Can I Get an Apartment With an Eviction?

Renting an apartment after an eviction can present significant challenges, yet it is often possible with the right approach. An eviction on one’s record complicates the application process, as landlords typically seek reliable tenants with a stable rental history. This article clarifies how evictions impact rental applications and offers strategies to enhance your prospects for securing housing.

How Evictions Appear on Rental Records

An eviction is a legal process initiated by a landlord to remove a tenant from a property, resulting in a public record. These records are documented in court systems and accessible through public searches. Eviction records can remain visible on tenant screening reports for up to seven years from the filing date. These reports are distinct from credit reports but are widely used by landlords to assess a prospective tenant’s rental history.

While the eviction itself does not directly appear on a standard credit report, related financial obligations can. If unpaid rent or fees associated with the eviction are sent to a collection agency, this debt can be reported to credit bureaus. Such collection accounts can negatively impact credit scores and typically remain on credit reports for seven years.

An eviction record generally includes details such as the tenant’s full name, the landlord’s name, the case number, and the outcome of court proceedings. It also indicates the reasons for the eviction, such as non-payment of rent or lease violations.

What Landlords Consider During Application Review

When evaluating rental applications, landlords conduct a comprehensive screening process to assess a potential tenant’s reliability and financial stability. A primary component is a credit check, which provides insight into an applicant’s financial behavior. Landlords examine payment history, outstanding debts, and any collection accounts or bankruptcies. A credit score, often with a preferred minimum around 620, helps landlords gauge the likelihood of on-time rent payments.

Income verification is another fundamental aspect, ensuring the applicant has sufficient financial resources to cover rent and other living expenses. Landlords commonly apply a rent-to-income ratio, often requiring a tenant’s gross monthly income to be at least two and a half to three times the monthly rent. For example, a property renting for $1,500 per month might require an applicant to demonstrate a gross monthly income of $4,500.

Rental history is also carefully scrutinized, providing direct evidence of past tenancy behavior. Landlords typically seek references from previous property owners or managers to inquire about payment consistency, property maintenance, and adherence to lease terms. The absence of prior evictions is preferred, as it indicates a tenant’s ability to fulfill lease agreements. Criminal background checks are often performed to ensure the safety of the property and other residents.

Steps to Take When Applying with an Eviction

When applying for an apartment with an eviction on your record, honest communication is paramount. It is advisable to disclose the eviction upfront, rather than allowing a landlord to discover it during a background check. Providing a concise, factual explanation of the circumstances leading to the eviction, without making excuses, can demonstrate accountability and maturity.

Strengthening other areas of your application can help offset the negative impact of an eviction. Highlighting a strong current income, a positive payment history on other debts, or stable employment can reassure a landlord about your financial reliability. Obtaining strong personal and professional references, particularly from employers or any positive former landlords, can provide character endorsements.

Financial reassurances can also significantly improve your application. Offering a larger security deposit, beyond the standard one or two months’ rent, can demonstrate your commitment and reduce perceived risk for the landlord. In some cases, offering to pay a few months’ rent in advance might be an option, though this can be complicated by state-specific regulations on prepaid rent.

Securing a co-signer or guarantor can also be a valuable strategy. A co-signer, often a family member or trusted individual with strong credit and income, signs the lease and agrees to be financially responsible if you are unable to pay. This provides an additional layer of security for the landlord and can significantly increase your chances of approval, especially if your credit score is low or you lack sufficient income.

Exploring Different Rental Avenues

When seeking housing with an eviction record, exploring diverse rental avenues can broaden your options. Private landlords, who often manage a smaller number of properties, may exhibit more flexibility compared to large corporate property management companies. Management companies frequently adhere to strict, standardized screening criteria that can automatically disqualify applicants with an eviction history.

Another avenue involves seeking out “second chance” programs or landlords who specialize in renting to individuals with past rental challenges. Some housing providers or non-profit organizations focus on assisting those with complex rental histories. These programs may offer more understanding screening processes or provide resources to help applicants secure housing. You can inquire with local housing authorities or community support organizations about such initiatives.

Considering roommate situations can also be an effective strategy. When you rent a room within an existing household, the primary tenant may conduct a less formal screening process than a direct landlord. This arrangement can bypass some of the stringent background checks performed by property management companies. Finding a roommate with a strong rental and credit history can bolster the overall appeal of the living arrangement to a landlord.