An eviction can hinder housing prospects, appearing on rental history and credit reports, and causing landlords to hesitate due to increased reliance on background checks. However, it’s essential to remain optimistic in your apartment search, as eviction-accepted rentals do exist.
Evictions are relatively common, with nearly 1.5 million rulings occurring annually nationwide. Understanding the impact of an eviction is the first step to overcoming this obstacle and finding suitable housing options. Even with an eviction, there are affordable housing options available through second-chance apartments and housing assistance programs.
What is an Eviction?
An eviction is the process of removing a tenant from a rental property for violating their lease or rental agreement, such as non-payment of rent or property damage. The landlord provides written notice, and if the tenant doesn’t vacate, the landlord can file a lawsuit and have them removed by law enforcement.Â
Evictions can harm credit scores, make future housing difficult, and cause emotional stress and financial loss. Understanding tenant laws in your state can help you navigate the eviction process and know your rights when dealing with landlords or pursuing rental options after an eviction.
What is the Tenant Screening Process?
The tenant screening process is a thorough evaluation of a potential tenant’s background, creditworthiness, and rental history to assess their reliability and suitability as a tenant. The process begins with a rental application, where you provide personal information, rental history, and employment details for landlords to assess your suitability. It typically includes:
- Application: The potential tenant submits a rental application.
- Credit Check: The landlord or property manager reviews the applicant’s credit report.
- Background Check: A review of the applicant’s criminal and eviction history.
- Employment Verification: Confirmation of the applicant’s employment and income.
- Rental History: Contact previous landlords or property managers to assess the applicant’s past behavior as a tenant.
- Identification Verification: Verifying the applicant’s identity through a government-issued ID.
This process helps landlords and property managers make informed decisions about accepting or rejecting a potential tenant, ensuring they find a reliable and responsible renter.
What are the Steps to clear your rental history?
Here are the steps to clear your rental history:
1. Review Your Rental History Report
- Obtain a copy of your rental history report from companies like RentBureau, Experian, or TransUnion.
- Check for any errors or outdated information.
2. Dispute Inaccuracies
- File a dispute with the tenant screening agency or credit reporting agency if you find errors.
- Provide supporting evidence and follow up until the error is corrected.
3. Pay Off Outstanding Debts
- Settle any unpaid rent or fees with previous landlords or collection agencies.
- Request a receipt or confirmation that the debt has been paid.
4. Work with a Landlord to Remove an Eviction
- Contact the previous landlord to negotiate the removal of the eviction in exchange for paying any owed amounts.
- Explore eviction expungement options through the court system, depending on your state laws.
- In some cases, state-specific tenant laws may allow you to expunge an eviction from your record, depending on the circumstances.
5. Request a Letter of Recommendation
- Ask past landlords for recommendation letters if you had positive experiences with them.
- Emphasize improvements in your rental behavior and financial stability.
6. Build a Positive Rental History
- Consider subleasing, renting from private landlords, or using a co-signer to rebuild a positive rental history.
- Make consistent, on-time rent payments moving forward.
7. Use a Rental Assistance Program
- Seek help from rental assistance programs offered by non-profits to pay off debts or secure affordable housing. Many non-profit organizations and government initiatives offer rental assistance programs that can help you pay off old debts or provide financial support for securing new housing.
8. Wait for Negative Entries to Fall Off
- Understand that negative rental history items typically fall off your record after seven years.
9. Be Honest with Future Landlords
- Be upfront about past rental issues and explain the steps you’ve taken to resolve them during your new rental application.
Following these steps can help you clear your rental history and improve your chances of renting a home despite past difficulties.
How does an Eviction impact your Credit Score?
An eviction can significantly impact your credit score, resulting in a drop of 50-100 points or more. It is considered a negative mark and can remain on your credit report for up to 7 years, indicating to lenders that you may be a high-risk borrower.Â
As a public record, evictions are accessible to creditors and lenders, making it challenging to secure new credit or loans. However, the impact of an eviction on your credit score can lessen over time, and maintaining good credit habits, such as timely payments and keeping credit utilization low, can help improve your score and offset the negative effects of an eviction.
How to Raise Your Credit Score After an Eviction?
To raise your credit score after an eviction, focus on timely payments, low credit utilization, and building a positive credit history with secured cards or credit-builder loans. Monitor your score regularly and be patient, as rebuilding credit takes time. With consistent responsible habits, you can improve your score and offset the eviction’s impact, even though it may remain on your report for up to 7 years.
How to Prepare to Make Your Case?
To prepare to make your case as a renter with an eviction, take the following steps:
Gather references from reliable sources, such as a boss, coworker, or community leader, to demonstrate your responsibility and character.
- Be prepared to make concessions, such as paying extra security deposits or leasing month-to-month, to alleviate concerns about your past eviction.
- Be honest and transparent about your eviction, but avoid giving too much personal detail.
- Consider finding a guarantor or cosigner with good credit to share financial responsibility and alleviate concerns.
- Prepare to address the specific issues that led to your eviction and demonstrate how you’ve grown or changed to prevent similar situations in the future.
- Consider a roommate: Living with a roommate can help you rebuild your credit and rental history. Find a roommate with a good credit score and a clean rental history to be the leaseholder, or consider a roommate without an eviction to act as a co-signer.
- Rent from a private landlord: Private landlords may be more willing to consider your application and conduct a rental interview, unlike corporate-owned rental communities. You can search for properties for rent by owner.
By taking these steps, you can effectively make your case and increase your chances of securing a new rental property despite having an eviction on your record.
List of Eviction-Friendly Apartments
Here are some eviction-friendly apartment options near me that may offer second-chance rentals:
Bridgewater Apartments
Located in Orlando, Florida, Bridgewater Apartments offers flexible rental policies and second-chance opportunities for tenants with evictions. Rent prices range from $1,100 to $1,600 for 1-3 bedroom apartments. The community includes amenities like a pool, fitness center, and playground.
The Life at Harrington Park
Situated in Atlanta, Georgia, The Life at Harrington Park provides eviction-friendly options for those rebuilding their rental history. Rent starts around $1,100 for a 1-bedroom apartment and goes up to $1,400 for a 2-bedroom. This community features modern amenities, including a swimming pool and fitness center.
Parkwood Apartments
Located in Dallas, Texas, Parkwood Apartments are known for offering second-chance rentals to individuals with past evictions or poor credit. Rent prices range from $950 to $1,350 for 1- and 2-bedroom units. The complex offers amenities like a swimming pool and laundry facilities.
Bayou Oaks Apartments
Situated in Houston, Texas, Bayou Oaks Apartments provides flexible lease terms for those with eviction history. Rent prices range from $850 to $1,300 for 1- and 2-bedroom units. Amenities include gated access, a pool, and outdoor spaces.
The Villages at Carver
Located in Atlanta, Georgia, The Villages at Carver offers second-chance leasing options for renters with eviction or credit issues. Rent ranges from $900 to $1,400 for 1- to 3-bedroom units. This community offers amenities like a fitness center, pool, and clubhouse.
La Vida Apartments
Located in Phoenix, Arizona, La Vida Apartments is an eviction-friendly property offering 1- and 2-bedroom units with rent starting at $1,000 to $1,400. The complex includes amenities like a pool and outdoor grilling areas.
The Pointe at Crestmont
Located in Birmingham, Alabama, The Pointe at Crestmont caters to second-chance renters. Rent for 1- and 2-bedroom apartments starts at around $850 to $1,300. Amenities include a fitness center, swimming pool, and pet-friendly spaces.
Autumn Ridge Apartments
Situated in Memphis, Tennessee, Autumn Ridge Apartments offer flexible leasing for those with prior evictions. Rent ranges from $750 to $1,100 for 1- and 2-bedroom units. Residents enjoy amenities like a swimming pool and laundry facilities.
The Park at Ashford
Located in Atlanta, Georgia, The Park at Ashford provides second-chance leasing options for individuals with prior evictions or credit issues. Rent starts at $1,000 and can go up to $1,500 for 1- and 2-bedroom apartments. Amenities include a fitness center and a resort-style pool.
The Retreat at River Ranch
Located in San Antonio, Texas, The Retreat at River Ranch offers second-chance rental opportunities for those with evictions. Rent ranges from $950 to $1,400 for 1- and 2-bedroom apartments. Community features include a swimming pool, fitness center, and pet-friendly areas.
Finding a place to rent after an eviction can be tough, but second-chance apartments offer flexible lease options to help you rebuild your rental history. Be proactive by discussing your past eviction with landlords and offering solutions like a larger security deposit. Ensure you understand the lease terms to avoid future issues and improve your rental credibility. Follow these steps to secure housing despite a prior eviction and get back on track to a stable living situation.
FAQs
What should I do if my credit report includes an inaccurate eviction?
If your credit report includes an inaccurate eviction, dispute it with the credit reporting agency and furnisher, providing proof of the error. File a complaint with the CFPB or state Attorney General’s office if necessary. Consider seeking professional help and monitor your report to ensure the error is removed.
Can I rent an apartment if I have an eviction on my record?
Yes, you can still rent with an eviction on your record by exploring options like private landlords, co-signers, or offering a higher security deposit.
How long does an eviction stay on your rental history?
An eviction can stay on your record for up to seven years, depending on your state’s laws and credit reporting agencies.
What documents can help me rent with an eviction on my record?
Providing proof of steady income, references, a good rental history after the eviction, and a letter explaining the circumstances can improve your chances.
Can paying off an eviction help me rent a new place?
Yes, paying off the eviction or settling the debt can show landlords you’re responsible and may improve your chances of securing a rental.
Are there rental assistance programs for people with evictions?
Yes, some non-profits and local housing agencies offer assistance programs that help individuals with eviction records find housing.
Should I disclose my eviction to potential landlords?
Yes, being upfront about your eviction and explaining how your situation has improved can build trust and increase your chances of approval.
