How to Rent With an Eviction on Your Record: Use These Tips
Evelyn Sanderson - September 1, 2024
Navigating the rental market can be challenging, but for those with an eviction on their record, it can seem like an insurmountable obstacle. An eviction history often serves as a significant red flag for many landlords. It limits housing options and creates substantial barriers in the search for a new home.
However, all hope is not lost. With the right approach, understanding of the process, and perseverance, individuals with past evictions can still secure suitable rental properties.
Our comprehensive guide is designed to equip you with effective strategies and practical advice to successfully navigate the rental market despite having an eviction on your record.
We’ll delve into the complexities of evictions, from understanding their long-term impact to exploring the practical steps you can take to overcome this obstacle.
Whether you’re looking to repair your rental history, negotiate with potential landlords, or explore alternative housing options, this guide will provide the tools and knowledge you need.
The Impact of Evictions on Your Credibility
An eviction is a legal process where a landlord removes a tenant from a rental property, typically due to violations of the lease agreement, such as non-payment of rent or breach of other terms.
The consequences of an eviction extend far beyond the immediate loss of housing, affecting various aspects of a person’s life for years to come. This includes (but isn’t limited to):
Impact on Rental History
An eviction leaves a significant mark on your rental history, often deterring future landlords from considering your application.
Many property owners view evictions as a sign of financial instability or unreliability, making them hesitant to risk renting to individuals with this record. This stigma can severely limit your housing options, potentially forcing you to settle for less desirable properties or neighborhoods.
Credit Score Implications
While the eviction itself doesn’t directly appear on your credit report, the financial consequences often do. If you owed rent or other fees that went unpaid, these debts could be sent to collections, which would then be reported to credit bureaus.
This can result in a significant drop in your credit score, further complicating not just your housing search but also your ability to secure loans, credit cards, and even certain types of employment.
Legal and Financial Consequences
Evictions often come with legal judgments that can haunt you for years. These judgments may allow landlords to garnish your wages or seize assets to recover unpaid rent or damages.
Additionally, court costs and legal fees associated with the eviction process can add to your financial burden, creating a cycle that’s difficult to break.
Learn more about the various reasons that may prevent you from renting.
Timeline of an Eviction Record
The duration an eviction stays on your record can vary depending on the type of record itself:
- Public records: Eviction court records are typically public and can remain visible for up to seven years. However, in some jurisdictions, these records may be accessible indefinitely.
- Credit reports: The eviction itself doesn’t appear on credit reports, but any related collections or judgments can remain for seven years from the date of the initial missed payment.
- Tenant screening reports: Many landlords use specialized tenant screening services that may retain eviction information for up to seven years, sometimes longer.
- Background checks: Some comprehensive background checks may uncover eviction records even after seven years, especially if they access court records directly.
That said, we want to clarify that seven years is a common timeframe—the actual impact of an eviction can last much longer. Many landlords ask about eviction history on rental applications, and being dishonest about your past can lead to automatic disqualification or even legal consequences.
Ways to Rent With an Eviction on Your Record
Renting with an eviction on your record can be challenging, but there are strategies you can employ to improve your chances of securing a rental. Here are key steps to consider:
Step #1: Understand Your Situation
An eviction typically can significantly impact your ability to rent. However, many landlords are willing to consider applicants with a prior eviction, especially if you can demonstrate responsibility and reliability in other areas.
Step #2: Obtain Your Records
Request copies of your eviction records, tenant screening reports, and credit reports to understand what information is being reported. This proactive approach allows you to address any issues head-on.
Step #3: Cross-check with Public Records
Regularly check public records regarding past evictions for accuracy. Use reputable platforms to access this information and promptly address any inaccuracies. This ensures that you’re aware of what potential landlords will see.
Step #4: Get the Eviction Removed
If possible, try to have the eviction expunged from your record. This may involve negotiating with your previous landlord to pay any outstanding balances or proving that the eviction was illegal or unjustified.
Step #5: Talk to Your Previous Landlord
If you had a good relationship with your previous landlord, discuss your situation with them. They may be willing to provide a positive reference or agree to remove the eviction from your record if you settle any outstanding debts.
Step #6: Be Honest and Explain It to Potential Landlords
If the above steps don’t work in your situation, be upfront about your eviction history. Prepare a brief, honest explanation of the circumstances and how you’ve addressed the issue since then.
While waiting for the eviction to age off your record, focus on rebuilding your rental profile by improving your credit score. A higher credit score can help alleviate concerns landlords may have about your rental history. Pay off debts, keep credit utilization low, and consider opening new lines of credit responsibly to boost the numbers.
If none of the above worked for you, try one or more of these:
- Consider a co-signer or guarantor: Having someone with a strong credit history co-sign your lease can make landlords more comfortable renting to you.
- Rent from private landlords: Private landlords may be more flexible than corporate property management companies. They often conduct less stringent background checks and may be more willing to discuss your situation directly.
- Prepay rent: Offering to pay several months’ rent upfront can demonstrate your commitment to being a reliable tenant and may persuade landlords to overlook your eviction.
- Get roommates: Renting with a roommate who has a good rental history can help improve your chances of approval.
- Explore no-credit-check rentals: Some rental properties do not require credit checks. Research these options, as they may be more willing to accept tenants with eviction records.
- Prepare for concessions: Be ready to make concessions, such as agreeing to a month-to-month lease initially or paying a larger security deposit. This can help reassure landlords of your commitment to being a responsible tenant.
By implementing these strategies and maintaining a proactive approach, you can significantly improve your chances of renting with an eviction on your record. Remember, persistence and honesty are key to overcoming this challenge.
An Eviction Isn’t the End of Your Rental Journey
That eviction notice might have thrown you a curveball, but it doesn’t have to strike you out of the rental game. It’s a temporary setback that doesn’t define you as a renter.
With transparency, a strong application, and a proactive approach, you’ll show potential landlords you’re a responsible tenant ready for a fresh start. It might require a little extra effort, but with the right strategy, you’ll be cruising towards your dream home in no time.
