For renters with a recent eviction, the burning question is, “How long after an eviction can I rent again?” Renting with an eviction is difficult but it isn’t impossible.
There’s no minimum period you need to wait before you can rent again. But you will need to find a landlord willing to rent to you.
How Long After An Eviction Can I Rent Again 2024?
If you’re wondering how long it’s going to take for your eviction to drop off your record, the answer is 7 years.
Seven years is the maximum period tenant screening agencies can report your eviction. Evictions are civil judgments.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) which is the federal law governing consumer reports doesn’t allow civil judgments over 7 years old to be reported.
Some states reduce the reporting period even further, so depending on where you live, your eviction could drop off your record more quickly.
The FCRA only covers third-party background reports, though. If a landlord checks out your rental history by looking through court records directly, they’ll be able to find any unsatisfied judgments recorded against your name.
Property managers at most large apartment communities use third-party background screening agencies, so after 7 years renting after an eviction becomes much easier as long as your credit report is good.
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Can You Get An Apartment With An Eviction?
While an eviction makes it harder to qualify for apartments, some landlords are willing to rent to tenants with evictions in their rental history.
Apartment rentals are tricky when your background isn’t perfect. Large apartment communities run by property management companies stick to strict tenant acceptance criteria. Their policies usually specify no evictions or no evictions within a certain period.
An independent landlord with a small apartment building or duplex might be more helpful, and you can also look for condos to rent.
Like an apartment, a condo is a unit in a multi-occupancy building, but unlike apartments, condos are privately owned. If you apply to rent a condo, you’ll be dealing with an individual owner who could show some flexibility over your eviction.
Look For Second Chance Apartments
In larger cities, some apartment owners specialize in renting to tenants with bad credit, evictions, broken leases, and criminal records. These apartments are known as second chance apartments or second chance rentals.
Running an online search might give you some leads, but a better way to find a second chance rental is through a second chance apartment finder or broker.
As a first step, go to secondchanceapartments.com and look at the cities their service covers. If yours is on the list, fill out the inquiry form and take it from there.
Second chance apartment finders also advertise their services on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.
If you’re renting outside major population centers, contact some real estate agents in your area and ask if they handle rentals or can refer you to a realtor who does.
Because real estate agents have access to rental databases that list acceptance criteria, they can save you a lot of wasted time and money.
How To Rent An Apartment With Eviction History
When you’re renting after eviction, be prepared to offer a larger security deposit, pay several months’ rent in advance, or provide a guarantor or co-signer. Reducing the landlord’s risk in this way could help to offset their concerns about your eviction.
Look for independent landlords advertising on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Being able to talk directly to the property owner gives you a better chance to explain your situation and show that you’re financially stable. Some of these landlords might not run credit or eviction checks.
It’s often easier to find eviction-friendly landlords if you search for houses to rent instead of apartments.
Tell prospective landlords about the eviction and explain the circumstances that led to it before you fill out a rental application. If they give you a hard no, you’ve saved yourself a wasted application fee.
Can you find a roommate to rent with? With a roommate, you aren’t responsible for 100% of the rent and your roommate’s good credit may be enough to convince a landlord to rent to you.
If possible, settle your debt with your previous landlord in return for their cooperation in getting your eviction expunged.
Once your record is sealed by a judge, the eviction is no longer visible to the public or tenant screening companies. Paying off your debt will also improve your credit score.
Consider Reporting Your Rent
Think about using a rent reporting service like Avail Credit Boost. For a small monthly fee, they will report your on-time rental payments to Trans Union. This helps you establish a positive rental record and boosts your credit score.
A higher credit score could help you in the future by pushing you over the line with landlords who require a minimum credit score. And with a higher credit score, you’re eligible for lower interest rates on credit cards and loans.
Next Steps
Look for independent landlords and second chance rentals, or use the services of an apartment finder. Be ready to offer a bigger security deposit, pay higher rent, or pay more rent in advance.
Be honest with prospective landlords and provide copies of your paystubs and bank statements to show you’re financially stable.
Contact your previous landlord and find out if you can reach an agreement to get your eviction expunged.
See Also: Apartment move-in checklist pdf
Alex Graham is a co-founder and manages high-quality content that helps once evicted/ex-felons find a place to call. home. Alex believes even if he can help one person return to a good, wholesome life it is well worth the effort.