Ontario Credit Repair After Eviction Judgment: Tenant Guide

If you are a Saskatchewan tenant who has faced an eviction judgment, repairing your credit is possible, but it can feel overwhelming. Understanding your rights, options, and effective strategies is crucial for moving forward and securing stable housing again. This practical guide explains your steps after an eviction judgment, how it can affect your credit, and connects you with provincial resources to help you get back on track.

How Does an Eviction Judgment Affect Your Credit?

In Saskatchewan, if your landlord receives a monetary judgment against you at the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) and registers it with the court, it could affect your credit report. This is especially true if you owe unpaid rent, damages, or other charges. Evictions themselves are not automatically sent to credit bureaus, but judgments for unpaid amounts or damages may be.

• Judgments can appear on your credit report for several years.
• They may make it harder to rent a new home or get approved for credit.

It's important to deal with outstanding debts and be proactive about your credit health. The main tenancy legislation in Saskatchewan is the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan).^[1]

Immediate Steps After an Eviction Judgment

Once an eviction judgment is filed against you, here’s what you can do to reduce its impact:

• Request a copy of the judgment from the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT).
• Pay the amount owing to the landlord or as set out by the judgment, if you have the resources.
• Negotiate a payment plan with your former landlord if you cannot pay in full.
• Keep all records of payments and agreements in writing.

How to Repair Your Credit After an Eviction Judgment

Improving your credit takes time, but proactive steps make a difference:

• Obtain your credit report from Equifax Canada or TransUnion Canada and check for any inaccuracies.
• If you’ve paid your debt, ask the creditor (usually the landlord) to file a Satisfaction of Judgment form with the court. This will update your credit report.
• Pay off any remaining debts or set up payment plans to demonstrate positive repayment behaviour.
• Use new rental opportunities or secured credit cards responsibly to rebuild your credit profile.

Removing Inaccurate Information from Your Credit Report

If you find errors on your credit report (for example, a listed judgment that was never registered or has been repaid), you can dispute them with the credit bureau. They’ll investigate and correct mistakes if you provide supporting documents.

Relevant Official Forms

• Notice of Appeal – If you wish to challenge a decision by the ORT, you can appeal to the Court of King’s Bench. The form and process are described here.
  • When to use: If you believe the eviction order or monetary judgment was incorrect.
  • How to use: File the appeal within 30 days of receiving the order and serve all required parties.
• Satisfaction of Judgment Form – To show the debt has been paid, the landlord (judgment creditor) should file this with the court. Forms are available from the Saskatchewan Court of King’s Bench registry offices. This can speed up the credit repair process.

How Long Does an Eviction Judgment Remain on Your Credit Report?

A judgment may remain on your credit report for up to seven years in Saskatchewan. Once paid, it should be updated as satisfied, but the record may still be visible. Lenders and landlords may view paid judgments more favourably.

Finding Your Next Rental

After an eviction, securing a new rental can be stressful. Remember, you have options. Be honest with future landlords about your situation and provide evidence of repayment, if possible. When searching for a new home, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

Protecting Yourself Moving Forward

Understanding your rights and communicating clearly with new landlords helps avoid future issues. For information about your rights as a tenant in Saskatchewan, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

For advice on handling challenges when renting again, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for practical tips.

1. What should I do if my landlord threatens to harm my credit after eviction?
   If your landlord threatens to report you to a credit bureau, check whether an actual judgment has been registered with the court. Only monetary judgments that are registered will show up on your credit. Confirm the situation, communicate in writing, and seek advice from the Office of Residential Tenancies if you feel threatened.
2. Can I dispute an eviction judgment on my credit report?
   You can’t dispute an accurate, registered court judgment, but you can challenge inaccuracies by contacting the credit bureaus directly and providing proof, such as a satisfaction of judgment. Always keep your court paperwork.
3. How can I improve my chances of being approved for another rental after eviction?
   Be honest with future landlords, provide references, proof of employment, and offer higher deposits if possible. Showing evidence that you’ve paid off previous debts can help demonstrate responsibility.
4. What resources exist in Saskatchewan to help tenants with post-eviction support?
   The Office of Residential Tenancies and local tenant advocacy organizations can guide you. Contact them for help with forms, understanding rulings, and accessing support services.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) – Saskatchewan’s official tribunal for tenant and landlord matters. Phone: 1-888-215-2222.
• Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services – Housing Support
• Local legal clinics and community advocacy groups may provide free or low-cost advice for tenants facing difficult situations.

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1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)
2. Office of Residential Tenancies (Saskatchewan government)
3. Appealing Tenancy Orders (How to Appeal from the ORT)

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