Getting an apartment with an eviction on your record can be challenging. However, it is not entirely impossible.
You will need to follow certain steps to find a flexible landlord and get approved for an apartment.
You essentially have to prove to your landlord that you are financially capable of paying rent.
Keep reading this guide to highlight all the steps you must follow to get an apartment after eviction.
Getting an Apartment with Eviction on Record
Before discussing how you can get approved for an apartment, let’s clarify what eviction is.
This refers to when your landlord goes to court to force you out of the rental space.
This could be due to multiple reasons. When you sign a lease, you agree to certain terms in it.
Defaulting on these and not following them can get you evicted.
For example, if you were unable to pay the rent even after several requests from the landlord.
This is one of the most common reasons for eviction.
Other reasons for eviction can include overoccupancy, noise complaints, and damage to the property.
The landlord can then file a court order against you in these cases.
If the landlord wins the case against you, you will be evicted. This eviction record is reflected on your public court orders for a couple of years.
When you apply to get an apartment, you might not get approved for it due to this. This is because your eviction record shows up during your background check.
It typically appears on your credit report.
Therefore, you will need to take a different approach from traditional apartment hunting. You have to gather as many resources as possible to find a flexible landlord.
In fact, you might even need to pay more out-of-pocket to make up for the eviction.
Tips for Renting Apartment with an Eviction on Record
It might be challenging to get an apartment when you have an eviction record. However, by following the proper steps, you can find a suitable apartment.
Regardless of how old your eviction was, finding an apartment with such a rental history is possible.
Here are some helpful tips to follow:
Understand Your Situation
Before you go apartment hunting, it is essential that you recognize your circumstances. You must understand your situation if you have got a previous eviction.
When landlords reject your applications, don’t take it personally.
They are simply following policies and weeding out renters who seem too risky.
Try to Get the Eviction Removed from Your Record
The first thing you should do is get your eviction removed from your record. The best way to do this is by talking to your previous landlord.
If you had been evicted because of not paying rent, figure out if you can pay back the debt.
Do this in exchange for getting the eviction removed.
Moreover, if you had been removed for circumstances out of your control, you can take legal action.
You can also take your landlord to court and get the eviction removed in this case.
This is the best way to secure approval from future landlords. However, getting the eviction removed from your record is impossible in many cases.
There are still other ways to get an apartment in this case, so don’t worry.
Find a Landlord That Does Not Do Background Checks
Another option you can consider is if you are not using an apartment locator.
Find a landlord, owner, or manager that does not do any background checks or would ignore your eviction record.
Ask them if they do background or credit checks before paying the renter fee.
Such landlords have higher monthly payments, higher deposits, and more.
Moreover, they will also require proof of income. They will need all of this to ignore your eviction.
Look For Eviction-Approved Apartments
Most apartment locators don’t let you filter and search specifically for eviction-approved apartments.
However, you can still use them to find a variety of apartments.
You can also use locators to find landlords who have previously accepted renters with eviction records.
There is no harm in applying for approval with such landlords.
Find Privately Owned Apartments
Privately owned landowners often tend to be more flexible than apartment management companies.
Such large renter companies tend to have strict policies about past evictions and credit checks.
Hence, you would have more luck with private apartment owners. You also get to deal with them directly and make personal appeals to them.
The landlords would be more compassionate and understanding if you explained your situation.
But management companies would not be able to do much.
Prepare All Your Financial Records
You should prepare all your financial documents and have them ready to go for the landlords.
This way, you can discuss all the rental agreement terms easily.
Hence, have your proof of income, tax returns, and other financial documents ready.
Sometimes, having all of your financial records organized can also help the landlords.
They will be able to see you are capable of paying your rent.
Make a Good First Impression
When meeting the property manager or landlord, make sure you leave an excellent first impression.
Ensure that you dress professionally for your meeting with them.
Engage with them politely and professionally.
An excellent first impression can go a long way in this case.
Pay Off Your Debt
If your credit was affected by your eviction or vice versa, you should fix that first.
Pay off all of your debts and pay bills on time.
All of this can help improve your credit score. In turn, it can be helpful when applying for an apartment.
You can also pay off your debt to your previous landlord. They can then remove your eviction, which will also improve your credit score.
Be Transparent
Wherever you go, don’t lie about your previous eviction. If you are asked about it, be honest about what happened.
Even if it was dire circumstances or things beyond your control, be transparent. This can go a long way in convincing the landlord.
Stay On Top of Your Credit
Your credit report might show your eviction, or it may lower your overall credit.
Landlords and management companies typically conduct a background check on your credit reports.
This is why it is best that you stay on top of your credit during this time. Consider paying all of your bills on time.
Moreover, avoid paying with credit cards because that can accumulate in your bills. Instead, use cash as much as possible.
You might also want to get your credit report and take a thorough look at it. Make sure there are no inaccuracies in it.
Get References
You should get as many references as possible from prior landlords, employers, colleagues, and even friends.
They should reflect how you have been a good tenant and financially capable.
References are also a reflection of your character. Hence, have them write a letter for you or say nice things about you if contacted.
If you have had a good relationship with your prior landlord, it would be helpful to get references from them.
This could put you in a good position.
Find a Co-Signer or a Guarantor
A co-signer or a guarantor can help you get approved.
Have a friend or family member with a good credit history become your co-signer.
In this case, they will need to cover the rent for you if you cannot. However, be careful with this.
If your co-signer cannot pay your rent as well, you could end up getting evicted once again.
Consider Offering to Pay More
Landlords will be more flexible and willing to consider you if you pay more. For example, you can consider paying a higher deposit, which you would get back.
You can also consider prepaying several months of rent at once.
This will show your willingness to make them more comfortable.
As a result, the landlords will be given more security.
This will assuage their fears and convince them to accept your application.
Be Positive
Above all, you have to stay positive. A previous eviction on your records does not mean you cannot get another apartment.
After all, evictions can happen for various reasons.
When apartment-hunting, don’t be discouraged if you keep getting rejected.
You should stay positive and be honest while explaining your situation to landlords. It may take a bit more effort, but with the right steps, it is possible.
Final Words
It is important to remember that you are not alone in this. Many people go through evictions due to various reasons.
You should gather all your resources, financial documents, references, and other relevant paperwork. Moreover, you must always stay determined and keep a positive attitude.
Besides this, get a co-signer or roommate if possible. Be honest and transparent about your situation.
You should also be polite and professional when dealing with landlords.
All in all, by following these tips, you can find yourself signing a new lease at an apartment soon. Good luck!
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