6 Tips for Getting an Apartment After an Eviction

By: ROS Team

Getting evicted from your apartment is never a pleasant experience — rather, it’s an embarrassing and frustrating one. But don’t panic! Things happen, and with the right plan of action, you can always recover.

Eviction is the process whereby a landlord can force a tenant out of a rental property. A tenant is usually evicted for violating the lease agreement. Unfortunately, evictions become part of public records, meaning anyone can view them.

Common Eviction Reasons

The most common reasons that lead to eviction can include:

Consistently late rent payments or non-payment
Violating the terms and conditions of the lease
Excessive complaints from your neighbors
Inflicting intentional damage to the property
Participating in illegal activities in the property or on its premises

Common Eviction Reasons

A landlord also has the right to may simply ask you to leave the property even if you’ve done nothing wrong. It could be so that they can move into the property, because they are taking the property off the rental market, or they may be planning to rebuild or remodel it.

Regardless of why you had to leave the property, an eviction on your rental history can make finding another apartment challenging.

Starting Over After an Eviction

Because an eviction becomes part of the public record and can show up on your credit report or a background check, there is no point in trying to hide it. But there are ways to navigate the rental market that will increase your odds of finding another apartment.

1. Be Professional

Many landlords and property managers have biases against potential tenants who have an eviction on their background. The best way to dispel any preconceived notions about you and your potential as a good tenant is by creating a positive first impression.

Be Professional

Ensure that you maintain a neat and clean appearance when you meet the landlord for the first time. Always be on time and be polite. By presenting yourself as an ideal tenant, the landlord may not weigh the eviction on your rental history as heavily.

2. Settle Outstanding Debts

An eviction can make your credit score tank, so you’ll want to get caught up on as many bills as possible and make paying bills on time a habit to rejuvenate your score.

It may be possible to contact your previous landlord and request to have the eviction removed from your credit report, which will help boost your score. If he or she agrees, you can provide the potential landlord with a letter of intent to drop the eviction when you submit your rental application.

3. Provide References

Line up several references who can vouch for your good character and/or tenancy track record Be sure you give them a heads-up as to what you need them to attest to so that they can be a strong reference for you. You can also request reference letters from some of your best resources to attach to your rental application.

4. Get a Co-signer

You may be able to rent a new apartment with a co-signer. This is someone who signs a lease agreement with you and, as such, takes partial responsibility for expenses like the rent. Your co-signer should have a moderately good credit score so that the landlord feels more comfortable leasing you the property.

Not many people will jump at the idea of being a co-signer, so it may be a good idea to have alternative renting plans should you become unable to find someone.

5. Make Them an Offer They Can’t Refuse

You may find that you must think outside of the box in order to convince a landlord to take a chance on you as a tenant. Offer to pay a larger security deposit upfront or put more money down than the first and last month’s rents. You can also offer to pay a slightly higher rent amount to see if the landlord is receptive.

6. Be Honest

Honesty is always the best policy, even if you don’t see how doing so will benefit you in the end. Explain why you were evicted and answer any questions the landlord or property managers may have about what happened. Landlords know things happen, and most of the time they are empathetic towards potential tenants when tenants tell them the truth.

Not All Apartments Care About Evictions

Some apartments don’t require potential tenants to complete a background check. Instead, they may only ask that applicants provide required documentation and references from their previous property managers.

Not All Apartments Care About Evictions

FAQs

Can Breathing Space Stop an Eviction?

Yes, a breathing space can stop eviction in some circumstances. The Breathing Space scheme provides legal protection to people in debt, including those facing eviction, by allowing them to enter a debt repayment plan and providing them with a period of temporary relief from enforcement action.

What is a no-Fault Eviction?

A no-fault eviction is when a landlord evicts a tenant without alleging that the tenant has done anything wrong. Instead, the landlord may use a reason such as the expiration of the lease, the landlord’s intention to sell or renovate the property, or other non-fault reasons to terminate the tenancy.

How can I Increase my Chances of Getting an Apartment after an Eviction?

There are several steps you can take to increase your chances of getting an apartment after an eviction, including being honest with potential landlords, offering to pay a higher security deposit or rent, finding a cosigner, getting a reference from a previous landlord, and building up your credit score.

Can I Rent an Apartment with an Eviction on my Record?

Yes, it is possible to rent an apartment with an eviction on your record, but it may be more challenging. It’s important to be upfront with potential landlords and offer solutions to show that you’re a responsible tenant.

How Long does an Eviction Stay on my Record?

The length of time an eviction stays on your record can vary depending on the state and the specific circumstances of the eviction. In most cases, evictions stay on your record for seven years.

What should I do if I’m Facing Eviction?

If you’re facing eviction, it’s important to know your rights and seek legal advice, if necessary. You may also want to try negotiating with your landlord to work out a payment plan or other solution that can help you avoid eviction.

Conclusion

You cannot undo what has happened, but you don’t have to let an eviction ruin your future. There are ways to overcome this seemingly large obstacle. One way is by rebuilding your credit. Although it will take some time, it will be worth the effort.