How to Rent with an Eviction on Your Record

written by

Junk Home Buyers

posted on

June 3, 2024

Imagine standing in the rental office’s front, heart racing, holding a form. You found the perfect apartment, but an old eviction marks your record. Like a storm cloud, it creates worry when trying to rent. This is a common issue, with around 1.5 million evictions happening each year in the U.S.¹². Many people face these challenges. But, with the right steps and not giving up, you can still find a place to live.

If you have an eviction history, your rental choices might seem limited. But, it’s still possible to get a place. You might need to consider paying more rent or a bigger security deposit¹. Or, you could use a cosigner to help get approved for a lease¹. It’s all about knowing how to search and present yourself well.

Key Takeaways

Nearly 1.5 million eviction rulings occur annually in the U.S.¹².
An eviction can significantly affect your rental prospects for up to seven years¹.².
Consider offering higher rent or a larger security deposit to make your application more appealing¹².
Being honest and providing a renter’s resume can positively impact your rental applications¹².
Persistence and targeted strategies can help you overcome eviction-related obstacles.

Understanding Your Situation

It’s important to know the challenges and stigma an eviction brings to finding a new place. Each year, about 1.5 million eviction rulings are made across the country. This shows it’s a big issue for renters¹. Knowing your past rental problems and how they might affect you helps a lot. It can make it easier to talk to landlords and get a new place renting after eviction.

Assessing Your Rental History

First, look closely at your rental past. Find out why the eviction happened and its effect on your credit. An eviction can stay on your credit report for up to seven years¹. Keep a record of this info for when you look for a new place. This lets you fix any issues ahead of time. Making a renter’s resume and getting references can also help you get a home, even with an eviction¹.

Recognizing the Impact of an Eviction

An eviction can cause more than just a housing issue. It can hurt your credit and make finding a new place harder. Landlords might still rent to you if you pay more rent or give a larger deposit¹. It’s tough but possible to find a place with an eviction. Knowing how the rental market works, though many landlords are careful, is key¹. With this info, you can find a better home.

For more tips, check out ApartmentList. It offers great advice on renting after eviction.

Identifying Eviction-Friendly Rentals

Finding eviction-friendly rentals is tough, given the high number of eviction cases each year in the U.S.¹ But, with the right steps and tools, it’s possible to find a home. Searching online and looking for landlords who are understanding can help a lot. These landlords know about difficulties with eviction records. They might give you a chance if you explain your situation.

Using Online Tools to Find Listings

Using the internet is key when looking for eviction accommodation rentals. Some websites are made to help renters with past evictions. They show places where landlords might be more lenient. Also, check community forums and social media. You might find tips on landlords who are open to renting to people with eviction records. But, always be careful. Some might not check your credit because they’re trying to scam you¹.

Targeting Smaller Complexes and Private Landlords

Small apartment buildings and private landlords can be a good choice. They often care more about talking to you than just your credit score. So, you might be able to explain your situation and work out a deal. You could offer a bigger security deposit or agree to pay more rent. This could help you get the place¹.

Connecting with Private Landlords

Private landlords are often more understanding when you’ve been evicted before. They are more open to talk and listen to your story. This is unlike big companies who usually stick to their strict rules³.

To show you’re a good choice, consider paying more rent upfront or a bigger deposit². This shows you’re good with money. It’s also smart to prove you’ve been fixing your credit. Private landlords like renters who are financially stable and reliable³.

Having someone with good credit to co-sign for you is a good idea. It makes you look more reliable to the landlord². If you talk to them directly, you can explain your good points. This includes how you’re working to fix things from the past.

In the U.S., about 1.5 million eviction cases happen every year¹. This means private landlords know people can have a tough time. They might be willing to make a special rental deal that suits both of you. Being honest and making a personal connection can really help you get the rental³.

Strategies for Transparent Communication

Talking well with possible landlords is very important. Being open about past evictions shows you are honest. Landlords like this a lot.

Preparing Your Documents

Make sure your papers for renting are complete and neat. Include everything landlords need to know. This means your rental story, good words from past landlords, and how much you earn. Showing a detailed rental history makes them see you as a good renter⁴.

Being truthful in your rental forms is also key. Tell if you’ve been kicked out before and why it happened. Owners like it when you’re straight with them about your rental past³. Talk about how you’ve made things better since then. Like staying friends with neighbors and always paying on time⁴.

Meeting landlords in person or on the phone is a good way to talk about important stuff. Sending emails can be good for details and updates. It also keeps a record for you⁵. Texting is quick, but be careful and act polite when you text⁵.

Always keep talking with landlords and answer their questions. Also, don’t forget to send extra papers they might ask for. Doing this makes it more likely you’ll get the place you want. Remember, being clear and open in your rental papers is key to doing well in the rental world³.

Improving Your Credit Score

Getting a good credit score after an eviction is super important. This can help you rent a place, especially if an old eviction is hurting your credit⁶.

Steps to Pay Off Outstanding Debts

First, find and pay your old debts. Missing payments on rent, utilities, or maintenance can lead to an eviction⁷. If left unpaid, these debts will hurt your credit for seven years⁷. You can also show landlords you’re reliable by paying extra rent or giving a bigger deposit⁶.

Building Positive Credit History

Next, work on having a good credit history. You can do this by getting a credit card and using it wisely. Or, you can take a small loan and pay it back on time. This will help you rent in the future⁷. Also, get people to vouch for you like your boss, friends, or old landlords⁶. Having someone with good credit to back you up can help a lot too⁶.

Removing the Eviction from Your Record

Taking away an eviction from your record helps a lot with getting new places to rent. You have a few good ways to try to do this.

Legal Avenues for Expungement

One way is to use legal ways to get rid of the eviction on your record. The law says an eviction can stay on your record for seven years⁸. But, after the first two years, the effect on your credit can get better⁹.

Make sure to check your credit reports from Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Look for changes or the eviction being taken off after seven years⁸. Each state has different laws, so it’s smart to talk with a legal expert in your state. They can tell you what to do⁹.

Fixing mistakes in your credit report helps a lot, too. You can do this by talking with credit bureaus. They have to correct any wrong info according to the law⁹.

Also, property managers have to tell you why you were refused if they use your reports⁹.

Negotiating with Your Previous Landlord

Talking with your old landlord can also help. If there was a court ruling for the eviction, it might not go away even after you pay⁸. But, it’s good to talk to them anyway.

They might agree to remove it from your record if you pay all you owe. Or if you agree to some new terms like bigger deposits⁹. Working with private landlords directly can give you more options. They might be more open to removing the eviction record⁹.

These talks can really make it easier to get a new place to rent.

Offering to Pay Rent in Advance

After being evicted, finding a new place to live can be hard. But by offering to pay rent ahead of time, you can make it easier. This shows you’re serious and have the money to back it up.

Demonstrating Financial Stability

Landlords may worry if you’ve been evicted before. To ease their concerns, offer to pay rent for a few months upfront. This illustrates that you can handle your rent without any problems. With over 1.5 million evictions happening every year across the U.S., many renters are up against this issue¹². Paying early or adding to the security deposit can really show you’re dependable¹².

Providing Proof of Income

Along with paying rent in advance, showing solid proof of income after an eviction is critical. Landlords want to know you’re financially secure to pay the rent. Make a renter’s resume with stuff like pay stubs, letters from work, or bank statements. This not only proves you’re stable but also helps build trust with hesitant landlords because of your past.

These steps — paying rent early and proving you have a good income — help a lot in getting a new place, even with an eviction history. Being clear about your finances and responsible shows landlords you are a good choice¹².

Strategy	Benefit
Paying Rent in Advance	Shows financial stability and commitment
Higher Security Deposit	Reduces landlord risk, increases approval chances
Providing Proof of Income	Builds trust and demonstrates ability to pay rent

Considering a Higher Security Deposit

Many people face challenges when renting after an eviction. Around 1.5 million people get evicted each year¹. Suggesting a bigger security deposit is smart. It makes landlords more willing to rent to you, despite your past¹.

Offering a higher security deposit can help with your rental history. It gives landlords more peace of mind. Since an eviction stays on your credit for up to seven years, offering more money upfront is important¹.

Pairing a larger deposit with advance rent payments helps too. It shows you’re stable and committed. These steps boost your chances of finding a new place to rent¹.

You can also read this guide for more tips on renting after eviction. Being proactive and informed is key. Being ready to talk about your past and offering more money upfront can help a lot.

Obtaining Strong Rental References

Getting good rental references is crucial if you have had an eviction. Nearly 1.5 million eviction rulings occur annually nationwide¹. Landlords are careful with tenants who have been evicted before. So, it’s vital to get rental references that show you are reliable.

One good way is to ask for letters of reference from work or past landlords. These letters say you pay rent on time and can be trusted. This trust is important when you apply for a new rental². You can also make a list of these good references in a renter’s resume¹.

Try to find landlords who will look at your full rental history. Places with less demand for rentals, like small towns or suburbs, might be more open¹⁰. You can also look for places that don’t do background checks or that welcome people with evictions¹⁰.

Talking to your old landlords, paying any debts, and explaining your eviction can help. This could help you get a new place to rent². Showing strong references lets landlords know they can trust you. It shows you are committed to being a good tenant after an eviction.

Creating a Renter’s Resume

Building a renter’s resume with an eviction might feel hard. But, it’s smart to do for getting a rental home. Show your financial good shape and reliable rent paying. This helps landlords trust you.

Assembling Employment and Income Proof

First, show how you make money and your job history. Use pay stubs, taxes, or bank papers. This shows you can always pay your rent. Make your resume stronger by showing you’ve worked at places a long time. And that your money comes from good sources. Landlords like renters who are financially secure and don’t use too much credit².

Including Past Rental History

Your rental past is key for a good resume, even with an eviction. Talk about good things like paying on time and being respectful. Use past landlords or managers as references. This makes you seem more reliable. And, it shows you follow the rules and act fast on problems¹¹. You could also offer to pay more upfront as a sign of trust².

building a renter's resume with eviction

Show your income, job situation, and past rentals. This proves you are stable and serious. And, it makes your rental application better in a crowded market¹¹.

Working with a Cosigner or Roommate

Having a cosigner or a roommate makes it easier to rent even with an eviction. They both give landlords more security. This helps deal with worries about your past rentals.

Understanding the Role of a Cosigner

A cosigner is very important when leasing with an eviction. Landlords often want your credit score to be above 670. With a cosigner, part of the financial responsibility falls on them. This makes landlords more confident that the rent will be paid on time. Even if you face money troubles, a cosigner helps keep things in order.

If you suggest paying more rent at first, landlords might be more open. This can make you stand out as a tenant, even with past issues². A cosigner’s financial help can show landlords that you’re dependable, even with an eviction history.

Bringing Financial Stability with a Roommate

A roommate can help lessen the cost of rent each month. It’s easier to look financially prepared when costs are split. This shows landlords that less than one third of your credit limit is used, which is good for credit scores².

Also, if you have a good record with past landlords and no debts, landlords might be more easy going². A trustworthy roommate can make this process smoother, even with an eviction in the background.

Being Honest About Your Eviction

Telling the truth when you’re renting, even if you have an eviction on your record, is key. Being upfront about an eviction shows you’re responsible. Landlords like this¹.

An eviction goes on your record. It will show up when landlords check your background¹². So, it’s very important to be honest upfront. This is because landlords check backgrounds to find reliable renters³. Being open about your eviction can help some landlords look past it, if you explain clearly³.

Also, improving how you manage money is a plus for finding a place to rent¹. Private landlords are often more open if you’re on the level about your eviction³. They value truth and honesty, which can soften the blow of a past mistake.

Contacting Housing Support Services

After an eviction, getting help from housing support services is key¹³. They provide important support and help for those evicted. This is important for finding a new place to live.

People who help with housing can also set up plans to pay back rent. They help you know your rights under the law¹³. This includes info on how to file a complaint about fair housing or about security deposits by state¹³.

Even with an eviction history, some landlords may still rent to you if you prove you will pay. Someone else can sign the lease with you to show the landlord they will pay if you can’t¹². You might also look into different types of homes like townhouses, guest houses, or sharing a house with others¹².

HUD offers a lot of help about what tenants and landlords must do. This is very useful when looking for places to stay. It helps you know what landlords are looking for and be ready to talk to them¹³.

Staying Positive in Your Search

It’s key to stay hopeful in your hunt, even with an eviction past. About 1.5 million evictions happen each year in the U.S. You need to keep trying and stay proactive¹². Despite facing tough times and maybe a few no’s, keep going. A good attitude and sticking with it could get you a home¹. Evictions stick around for seven years. But, being hopeful in your search after one helps you tackle challenges¹

To keep your chin up after an eviction, show you’re good with money. You could try paying rent early. This shows landlords you’re someone they can count on. It might make them more likely to pick you for a rental¹. Also, smaller places you rent from a person might be easier than big rental companies¹. These tips, and a smile, can help you find a place you can call home.

Conclusion

To beat eviction problems, you need to be really determined and do things step by step. If you get evicted, it might be hard to rent for seven years. So, it’s key to truly know your situation, look at your renting history, and see the problems¹⁴. Evictions are often in court records and checks done by future landlords. This makes it hard to find a new place to live¹⁴.

Boosting your credit score helps a lot. Landlords like to see credit scores of 670 or more. This shows you’re likely to pay rent on time¹⁵. Work on paying off debts, make good credit, and keep at it. Doing this can lessen how bad an eviction looks and help your future rental chances¹⁴¹⁵.

Telling the truth about your eviction to landlords and showing you have a steady job can really help. Landlords must tell you if bad credit is why they said no to you. This is under a thing called the Fair Credit Reporting Act¹⁴. Being open and honest can help landlords to trust you more. Keep looking for help, stay positive, and don’t give up. You can find a good place to live if you keep trying.

For more information and expert advice, visit Junk Home Buyer website. We’re here to help with all your needs.

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