How long does it take to be cleared from being blacklisted?

Answered by Tom Adger

Being blacklisted can have serious consequences on your financial and personal life. It can affect your ability to borrow money, obtain credit cards, rent an apartment, or even secure employment. The duration of time it takes to be cleared from being blacklisted depends on the type of listing you have against you.

1. Late Payment Listing: If you have a late payment listing, it will typically stay on your credit record for two years. This means that potential lenders or creditors will see that you have a history of making late payments. However, if you consistently make your payments on time after the late payment, it can help improve your creditworthiness over time.

2. Default Listing: If you have defaulted on a loan or credit agreement, the default listing will remain on your credit record for five years. This indicates to lenders that you have failed to repay a debt as agreed. It is important to note that even after the five-year period, the debt still exists, and the lender can take legal action to recover the money owed.

3. Judgment Listing: If a judgment has been issued against you for not paying a debt, it will remain on your credit record for five years as well. This is a more severe listing and indicates that legal action has been taken against you. It can have a significant impact on your creditworthiness and may make it difficult to obtain credit in the future.

4. Sequestration Listing: If you have been sequestrated, which is a legal process where your assets are liquidated to pay off your debts, the listing will remain on your credit record for ten years. Sequestration is a serious step and should only be considered as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted.

It is important to note that even after the duration of the listing has expired, the debt still exists, and the creditor can continue to pursue legal action to recover the money owed. Therefore, it is crucial to address and resolve your financial obligations as soon as possible.

In some cases, you may be able to negotiate with your creditors to remove the blacklisting once the debt has been settled or a payment plan has been established. However, this is not guaranteed and will depend on the creditor’s policies and your individual circumstances.

The length of time it takes to be cleared from being blacklisted varies depending on the type of listing. It can range from two to ten years. It is essential to address and resolve your financial obligations as soon as possible to improve your creditworthiness and avoid further legal consequences.