How To Rent With an Eviction on Your Record

Finding a new place to live is challenging if you have an eviction history. It may have been years since your eviction case, and you’ve since built good credit. Still, every new apartment application ends with a denial.

We’ll give you information to help with your real estate search after a prior eviction. However, eviction laws differ in every state. For more information about how you can rent with an eviction on your record, talk to a local eviction lawyer for legal advice.

Why Do Landlords Refuse to Rent to People With a Prior Eviction?

A landlord-tenant relationship is a contract between a renter and a property owner. The property owner provides a place to live in exchange for monthly rent payments. If someone doesn’t pay rent, the property owner has to go through the eviction process to get them out. This can take a long time and cost the landlord a lot of money.

Some states and cities have strong protection laws for tenants to prevent predatory rental practices. Landlords are hesitant to sign a rental agreement with a risky tenant. They prefer renters with a strong credit report, current employment, and a clear tenant screening report.

Renters with a prior eviction are more likely to be evicted again in the future. This is why rental history is so important for property owners. An eviction is a major red flag for the new landlord. Some property management companies won’t even consider someone with a previous eviction.

How Can You Find a Place To Live After an Eviction?

After a recent eviction, finding a place to live can be a struggle. It can take more time, and you may have to fill out more rental applications before you find a rental property. Be flexible and consider looking at places you may not have otherwise. Below are some ways to increase your options for a new place to live.

Get a Co-Signer

A co-signer is another person who agrees to be legally responsible for the rental contract. Even if you don’t pay your bills, the property owner can get payment from the co-signer. This will increase the chance the prospective landlord can recover rent if you break the lease or stop making rental payments. A family member or partner can act as a guarantor for a new lease agreement.

Look for Private Landlords

Owner-landlords may only have a few units they are renting. They may not do a full background check and only check your credit report. They may also be more willing to give you a chance if you had a past eviction.

Explain the Eviction Without Making Excuses

If the landlord is willing to listen, a simple explanation can go a long way toward giving them peace of mind that you’re no longer in that position. For example, you may have had to leave in an emergency to care for an ailing parent. However, don’t just make excuses. Complaining about your last landlord may not give your new potential landlord a good impression.

Offer a Larger Security Deposit

A landlord may be more willing to offer a property if you put more money upfront for a security deposit. Many property owners require a security deposit of the first month’s rent or the last month’s rent plus some amount. If you can, you may offer two months’ rent as a security deposit as a show of faith. However, make sure you understand your state’s security deposit laws to protect your own interests.

Sublet a Property

Subletting a property involves renting while another renter is on the lease. Someone may need to leave temporarily but want to keep their rental. They can sublease the rental to a new renter. Depending on the rental agreement, the original renter is still responsible for the lease. This can give you time to build your credit history, and the landlord still has the security of the original renter on the lease.

Pay Off Debts and Clear Up Your Credit Report

After financial trouble, any unpaid debts will stay on your credit report for seven years. This includes creditor claims, money judgments, and nonpayment of rent. If you still have unpaid debts on your credit report, you may be able to clear them up by paying off your outstanding debt. If any errors are dragging down your credit score, notify the credit bureaus.

Check your credit report at least once a year. You get a free credit report annually from the major credit reporting agencies, which include:

• TransUnion
• Equifax
• Experian

Provide Additional References

You may have come a long way since your eviction. It may have been an isolated event that put a mark on your clean rental record. Offer to give references who can vouch for your reliability.

You could get references from previous landlords from before and after the eviction. Your past or current employer can also help give the property owner faith that you will pay your rent on time.

Can Your Attorney Clear an Eviction From Your Tenant Screening?

Landlords use tenant screening companies to check your rental history. They can search prior eviction actions in court or for unpaid rent in your credit report. If there was a prior eviction case in court, your lawyer can seal the record. That way, it won’t appear in public records.

For more information about clearing up an eviction on your rental history, talk to a local eviction lawyer.