If you’re searching for apartments that accept open bankruptcies near me, it’s important to have a strategy. Apartment application fees mount up fast when you’re getting rejected over and over again.
While it’s true that many landlords and property managers shy away from applicants with bankruptcies, others are more understanding, especially if you can show proof of income, stability, or a willingness to pay a larger deposit.
The key is knowing where to look and how to present yourself. From property management companies that accept bankruptcies to independent landlords who offer more flexibility, there are ways to find housing even with an open bankruptcy on your record.
Where To Find Apartments That Accept Open Bankruptcies Near Me (2025)
When you’re dealing with an open bankruptcy, the usual apartment search websites will often be a dead end. Apply to those listings, and you’ll run into automated rejections that eat up your application fees.
Renters looking for apartments that accept open bankruptcies near me, should focus on independent landlords and property types that are more flexible about credit history.
Consider Renting A House
Because independent landlords usually own houses or duplexes, don’t limit your search to apartments. Try searching for “rentals that accept bankruptcies near me”.
Houses don’t always cost more to rent, and for rent by owner houses come with many advantages apartments don’t have:
- No shared walls or upstairs neighbors
- Lots more room
- Private outdoor space
- Fewer pet restrictions
- No long lists of non-negotiable fees
- More flexible tenant approval policies
How To Find Private Landlord Rental Listings
Individual landlords are more likely to consider your application if you have steady income or can offer a higher deposit.
Start with local listings on sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, or Zillow’s ‘By Owner’ rentals. These platforms often feature rental properties that aren’t run by large corporations.
What kind of apartments advertise on these sites? Apartments owned by individuals tend to be older apartment buildings – commonly with 10 or fewer apartments.
Check Your Neighborhood
The internet is an easy way to search for housing, but many rentals never appear in online listings, so take your search for apartments that accept bankruptcies near me offline.
If stores in your town still have community notice boards, check the cards and flyers for landlords advertising their rentals.
You should also drive the neighborhoods in your price range and look for “now leasing” or “apartment available” signs on apartment buildings, and for rent signs in front yards and windows.
You’ll be surprised how many smaller landlords advertise the old-school way, and these landlords rarely run background checks through automated systems.
Get Help From Professionals
Most large cities have apartment locator services that specialize in matching renters facing barriers like an open bankruptcy to landlords willing to work with them.
These services are often free to use, and many have direct relationships with property management companies that accept bankruptcies.
If you can’t find a second chance apartment finder in your area, contact some realtors who handle rentals. Realtors have access to rental listings that include tenant acceptance criteria, and working with one can save a lot of time and money,
If you post about your needs in your local Facebook real estate agent group, realtors able to help will almost certainly reach out to you. Just run a search for “your town + real estate agents Facebook group” to find groups.
Property Management Companies That Accept Bankruptcies
Some property management companies are open to applicants with bankruptcies, even open ones, if you meet other qualifications like stable income and a clean rental history.
A quick Google search with your city name and phrases like “second chance rentals” or “no credit check apartments” can turn up smaller companies or real estate investors who manage their own units.
These are the ones most likely to be flexible, especially if they’re dealing with high vacancy rates or managing older properties.
Call or email before applying to ask whether they consider applicants with an open bankruptcy.
Even if a property manager is open to bankruptcy cases, they will usually have extra conditions. They might ask you for:
- A higher security deposit
- First and last month’s rent up front
- A co-signer or guarantor
- Proof of steady employment or income at 3x the rent
What Landlords Look For When You Have A Bankruptcy
Open bankruptcies are more worrying for landlords because they suggest ongoing financial uncertainty.
Whether you’re applying through a property management company or directly to an independent landlord, you will need to explain the reason for your bankruptcy.
Landlords may show more understanding over a bankruptcy due to a medical emergency, job loss, or divorce, than one filed because of long-term financial mismanagement.
Make it clear what type of bankruptcy you filed – Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Landlords may prefer a Chapter 7 because your debt burden has been wiped out. But a Chapter 13 bankruptcy will also be considered if you’re making consistent payments and your payment plan leaves enough room to cover the rent.
Bankruptcy means a big hit for your credit score. Many landlords specify a minimum credit score a tenant must meet, but some allow flexibility in their approval process. They’ll look at:
Income stability. Do you have consistent, verifiable income, and does it meet the common “3x the rent” rule?
Rental history. Have you paid rent on time in the past? Do you have references from previous landlords?
Current debt obligations. How much debt are you paying off, and what does your debt-to-income ratio look like?
Transparency. Have you been honest about your situation, or did you wait for your credit report to flag your bankruptcy?
See Also: Felon Friendly Apartments.
How To Improve Your Chances Of Getting Approved
Even if you’re dealing with an open bankruptcy, there are ways to stand out as a responsible, low-risk tenant.
Landlords want reliability. If you can show that despite your credit history, you’re financially stable and serious about paying rent on time, you’ll already be an attractive candidate for many independent landlords.
Once you’re ready to apply, here are some ways to boost your chances:
Offer a larger deposit. If you can afford it, offer a double deposit or pay one or two months’ rent upfront.
Provide references. Ask previous landlords or your employer for references that speak to your reliability and character.
Write a personal letter. Explain your situation briefly and honestly. Highlight how your finances have stabilized, and that you’re looking for a fresh start.
Bring proof of income. Include recent pay stubs, benefit statements, or bank statements showing regular deposits.
Apply in person if possible. Meeting a landlord face-to-face (especially with smaller or independently managed rental properties that accept bankruptcies near me) can help build trust in a way an online form can’t.
Also, be selective about where you apply. Avoid wasting money on application fees for places that clearly state they won’t consider applicants with bankruptcies. Focus your efforts on second chance apartments, affordable housing programs, or listings from landlords who advertise flexibility.
See Also: Ultimate Tips to Rent an Apartment With Low Credit Scores
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.