How to Find Apartments That Accept Evictions
Discover practical strategies for finding and securing apartments with a past eviction on your record. Your guide to successful housing.
Finding suitable housing can be a significant challenge for individuals with an eviction record. While an eviction on your rental history may seem like a barrier, it does not make securing a new apartment impossible. This article provides practical strategies and resources to help navigate the rental market and find a place to call home.
Understanding Your Rental History
An eviction on your record can significantly impact future rental applications, as landlords rely on tenant screening reports to assess risk. These reports compile information about your past rental behavior, including any eviction filings or judgments. Landlords seek tenants who demonstrate consistent rent payments and adherence to lease terms.
Eviction records remain on tenant screening reports for up to seven years. While an eviction itself does not appear on your credit report, any unpaid rent or fees associated with the eviction that are sent to collections can negatively affect your credit score and remain on your credit report for seven years.
Obtain a copy of your tenant screening report to understand what landlords see when reviewing your application. You can request these reports from agencies like Experian RentBureau, CoreLogic SafeRent, or TransUnion SmartMove, and you are entitled to a free copy annually under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Reviewing your report for accuracy allows you to identify and dispute incorrect information that could hinder your housing search.
Locating Eviction-Friendly Properties
Identifying landlords and properties more amenable to applicants with an eviction history requires a targeted approach. Many large property management companies adhere to strict screening criteria, making private landlords or specialized programs more flexible options. These landlords may be more willing to consider individual circumstances beyond a simple background check.
Online rental platforms can be a starting point, though direct filters for “eviction accepted” are uncommon. Searching terms like “second chance apartments” or “no credit check apartments” can yield relevant results. Specialized apartment locating services and websites are available, designed to connect renters with past evictions, broken leases, or credit challenges to properties willing to offer a second chance. These services often have established relationships with property managers who understand that past issues do not always reflect current reliability.
Exploring “second chance” programs or properties is a direct way to find housing. These initiatives are designed for individuals facing housing barriers due to prior evictions or other rental history issues. They may be run by non-profit organizations, housing authorities, or private landlords specializing in this niche. Extended-stay hotels and short-term rentals can serve as immediate, temporary housing while you continue your search for a permanent residence. These options provide flexibility with lease lengths, ranging from a few weeks to several months.
Strengthening Your Rental Application
When applying for an apartment with an eviction on your record, proactive communication and a strong presentation of your current stability can significantly improve your chances. Addressing the eviction directly and honestly with potential landlords, rather than waiting for them to discover it, demonstrates transparency and responsibility. Providing a clear explanation of the circumstances that led to the eviction, along with steps you have taken to prevent a recurrence, can help landlords understand your situation.
Demonstrating current financial stability and a renewed commitment to responsible tenancy is important. Prepare documents verifying consistent income, such as recent pay stubs, bank statements, or tax returns for self-employed individuals. Positive landlord references from any tenancy after the eviction can also be beneficial. A well-organized application highlighting your current reliability can reassure landlords.
To alleviate landlord concerns, consider offering reassurances that mitigate perceived risks. If financially feasible and legally permissible, proposing a larger security deposit than typically required can show commitment. Another option is to secure a co-signer or guarantor for the lease, who contractually agrees to be responsible for the rent if you are unable to pay. The co-signer should have excellent credit and stable income to meet the landlord’s financial criteria.
Exploring Additional Housing Support
Beyond traditional rental searches, several resources and support systems exist to assist individuals navigating housing challenges. Local housing authorities can provide valuable information about affordable housing programs, tenant rights, and sometimes offer direct assistance or referrals to other services. These agencies often have lists of subsidized housing options or programs designed to help low-income individuals secure stable housing.
Non-profit organizations and community action agencies offer housing counseling services, financial aid, or eviction prevention programs. These organizations may provide assistance with security deposits, first month’s rent, or guidance on navigating the rental market with a challenging history. They can connect you with legal aid services if you believe you have experienced unlawful discrimination.
Understanding your rights under fair housing laws is important. The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. While an eviction itself is not a protected characteristic, landlords must apply their screening criteria consistently to all applicants and cannot discriminate based on these protected classes. If you suspect discrimination, contact a fair housing organization or file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).