Can You Still Get an Apartment With an Eviction?

Securing an apartment with a past eviction record presents challenges, yet it is often still possible to find suitable housing. Understanding how an eviction impacts rental applications and what steps can mitigate its effects is important. A clear understanding of the situation and proactive measures can significantly improve an applicant’s prospects.

The Impact of an Eviction Record

An eviction significantly influences a rental application as it becomes a public record. When a landlord initiates an eviction, proceedings are filed in court, creating a public court record accessible to others. Landlords identify this record through tenant screening services.

Tenant screening databases draw information from these public court records, making past evictions visible to prospective landlords. These records remain on tenant screening reports for up to seven years. While the eviction itself does not directly appear on a credit report, any unpaid rent or damages associated with the eviction may be sent to a collection agency.

If unpaid debt goes to collections, this financial activity is reported to credit bureaus and can negatively impact a credit score for up to seven years. Landlords conduct credit checks as part of their screening process, and a low score or collection accounts can signal financial risk. This combination of public eviction records and potential credit report impacts makes securing new housing more difficult.

Factors Influencing Landlord Decisions

Landlords evaluate several factors beyond an eviction record when considering a rental application. The time elapsed since the eviction plays a role; a more distant eviction may be viewed less critically than a recent one. Landlords assess the reason for the eviction, differentiating between issues like non-payment of rent, property damage, or lease violations.

An applicant’s current income stability is a significant consideration. Many landlords require proof that gross monthly income is at least two to three times the monthly rent. A strong, consistent employment history provides reassurance regarding the ability to meet rent obligations. The overall credit score, separate from any eviction-related collections, is also reviewed, as it reflects broader financial responsibility.

Some landlords consider positive rental history established since the eviction. Providing references from subsequent landlords who can attest to timely payments and responsible tenancy can help balance a past negative mark. Landlords look at the entire application, including references, and may be more flexible if other aspects of the application are strong.

Strategies for Securing Housing

Applicants with an eviction record can take several steps to improve their chances of securing housing. Being transparent and upfront with potential landlords about the eviction is advisable. Providing a clear and honest explanation for the eviction, focusing on any extenuating circumstances or lessons learned, can help build trust.

Offering a larger security deposit or several months’ rent upfront, where legally permissible, can reduce a landlord’s perceived financial risk. This demonstrates a commitment to the lease and an ability to manage funds. Another strategy involves securing a reliable co-signer or guarantor, typically someone with good credit and stable income who agrees to be financially responsible if the tenant defaults on rent.

Highlighting positive aspects of current financial and employment situations, such as consistent income and a stable job, is beneficial. Providing strong personal or professional references who can vouch for character and reliability can strengthen an application. Looking for private landlords, who may have more flexibility in their screening criteria than large property management companies, can be a fruitful approach.

Exploring Alternative Housing Solutions

For individuals facing challenges securing traditional apartment rentals, exploring alternative housing solutions can provide viable options. Renting from private landlords is often a more flexible avenue, as they may not use extensive tenant screening services or are more willing to consider individual circumstances than large corporate property management companies.

Considering roommate situations can provide an entry point into housing. Joining an existing household or finding others to share a rental can reduce the financial burden and may bypass stringent individual tenant screening requirements. Extended-stay hotels offer a short-term solution, providing furnished accommodations with amenities, which can serve as temporary housing.

Researching local housing assistance programs or non-profit organizations that help individuals with past evictions is important. These programs offer resources, guidance, or direct financial aid to help secure housing. They can also connect individuals with landlords who are more open to renting to those with a challenging rental history.