I am trying to rent an apartment again. How can you rent an apartment if you've been evicted in the past?

Question

I rented an apartment and due to losing my job was not able to keep up my rent payments so I was evicted. The eviction amount that was filed with the courts was 1 months rent of $405. I know if I apply to any apartment complex, they will decline me based on my eviction. What can I do to get back in good standings.

Answer 1

A couple of ideas that have worked for others:

1. Find a landlord that doesn't check your credit. This is getting harder to do, but a lot of small landlords don't. Look at smaller buildings like duplexes and 4 plexes to find these kinds of landlords.

2. Any non-corporate owned property manager has some flexibility. Explain your history and why it won't happen again. Offer up a bigger deposit to protect the landlord.

3. Find a roommate. Find someone who already has a lease and just wants a roommate. This only works if their landlord doesn't require you undergo a credit check and sign the lease. So this may be easier to find in a house. Lots of singles have houses they rent rooms in.

Also the longer it was ago...the less it will impact you. Time is really the only cure.

Answer 2

I don't know where you are, but in CA your file is sequestered by the court for 4 months from the date filed, so the credit reporting agencies can't see it, no one but a party can see the file. So it's best to run straight out and re-rent. I would check in your jurisdiction and see if your court in your state has something similar.

The other suggestions are excellent, renting from a private owner is good. But keep in mind that a lot of times the rent is their income (especially for elderly). So you may be putting someone in a terrible spot by non-payment. They may have a mortgage, so it's not like they aren't losing a lot themselves. Try to be better next time and be honest about your situation. I worked for the court and often saw people on the eviction go-round. They caused some horrible problems for people.

Answer 3

Don't go to an apartment complex! Just check the local paper and find someone who is renting a home out, and go with them. Many private landlords will not do a background check.

Answer 4

you will need a co signer to sign with you stating they will pay if you do not, they will want a month or more a pay stubs and likely proof that you earn double the actual rent, that allows for the car, phone electric etc so they know you have rent after the other stuff.

Answer 5

Talk to a real estate agent, and see if he says paying the $405 will get you back in good standing. You think that's bad - we have all our utilities in someone else's name, and our lease is signed by a relative who doesn't live with us. Crap happens.

Answer 6

just have a friend pose as your last landlord and say that you were on time and was never late.don't tell them about the apt. complex.then if you do get the apt don't be late.get a job that's secure and you'll do just fine.i know it's not right to lie,but sometimes you gotta do what ya gotta do..

been there

Answer 7

You will probably have to have a co-signer that has good credit and a large deposit (first/last months rent)

Answer 8

Try to find a rental from a private owner that won't pull your credit. Man, that sucks for you. I'm sorry.

Answer 9

You should have paid your bills! I would not rent to someone that has a history of non-payment!

Answer 10

Not nessesarily. One month behind, especially that has been paid, may not disqualify you. Especially in that price range.