How long does a balance reported to collections stay there if you pay it off?

Question

A few years ago, I was reported to collections for two evictions: 1, which I paid off and the second one I am still in dispute with the Apartment over. The one I paid off is no longer showing on my credit profile (and hasn't been for a while), but the one I haven't paid off obviously still shows up. My question is, is this the same with all credit-related things. If something of mine were to go to collections, and I set up a payment plan immediately, will it still look bad? I've had a lot of medical bills lately and am just a little concerned about this possibly happening. Thanks.

Answer 1

usually an item stays on for 7 years, you can dispute any item. what happens if you dispute an item that has been paid, legally they do not have to take that off until the end of 7 years, but the credit report agency has to notify the consumer where the debt is owed and ask them if they want it removed or not, the consumer does have to pay for the item they report. when trying to get credit many places will take in consideration of medical bills, again depending on how much and how long.