Getting evicted can often be a stressful and financially costly experience. Tenants should be aware of the rights afforded to them as well as the penalties and consequences that can arise from getting evicted. Eviction may cause difficulties when attempting to rent a property in the future, as some landlords may choose not to rent properties to people who have been evicted in the past. Eviction records may show up in credit reports and background checks in the future, and many landlords use tenant screening services to check for past evictions. Some tenants choose to hire an eviction attorney when getting evicted, and often attorneys are able to stop or delay evictions either in court hearings or through negotiations with landlords. In the case of an unlawful or illegal eviction, tenants may have the right to sue a landlord for damages and return to their home if they choose to.