How to Get a Place With an Eviction on Your Record

Finding a new home after an eviction can be challenging. While an eviction record complicates the rental search, it does not make securing a new place impossible. With a strategic approach, individuals can navigate the rental market effectively. This article provides steps and strategies for those with an eviction history to find a new place to live. It emphasizes understanding the eviction’s impact, preparing for applications, and employing targeted search methods.

Understanding Your Eviction Record

An eviction is the legal process by which a landlord removes a tenant from a rental property, typically due to non-compliance with lease terms, such as unpaid rent. This action creates a public record that becomes part of a tenant’s rental history and can influence future housing applications. Landlords often use tenant screening services to access these records, which highlight a perceived risk.

Eviction records generally remain on background checks and tenant screening reports for approximately seven years. This duration is consistent with federal regulations governing how long negative information can appear on consumer reports. While evictions do not typically appear on standard credit reports, any unpaid rent or fees sent to collection agencies can negatively impact credit scores for the same seven-year period.

It is important to check your own rental history and background reports to understand what information a prospective landlord will see. Major tenant screening services, such as TransUnion SmartMove, Experian RentBureau, and LexisNexis, compile detailed rental histories that include eviction information. You can request a copy of your report from these services, often for a fee, to review for accuracy and completeness.

Eviction filings are part of public court records, which can be accessed to understand the case details. Some states allow for the sealing or expungement of eviction records under specific legal grounds, which would restrict public access.

Preparing for a New Rental Application

Proactive preparation is important when applying for a rental with an eviction on your record. Demonstrating financial stability is a primary concern for landlords. This involves gathering proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, employment verification letters from your employer, or, for self-employed individuals, tax returns.

Saving funds for a larger security deposit or a few months’ rent in advance can reassure a landlord. While local laws govern maximum security deposit amounts, offering more than the standard can signal serious intent and financial readiness. Improving your credit score, if applicable, can also be beneficial, as landlords often consider creditworthiness alongside rental history.

Addressing the eviction directly and responsibly is another important step. Prepare a concise and honest explanation that takes accountability for the past situation without making excuses. Focus on what was learned from the experience and how your circumstances have changed to prevent a recurrence, such as securing a stable job or resolving previous financial issues. This narrative should be part of a “rental resume” or portfolio, which highlights stable employment, strong personal references, and a commitment to financial responsibility.

Securing positive references is valuable. Seek references from current or past employers who can attest to your reliability and work ethic. Personal contacts, excluding family members, who can vouch for your character and responsibility are also useful. If you had a positive relationship with a landlord prior to the eviction, or with a subsequent landlord, their reference can be impactful.

Consider securing a co-signer or guarantor for your lease. A co-signer, typically a family member or close associate with good credit and stable income, agrees to be financially responsible for the rent if you are unable to pay. This arrangement mitigates the landlord’s risk, making your application more appealing. Ensuring the co-signer understands their obligations and meets typical qualification criteria, such as a strong credit history and sufficient income, is important.

Strategies for Finding and Securing a Home

With your preparatory work complete, the focus shifts to searching for a new residence. Consider targeting smaller, independent landlords or private owners rather than large property management companies. These individuals often have more flexibility in their screening criteria and may be more willing to consider an applicant with an eviction record if convinced of the applicant’s current stability and responsibility. You can find such listings through local classifieds, “for rent” signs in neighborhoods, or word-of-mouth networks. Exploring temporary alternatives like extended-stay hotels, sublets, or shared housing arrangements can provide immediate shelter while you continue your search for a more permanent solution.

When approaching potential landlords, transparency is important. Be upfront about your eviction record early in the conversation, rather than allowing it to be a surprise discovered during a background check. This proactive disclosure demonstrates honesty and allows you to immediately present your prepared explanation, outlining the circumstances, the lessons learned, and the positive changes you have made. Presenting your rental portfolio, which includes financial documentation, references, and your explanation, can highlight your current stability.

During the application process, maintain a professional demeanor and communicate clearly. Be ready to present all your pre-prepared documents, including proof of income, positive references, and your detailed eviction explanation. To reassure landlords, if financially feasible and legally permissible, consider offering to pay a larger security deposit or a few months’ rent upfront. This can demonstrate a strong commitment and ability to meet financial obligations. Verify local regulations regarding maximum security deposits to avoid overpayment or scams.

Landlords seek reliable tenants who will care for their property and pay rent consistently. Your objective is to demonstrate that, despite a past eviction, you are now a dependable applicant. Persistence is often necessary, and learning from rejections can refine your approach for subsequent applications.