How to get a House with an Eviction on Your Record

While it’s challenging to find a new rental after an eviction, it isn’t impossible. Here’s how to get a house with an eviction on your record.

How to get a House with an Eviction on Your Record (8 Tips)

1. Try To Get The Eviction Expunged

Depending on your state or city laws you may be able to get your eviction removed from your record.

When an eviction is expunged, the eviction record is removed from public view, meaning landlords and background screening agencies won’t be able to find it.

To get an eviction expunged you need to file a form with the court and issue a notice to the landlord giving them the option to oppose the sealing of your eviction record.

Check your local laws or contact a housing advisor to find out if your eviction is eligible for expungement.

2. Talk To Your Previous Landlord

Landlords can choose two types of background screening:

• Comprehensive background reports that include an eviction search
• Basic background screens showing credit reports and any criminal history

Credit reports don’t show evictions but they may show the associated debt if the debt was sent to collections.

In return for paying off outstanding rental debt, or if you’ve already paid in full, ask your previous landlord (or their collections agency) to remove the record from your credit report.

This doesn’t hide your eviction from a court record search, but it does clean up your credit history which will help you if a landlord only runs a basic background check.

3. Increase your Credit Score

You’ve probably seen plenty of rental listings demanding a minimum credit score. Any eviction-related debt reported to credit bureaus will lower your credit score.

A higher credit score won’t magically cause landlords to overlook your eviction, but they may be more willing to discuss your eviction if your credit score and other aspects of your credit report are good.

Obtaining your credit reports is the first step in rebuilding your credit score. You’ll need your report from each credit bureau – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

Get your free credit reports from https://www.annualcreditreport.com/.

• Make sure any old debts you’ve already paid off have been removed, then focus on clearing other overdue balances and debts in collections.

• Establish a consistent payment history by paying your bills on time each month.

• Lower your credit utilization ratio (the amount of credit you’re using divided by the total credit available to you). Pay off as much credit as you can (but keep accounts with zero balances open).

4. Offer More Money

Lower the landlord’s perceived risk by offering a higher security deposit or paying several months’ rent in advance. This gives your landlord money to cover unpaid rent if an eviction becomes necessary.

Landlords usually ask for a security deposit equal to one month’s rent, so try offering two months’ rent.

In states that limit security deposits to one month, offer to pay two or three months’ rent in advance instead.

5. Provide A Cosigner Or Guarantor

If your eviction was due to unpaid rent, adding a cosigner or guarantor to the lease helps landlords feel more confident about getting paid.

The cosigner needs to have good credit and will need to prove they have sufficient income to cover the rent if the need arises.

6. Rent With A Roommate

Consider renting with a roommate with good credit and no eviction history. Because roommates are jointly responsible for paying the rent, the landlord can have confidence in your roommates’ rental history rather than taking a risk on you alone.

7. Supply References

Ask your employer and any previous landlords you had a good tenancy with to act as references for you.

Your employer can confirm your length of employment and ability to afford the rent.

Previous landlords can vouch for your history of on-time rental payments and record as a responsible tenant.

8. Look For Private Landlords

Private landlords are often more willing to let you explain your eviction, whereas property managers have to follow strict policies which disqualify renters with an eviction.

Be transparent and honest about your eviction and ask the landlord if there’s anything you can do to ease their concerns.

Find private landlords on:

• Craigslist
• Facebook Marketplace
• Zillow
• PadMapper
• Rent.com

Search for houses by driving around different neighborhoods and looking out for “for rent” signs in windows and front yards.

How To Get An Apartment With An Eviction

Apartments that rent to low-income households are often more eviction-friendly than apartments catering to the regular rental market.

These apartments still use background screening but are more willing to give you a chance to explain the situation that led to your eviction.

Find low-income apartments in your area at https://www.affordablehousing.com/.

Using a second chance apartment finder is another good way to find apartments that accept evictions. Search online to find second-change apartment locators in your area.

If you need more help renting after eviction, contact your local housing rights organization for advice.