB under exceptional circumstances for a confidentiality order—sometimes called a "publication ban"—if there are compelling privacy or safety reasons. Seek legal advice before proceeding.

Applying to Remove, Correct, or Challenge Eviction Records

To correct or update records with the LTB, you may use the following:

• Request for Correction (LTB): If LTB materials about your case contain errors in your personal data, contact the LTB directly. Find information on how to request corrections using LTB's contact options.
• Application for a Publication Ban (LTB): To request a confidentiality order as part of a hearing, apply to the Member at the hearing or by written motion. Read more guidance here.

Publication bans are rare and require strong justification. Most orders, decisions, or mediated settlements are still part of the public record. Tenants concerned about privacy should raise this as early as possible during the process.

Practical Steps for Rebuilding After an Eviction

• Pay off any outstanding rental debts or arrange a payment plan
• Collect proof of payment and settlement from your former landlord
• Keep copies of all tribunal filings or decisions
• Monitor your credit file for updates and challenge any mistakes
• Reference positive rental history or new references in future rental applications

Additional Tips for Finding Your Next Home

After an eviction, starting your rental search with accurate information and realistic expectations is key. You might find these tips helpful:

• Be honest with potential landlords if asked about past evictions, but focus on your recent improvements and stable income
• Use rental sites that offer a wide range of listings and filters, such as Browse apartments for rent in Canada
• Gather references from new employers, support workers, or recent landlords where possible

For more insights on navigating move-out processes and preparing for your next rental, visit Moving Out Tips: A Tenant's Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit.

Understanding Tenant Rights and Provincial Law

All Ontario tenants have legal protections under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. For an overview of tenant and landlord rights, see Tenant Rights in Ontario. Knowing your rights helps you understand what landlords can and can't report, and when you can correct information.

For a deeper look at key rental responsibilities, visit Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

FAQ: Credit Repair and Record Sealing in Ontario

1. Can I have an eviction removed from my credit report in Ontario?
   Evictions themselves are not directly listed, but unpaid debts related to an eviction can appear. You can dispute or request corrections by contacting credit bureaus and providing evidence of payment or errors.
2. Is it possible to seal my eviction record at the Landlord and Tenant Board?
   Ontario does not offer automatic record-sealing, but you may request a publication ban in rare circumstances. These are granted only if you can show significant harm or privacy issues.
3. What should I do first after being evicted to protect my credit?
   Check your credit report, pay any outstanding debts, gather proof of payment, and dispute any incorrect information with the credit bureaus.
4. Will a past eviction always make it impossible to rent again?
   No. Many tenants rent successfully after eviction by showing stable income, good references, and progress in resolving past issues.
5. Where can I find more information about my rights post-eviction?
   You can start with Tenant Rights in Ontario and the Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario for official guidance.

Key Takeaways for Ontario Tenants

• Ontario does not provide routine eviction record-sealing, but you can correct errors and apply for a publication ban in special cases.
• Repair your credit by paying off debts, disputing errors, and gathering positive references.
• Know your legal rights under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and seek help if you need it.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario: File documents, seek guidance, or contact the board for corrections
• Equifax Canada Credit Report Education: Order or correct your credit report
• TransUnion Canada Credit Disputes: Submit credit corrections and disputes
• Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO): Free legal support and tenant advocacy
• Tenant Rights in Ontario: Learn your rights and options post-eviction

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c.17: Read the Residential Tenancies Act
2. Landlord and Tenant Board of Ontario: Official LTB site
3. Equifax Credit Dispute Process: Submit a credit report dispute
4. TransUnion Credit Dispute Process: Dispute your TransUnion credit file
5. ACTO Tenant Advocacy: Tenant services at ACTO

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