Data Retention: Can We Get Negative Listings Removed Faster?
Negative listings have expiry dates, but you don't have to wait. Learn how our service can remove them sooner.
The National Credit Act (NCA) specifies how long negative information can legally stay on your credit report. While these are the maximum periods, it is a common misconception that you simply have to wait them out.
At Dispute It, our entire purpose is to have negative listings removed before these expiry dates. Waiting is not a strategy. Active intervention is.
Here are the standard retention periods, and how we beat them:
Negative Information Retention Periods
Default Listings:
- Classifications like 'slow payer' or 'delinquent' remain for 1 year.
- Enforcement actions like 'handed over for collection' also remain for 1 year.
- How we beat it: We don't wait. We challenge the validity of the listing itself. Was it listed correctly? Were you properly notified? If not, we can have it removed immediately. If you've paid it, we manage the process to ensure its complete removal now, not in a year.
Judgments: A civil court judgment remains for 5 years.
- How we beat it: A judgment is a court order. Waiting 5 years is financially devastating. Our legal team can apply to have the judgment rescinded by the court as soon as the underlying debt is settled. Once rescinded, it must be removed from your report immediately.
Debt Review / Administration Orders:
- An Administration Order remains for 5 years.
- A 'Under Debt Review' flag remains until a Clearance Certificate is issued.
- How we beat it: For debt review, we manage the final stages of your plan to ensure the Clearance Certificate is issued correctly and submitted to all bureaus, clearing your name without delay. For administration orders, we can explore legal options to have them set aside.
Sequestration Orders: A sequestration can remain for up to 10 years unless a rehabilitation order is granted.
- How we beat it: This is a complex legal area. Our legal partners specialize in the High Court application process for rehabilitation, which can clear the sequestration listing years ahead of schedule.
Prescribed Debt: It is illegal for prescribed debt to be on your report at all.
- How we beat it: If we find prescribed debt, we log a formal dispute for its immediate removal. There is no waiting period.
Relying on retention periods is a passive approach that costs you opportunities. Our service is proactive. We use our legal and procedural expertise to clean up your report as quickly as the law allows. Contact us to start the process today.
The credit repair process is complex and requires specialist knowledge to ensure success. Don't risk handling it alone. Our experts at Dispute It are ready to manage your case and deliver results.