How to Rent an Apartment With a Bad Rental History

Renting an apartment can present challenges, particularly for individuals with a less-than-perfect rental history. While past issues might seem like obstacles, securing housing is often achievable with strategic preparation. This article provides practical steps and insights to help individuals navigate the rental market, even with a challenging rental background.

Understanding Your Rental History

A “bad rental history” encompasses issues that raise concerns for landlords, including past evictions, judgments from previous landlords, chronic late rent payments, documented property damage, or breaking a prior lease. Evictions and unpaid debts can remain on tenant screening reports for up to seven years.

Understanding your rental history is a crucial first step. Landlords use tenant screening reports, which are consumer reports, to evaluate applicants. These reports can include credit, eviction, criminal background, and rental history. You have a right to a free copy of your report if a landlord takes “adverse action” against you, such as denying your application or requiring a higher deposit, based on its information.

Review your report for accuracy. Common errors include mixed files (information belonging to someone else), outdated information, or incorrect eviction records. If errors are found, you have the right to dispute them with the tenant screening company. The company generally has 30 to 45 days to investigate and correct inaccuracies. Gather evidence to support your claim and submit a formal dispute in writing.

Strategies for Improving Your Appeal

Taking proactive steps can improve your chances of securing a rental, even with a challenging history. Demonstrating current financial stability is a key factor. Landlords seek reassurance that an applicant can consistently meet rent obligations.

Gathering documentation such as recent pay stubs, employment verification letters, and bank statements showing a healthy savings balance can provide proof of your current financial health. If a landlord requires an income of three times the monthly rent, clear documentation proves this capacity. Resolving outstanding debts or judgments owed to previous landlords, if possible, can show a commitment to rectifying past issues.

A co-signer or guarantor can strengthen an application. A co-signer is an individual who legally agrees to be responsible for the rent and other lease obligations if the primary tenant fails to pay. This person typically needs to be over 18, have a strong credit score (often 700+), and sufficient income, sometimes earning at least three times the monthly rent. While commonly a family member, a co-signer can be any financially responsible third party.

Drafting a concise, honest, and proactive letter of explanation is an important strategy. This letter allows you to address past issues directly, take responsibility, and outline steps taken to prevent recurrence. Focus on a forward-looking and positive tone, explaining the circumstances without making excuses. Providing supporting documents, such as proof of payment for resolved debts or evidence of improved financial management, can strengthen your explanation.

Securing strong references from current employers, character references, or previous landlords (if the past issue was not with them) can provide positive endorsements of your reliability. Offering a larger security deposit or several months’ rent in advance can signal commitment and financial capability. While the average security deposit is typically one month’s rent, some landlords may request up to two or three months’ rent, especially for higher-risk tenants. State laws often limit the maximum security deposit amount.

Navigating the Rental Application Process

With preparatory work completed, navigate the rental application process. Identify landlords more receptive to applicants with a less-than-perfect history. Private landlords, for example, might offer more flexibility than large corporate complexes, which often have stricter screening criteria. Websites like Zillow, Craigslist, and local community forums are useful resources for finding properties listed by individual owners.

During initial contact or viewings, proactively disclose past rental history. Honesty is generally the best policy; being upfront, but careful, about your situation can build trust. Briefly explain the circumstances and how you have addressed or resolved the issues. Be prepared to present your letter of explanation and financial documentation.

When completing the rental application, ensure all sections are filled out completely and accurately. Any discrepancies or omissions could raise red flags for a landlord. Submit all supporting documents, including your letter of explanation, positive references, and proof of financial stability. Some tenant screening services allow landlords to request reports where the applicant covers the screening fee.

During the tenant screening process, expect background, credit, and eviction record checks. If your application is denied due to information in a tenant screening report, the landlord is required under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) to provide an adverse action notice. This notice includes the screening company’s contact information, enabling you to request a free copy of the report and dispute inaccuracies. Following up after submitting an application can demonstrate continued interest and professionalism.

Exploring Alternative Housing Solutions

If traditional rental applications remain challenging, explore alternative housing solutions. Private owners, distinct from large property management companies, often possess more discretion. They may be more willing to consider individual circumstances rather than relying solely on automated screening results, and more open to discussions about your history and improvements.

Finding a roommate situation offers another avenue, especially if the primary leaseholder has a strong rental history and the landlord is less stringent about background checks for additional occupants. Subleasing can serve as a temporary solution, allowing you to secure housing without undergoing a full tenant screening process, as you rent from an existing tenant. Extended-stay hotels or short-term rentals also provide temporary housing while you work on improving your rental history or search for a permanent arrangement.

Various housing assistance programs exist across the United States. Federal programs like Section 8 housing choice vouchers and subsidized housing initiatives help low-income individuals find affordable rental housing. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has also administered Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) programs, providing funding to state and local governments to assist households with rent and utility costs. While these programs may have specific eligibility requirements and high demand, resources like 211 or local housing authorities can provide information on available assistance.