Zoe Alvarez
An eviction is a stressful process that negatively impacts your ability to rent elsewhere. It can affect your credit and rental history, making it harder to qualify for a rental. While some landlords may automatically deny applicants with an eviction on their record, others may be more flexible and consider your current stability. Strategies such as focusing on private landlords, strengthening your credit, offering an extra security deposit, and being upfront about your situation can help increase your chances of securing a rental after an eviction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty in renting elsewhere | Yes |
| Affects credit score | Yes, if the landlord sends outstanding debt to a collection agency |
| Shows up on credit report | No, but it is a matter of public record and will show up on a tenant screening or background check |
| Affects rental history | Yes, landlords often run tenant screenings or rental background checks |
| Affects chances of approval | Yes, but it depends on the landlord and their screening rules |
| Strategies to improve chances | Being truthful, providing references, working with private landlords, improving credit score, offering extra security deposits, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Evictions show up on tenant screenings and background checks
An eviction is a matter of public record and will show up on tenant screenings and background checks for up to seven years. It will not show up on your credit report, but if the landlord sends any outstanding debt to a collection agency, this will hit your credit report and likely cause your credit score to drop.
If you can, it is best to pay off any remaining debt to your previous landlord before applying for a new tenancy. If you can't afford to do this, you may be able to negotiate a payment plan with your former landlord. They may then be willing to provide a reference letter or confirm your repayment in writing.
If you were evicted because you broke the terms of your lease, you can try to negotiate with your landlord to remove the eviction from your record. They can contact the credit bureaus and renter-screening companies to have the eviction removed, but this is a lot of work, so they may be unwilling to do it.
If you feel you were wrongly evicted, you can take your case to court, but this is a difficult process, and you will need to provide a lot of proof.
Large property management companies often have strict screening rules, and a past eviction may automatically disqualify you. Private landlords may be more open to hearing your story and considering your current stability. If you can provide strong references and proof of a stable income, you may be able to reassure landlords that you will be a reliable tenant.
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Clearing any outstanding rent balance can improve your chances
An eviction will negatively impact your credit and rental history, making it harder to rent elsewhere. However, it is not impossible to find a new place to rent after an eviction. One of the most important steps you can take to improve your chances is to clear any outstanding rent balance.
If your eviction was due to unpaid rent, it is in your best interest to repay this debt as soon as possible. Reach out to your former landlord, explain your situation, and request confirmation of repayment in writing. If you left on amicable terms, they may even provide you with a reference letter, which can carry weight with new property owners. Clearing your debt demonstrates accountability and can help rebuild trust with future landlords.
Additionally, eviction-related debt can significantly impact your credit score. By paying off this debt, you can start rebuilding your credit history. Make timely payments on your utilities, credit cards, or loans to gradually improve your credit score. A stronger credit score can help offset your past eviction and reassure landlords of your financial reliability.
If your eviction is not yet finalized, you may be able to prevent it from appearing on your record by clearing any outstanding rent balance. In some states, landlords are required to accept payment and halt the eviction process. Consult the laws in your area to understand your rights and options.
While clearing your debt is a crucial step, it is also important to be honest about your eviction and provide references that attest to your character and financial responsibility. Consider seeking rental counselling services for personalized advice and support in improving your rental prospects.
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Private landlords may be more flexible than corporate companies
An eviction will negatively impact your ability to rent elsewhere, as it will show up on tenant screenings or background checks. Landlords will often not rent to someone with an eviction record, as it indicates a serious problem with a previous landlord. Large property management companies and corporate-owned complexes, in particular, tend to have strict screening rules and may automatically disqualify applicants with an eviction history.
However, private landlords with fewer units to manage may be more flexible and willing to rent to someone with an eviction on their record. They may be more open to hearing your story and considering your current stability. Working with a locally based landlord or a smaller landlord may increase your chances of a successful rental application.
To improve your chances of securing a rental after an eviction, it is important to be upfront about your situation and provide honest explanations for the circumstances that led to the eviction. You can also try to strengthen your application by improving your credit score, offering an extra security deposit, providing strong references, and demonstrating proof of stable income. If possible, consider having someone as a cosigner on the lease, but remember that this is a significant responsibility for both parties.
Additionally, consider alternative housing options such as renting a townhome, guest house, duplex, or room in a shared living space. These options may provide more flexibility and increase your chances of finding a suitable living arrangement. Remember that while an eviction can be challenging, it is not the end of your rental journey, and with perseverance, you can find a safe and affordable space that meets your needs.
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Strengthening your credit score can help
An eviction itself will not show up on your credit report, but it may still impact your credit score. If you have an eviction notice, it is important to act quickly to avoid further damage to your credit history. Reach out to your landlord and try to clear any outstanding debt. This can significantly improve your chances of renting elsewhere in the future.
If your eviction was due to unpaid rent, this debt will likely be sold to a collection agency, which will then appear on your credit report as unpaid bills and lower your credit score. This can remain on your credit report for up to seven years. However, if you can, pay off this debt before it goes to a collection agency, and ask your landlord to confirm the repayment in writing. This will help keep your credit score intact and may even result in a positive reference from your landlord, which can carry weight with new property owners.
Even if the eviction debt has gone to collections, paying it off will help to rebuild your credit score. You can also build positive credit history by making timely payments on utilities, credit cards, and loans. Over time, a stronger credit score can help offset your past eviction, giving landlords more confidence in your ability to pay rent reliably.
Additionally, consider other strategies such as offering an extra security deposit, having a cosigner on the lease, or looking for private landlords who may be more flexible and willing to hear your story.
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Providing references can balance out a shaky rental history
An eviction will make it harder to rent a new home, but it is still possible to find a place that will accept you. Evictions can stay on your record for up to seven years, and they will show up on tenant screenings or background checks. However, they do not show up on your credit report, so if your eviction was tied to unpaid rent, clearing that balance can help your chances.
One way to balance out a shaky rental history is to provide strong references. Ask previous landlords, supervisors, or colleagues who know your reliability to write short recommendation letters. If you left your previous tenancy on better terms than the court filing suggests, you may be able to get a reference letter from your former landlord. A landlord vouching for your growth since the eviction can carry weight with new property owners. Focus on your character, financial responsibility, and stability since the eviction. If your eviction was during the pandemic, explain this context, as many landlords are sympathetic to COVID-era challenges.
You can also think of a renter's resume as your "apartment pitch". Include your employment history, proof of steady income, rental references, and any supporting documents like bank statements or pay stubs. Organise this neatly in a single PDF so landlords can review it quickly. This can help shift the focus away from your eviction and towards your qualifications, showing that you are proactive, transparent, and serious about being a great tenant.
Living with a roommate can also demonstrate greater financial stability to a landlord. If you can, consider offering an extra security deposit to mitigate the risk for the landlord.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is still possible to rent an apartment even with an eviction on your record. However, it may be more difficult and may require more effort.
Yes, it is best to be honest and upfront about your eviction. Lying about it will likely sink your chances of renting with a prospective landlord. Being honest gives you a chance to explain the circumstances and provide reasons it won't happen again.
An eviction negatively impacts your credit and rental history, making it harder to qualify for rentals. Landlords often view evictions as a sign of a serious problem with a past landlord. Large property management companies and corporate landlords often have strict rules and screening processes that may automatically disqualify applicants with an eviction on their record.
Focus on private landlords or smaller landlords, who may be more open to hearing your story and considering your current stability. Strengthen your credit history by paying off any remaining debt and build positive credit through on-time payments. Provide strong references, proof of stable income, and consider offering an extra security deposit.
