How to rent with an eviction on your record

Finding a new rental can be challenging if you have a previous eviction on your record. That’s because some landlords will hesitate to accept tenants with an eviction history—they consider it a red flag that a tenant with a past eviction may repeat the behavior. But you can still rent with an eviction on your record.

Evictions can stem from various issues, but unpaid rent is often the primary cause. Apart from potential property damage, landlords are particularly concerned about losing a month’s rent. Therefore, an eviction on your rental history may require additional effort during the application process.

Although it can be difficult, there are rental options available for people with evictions, bad credit, or other red flags. However, locating such rentals may be tough. Nevertheless, don’t lose hope. Your ideal rental property exists, even with an eviction on your record. Just be prepared to invest extra time and effort into the process.

How to rent with an eviction on your record

When looking to rent with an eviction on your record, follow these steps.

1. Begin an early search

Start your rental search as early as possible to increase the likelihood of finding a rental property that is willing to accommodate you with an eviction. There are often more available options than you may anticipate, and one of them will be open to working with you.

Meanwhile, an eviction itself doesn’t appear on your credit report.¹ However, if you have any unpaid rent and fees, that could be sent to collections and remain on your credit report for 7 years from the original delinquency date.

2. Rent in suburbs or smaller towns

In smaller towns and suburbs, the demand for rental properties tends to be lower. Therefore, the likelihood of finding rentals that rent with an eviction on your record is low. While these landlords may still conduct a credit check, they may be more willing to overlook the eviction if you can demonstrate your responsibility and capability as a tenant, such as paying your rent early without excuses.

3. Find rentals without credit history requirements

Take advantage of various websites that allow you to filter rental listings based on their acceptance with evictions or those that don’t conduct credit checks. These platforms may also outline alternative criteria they consider to assess your ability to make timely rental payments.

There are eviction-friendly rentals available, and you might even come across rental programs designed to assist you in this situation. This advice applies to evictions, outstanding debt, or a history of property damage. The key is to be aware of the evidence you need to present to counterbalance the negative aspects of your record.

4. Get in touch with property managers directly

While property management companies and landlords might not explicitly advertise their willingness to accept renters with evictions, contacting them directly can be helpful. Try to make inquiries, especially if you come across a property you are particularly interested in renting.

Before you engage in these conversations, you should have a well-prepared plan. Consider what you can offer instead of a strong credit report, such as referrals from reliable sources, bank statements indicating financial stability, and a positive rental history (excluding the eviction).

5. Don’t try to hide your eviction record

It will help to acknowledge your eviction openly instead of hiding a bad rental history. Landlords typically scrutinize credit and rental backgrounds during application processes, so the eviction is bound to be revealed. Be honest about your history upfront when engaging with potential landlords. It will you the opportunity to share your perspective initially as well as build your integrity. If you can provide a justifiable account for the past event, landlords are more inclined to overlook your previous misstep.

6. Obtain a co-signer or roommate to assist with rent payments

Consider involving someone else to enhance both your financial situation and rental history. According to Experian, “A cosigner can help put a roof over your head.”²

A co-signer such as a trusted friend or family member can agree to take legal responsibility for covering your rent in case you are unable to do so. This option works if your previous eviction was due to difficulties with rent payments or if you currently have a poor credit history.

Alternatively, you can find a roommate that can be helpful in a similar manner to help you rent with an eviction on your record. A roommate with a good credit score and rental history can offset your own poor credit and eviction record.

7. Demonstrate your reliability in paying rent

Gather reference letters from previous landlords, your employer, co-workers, and even family members to help you rent with an eviction on your record. If the circumstances surrounding your eviction were beyond your control, request previous landlords involved in the eviction to provide a reference that thoroughly explains the situation.

When seeking references from other sources, ensure that they emphasize your outstanding character traits. Present yourself as a diligent person who understands the importance of paying bills on time. The references should highlight your reliability and financial stability. You can provide supporting documents such as pay stubs from your current job and bank account information to strengthen the references.

8. Focus on improving your credit score

There are various methods to improve your creditworthiness, which can positively impact your rental history evaluation as well. A strong credit score demonstrates to landlords that you are responsible and likely to make timely rent payments. “Most individuals or companies renting an apartment want credit scores from applicants to be 620 or higher,” according to the Military Advantage.³

9. Pay a larger sum of rent in advance

Potential landlords consider your ability to pay rent on time, so offering to pay several months’ rent in advance, beyond just the first and last month can help. This upfront payment works by eliminating uncertainties and showing your commitment.

Another option is to propose a higher security deposit than the standard one-month amount to rent with an eviction on your record. A larger sum is a form of reassurance to your potential landlord that you are serious about maintaining the property and fulfilling your rental obligations.

10. Try to remove the eviction record from your rental history

Removing an eviction from your record will require the following steps:

a. Contact the party who added the eviction

In some cases, they may be willing to remove it from your record if you can provide a reasonable explanation or reach a settlement.
2. Reach out to credit bureaus

You’d have to provide evidence of extenuating circumstances surrounding the eviction. They may consider removing it from your record based on the provided information.

3. Involve a lawyer

If necessary, consult with a lawyer who specializes in housing issues. They can guide you through negotiation processes, settlement discussions, or legal procedures to challenge or appeal the eviction.

These strategies may not yield immediate results. If you need immediate housing, it may be more practical to pursue other methods to secure a rental while working on removing the eviction from your record for future searches.

How to find eviction-friendly rentals

While some rental listings explicitly state that they do not conduct background checks, many landlords still consider rental history, including evictions. Here are some approaches to finding rentals that are more open to tenants with eviction records:

1. Contact property owners directly

The property owner may be more flexible than property management companies. So, they may be willing to let you rent with an eviction on your record.

2. Look for apartments that accept Section 8 vouchers

These programs focus on assisting low-income individuals and families in finding affordable housing, and some property management companies accepting Section 8 may also be open to applicants with eviction records.⁴

3. Find apartments only

Use online platforms that allow you to filter search results based on properties that accept evictions.

4. Reach out to housing assistance agencies

These agencies specialize in helping individuals find affordable housing. Some may have listings of available rentals that are open to applicants with evictions.

5. Explore subletting options

Consider subletting because it often does not require a credit report. That means it reduces the impact of your rental history and lets you rent with an eviction on your record.

Remember, the goal is to find a rental property that considers factors beyond just your rental history and credit score. Be prepared to present additional evidence or references that showcase your reliability and suitability as a tenant. In the meantime, you could always stay with a friend or a family member until you sort things out.

How long does an eviction stay on your record?

The duration of an eviction’s presence on your record is typically up to 7 years. Once this period elapses, the eviction will be removed from your credit report and rental history, eliminating the need to explain the situation to prospective landlords.

There is also the possibility of expunging the eviction earlier. However, this requires your appearance in court to prove that the eviction notice was invalid and that no lease agreements were violated. Alternatively, you can directly petition the court to have the eviction removed.

Final thoughts—rent with an eviction on your record

A negative rental history, particularly one that includes an eviction, can make the rental process more challenging. It’s common to encounter these difficulties, however, an eviction on your record doesn’t automatically disqualify you from finding a place to live. Just follow the approaches outlined in this guide and prepare well to handle your past eviction.