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How to Rent with an Eviction on Your Record [2024]

February 7, 2024
Don’t let any prior evictions stop you from renting again. Learn how to rent with an eviction on your record by finding eviction-friendly rentals today.

Renters dealing with prior evictions still have a promising rental journey ahead of them. It’s important to remain optimistic in your apartment search because eviction-accepted rentals exist. After all, evictions are so common that nearly 1.5 million rulings annually happen nationwide.

And while landlords are wary of renting to tenants with eviction histories, fortunately, it is possible to recover.

Here's how to rent with an eviction on your record and take back the reins of your rental journey.

Renting with an Eviction on Your Record

1. Understand Your Situation

While going through an eviction can feel overwhelming, you can still find an apartment. However, you'll need to come prepared and exercise patience to find the right place. Be open to considering private landlords that accept evictions or find apartments that work with prior evictions.

2. Find Apartments that Accept Evictions

It's always a good idea to start with typical tools like Google search, apartment listing sites to try to identify apartments that rent to people with evictions. But keep in mind that they can present a challenge because not all companies or individuals are willing to advertise their willingness to work with an eviction history.

To find apartments that accept evictions, you will either need to find a a landlord that won't check your background or credit, or you will need to have a conversation with them about your situation. In either case, you will likely have to reach out to the prospective landlord about their policies. You can use the messaging system inside of Apartment List to contact a prospective landlord and inquire about the rental application process.

When trying to identify apartments that might accept evictions, start by looking at smaller complexes or single units in less-popular cities or neighborhoods. These types of rentals are more likely to waive a credit check. A short-term or month-to-month apartment may waive a credit check if you can prove you can offer the funds, but it's important to know that month-to-month apartments are typically expensive.

How to Rent With a Prior Eviction

3. Look for Landlords Skipping Background Checks

Finding eviction-friendly apartments with landlords who don't run credit checks or ask about your detailed rental history is possible. However, there are risks involved. If a landlord isn't running a credit check, it could be a sign you're entering into a no-credit-check rental scam.

4. Explore Private Landlords

Many private landlords either don’t care about evictions or would be open to hearing about your specific situation, so we recommend looking for those who can cut you some slack. While corporate-owned rental communities may be quick to deny applications with eviction histories, private landlords are sometimes more understanding and willing to sit down for interviews to find out more.

5. Try to Remove the Eviction From Your Record

To remove an eviction from your record, you can bring your case to court. However, the court will only remove it if you're disputing an inaccurately reported eviction. If you were wrongly evicted, it's also possible to petition the court to win your case and ask for a reversal.

Want more help insight into removing evictions from your record? Check out this fantastic, detailed guide on exactly how to phrase your eviction appeal from Attorney Robert Flessas:

6. Talk to Your Last Landlord

You can also petition for an eviction removal from the reporting company if you've repaid the landlord. Since renting an apartment with an eviction can be more challenging, it might be worth conversing with your last landlord to clear the air. See if they will cooperate with your petition to remove the eviction. If you're on very good standing with them, consider asking for a referral letter explaining the situation and how it resolved to use in future rental applications.

7. Work On Your Credit Score

If eviction-related fees appear on your credit report, you can pay off your debt or discuss a payment plan with your landlord. First of all, paying off the debt to your landlord can help you directly with your apartment search. But second, if you have strong credit and a good history of paying bills after the eviction, landlords are more likely to view your application favorably.

Key Factors Impacting Your Credit Score

8. Offer to Pay Rent in Advance

Similar to paying more rent, offering to pay rent in advance is another way to persuade landlords to provide eviction-friendly rentals. Your commitment to making payments shows your financial stability, which all landlords want in a tenant.

9. Offer a Higher Security Deposit

When renting with an eviction, you might consider paying a larger security deposit. The security deposit covers any damage to the apartment and your rent if you fail to pay. Renters get back their security deposit provided the apartment is in good shape when they move out and have no outstanding balances.

10. Offer to Pay Higher Rent

Your landlord may be open to renting with an eviction if you offer to pay higher rent. The offer shows your landlord that you're serious about paying your rent and keeping your apartment.

11. Gather Rental References

Rental References are essential if you want to get an apartment with an eviction. Landlords are more likely to look beyond having an eviction on your record due to COVID, especially if you're currently employed and have cleared your debt. Still, collecting references from past landlords, property managers, and colleagues is an excellent place to start.

12. Create a Renter’s Resume

Creating a robust renter’s resume can be beneficial when seeking out an apartment with an eviction. In addition, bring your previous rental history, paperwork from your employer, bank records, and everything that positions your reliability as a renter in a positive light.

13. Find a Roommate, Cosigner, or Guarantor

Living with a roommate can show a landlord greater financial stability. Cosigners and lease guarantors aren’t completely similar, but both can help make a potential landlord feel more confident renting to you.

While both cosigners and guarantors are held responsible for renters who fail to make rent payments, a cosigner has the right to reside on the property during the lease while a guarantor does not.

14. Be Honest

Honesty can go a long way when trying to rent an apartment while having an eviction on your record. Let the new landlord know what led to the eviction and how your financial stability has improved. More than that, a lack of honesty can cause issues that could even result in another eviction later. So it's important to be up front about your situation.

How to Rent With a Prior Eviction (Continued)

15. Stay Positive

In the end, it’s up to you to remain positive in your search. While finding a rental that accepts evictions might be more challenging, it’s not impossible. Keep your head up!

Don't Let an Eviction Hold You Back: Start Apartment Hunting

An eviction is never easy to deal with but it isn't the end of the world. You can still rent an apartment after being evicted and rebuild your rental history. So, don’t worry about how to rent with an eviction on your record. Instead, figure out where to get started in your apartment search by checking out Apartment List’s online quiz today!

FAQs: Finding Apartments that Accept Evictions

How Long Does an Eviction Stay on Your Record?

It can take up to seven years for an eviction to disappear from your credit report.

How Do You Remove an Eviction From Your Record?

You’ll need to petition the court to have the eviction removed. However, the court will only remove it if you're disputing an inaccurately reported eviction.

Does an Eviction Hurt Your Credit?

Eviction can impact your credit if there are fees associated with the eviction that go to collections. Does eviction stay on your record? Well, it can, again, depending on what is reported.

How Do I Negotiate with a Landlord Who Is Hesitant to Rent to Me Because of My Eviction?

If you're landlord is open to negotiating, start by explaining your prior eviction and the steps you've taken to prevent one in the future. Consider offering a higher security deposit, paying more in rent, staying on a month-to-month lease or short term lease, offering rental references, or finding a cosigner to help your prospective landlord feel at ease renting to you.

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Dr. Katherine Blake
CONTENT EDITOR
Dr. Katherine Blake is a content editor with Apartment List, where she helps ensure our renter and rental management content is fresh and informed by the latest data. Read More
Emily Kho
EMILY KHO
Emily is a professionally trained writer who covers a wide range of topics associated with the rental market and real estate industry. With over a decade of professional writing experience, Emily comes from a strong background in the field backed with a Bachelor of Science from the world-renowned William F. Read More
Tristian Brown
SENIOR CONTENT ASSOCIATE
Tristian Brown is a Senior Content Marketing Associate at Apartment List, where he manages high-quality content that helps modern renters find the perfect home. He brings an immense wealth of knowledge to the team, having earned a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and European Management from the University of San Diego and EM Strasbourg Business School. Read More

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