Navigating the Rental Market: Tips for Renters with a Past Record

Finding a rental with a record of eviction can seem impossible, but it does not mean you cannot find a good home!

This is because while landlords and property managers will take a look at your rental history, they will also take note of your present reliability.

If the issues you had in the past were because of financial distress, unexpected life events, or other issues, you can re-establish trust and find the right rental. The important part is knowing how long an eviction stays on your record, answering concerns honestly, and showing you are now a responsible tenant. Let’s examine what landlords look for and how you can show it to improve your chances of approval.

Understanding Your Rental History and Its Impact

Landlords consider your rental history like a financial resume because they analyze your past rental behavior to determine whether or not you will be a reliable tenant. At the same time, a reliable property management company in Atlanta handles everything from tenant screening to rent collection and maintenance.

What do they look for?

●  Rental Payment History: Most importantly, do you pay your rent on time, every month?

●  Lease Agreement: Have you broken a lease? Did you do any damage to property?

●  Eviction Records: You can have one eviction record and still get approved; however, a record for evictions may complicate the approval process.

How to Check Your Own Record:

Before applying for your next lease, you can access your own tenant screening report (through websites such as RentPrep or TurboTenant) to see exactly what a landlord will find if they choose to run a background check on you.

If you find incorrect information, be sure to dispute this information immediately; a false rental behavioral history will compromise your chances of receiving a fair lease approval.

How Long Does an Eviction Stay on Your Record?

Landlords often check tenant history, which is why it’s important to know how long does an eviction stay on your record. Here’s what you need to know about how long it remains on your record and its impact on your chances of leasing a new home.

Eviction Reporting Timelines

An eviction will usually only appear in your court records for 7 years, although some state laws may differ. If reported as unpaid debt, it will typically show up on your credit report for 7 years, as determined by the FCRA.

Private tenant screening databases (such as CoreLogic) may keep evictions on record indefinitely, but most landlords and property managers will only review the last 3-5 years of rental history. Your criminal record may remain in a database forever, but the impact of the record diminishes over time, especially as you establish a responsible rental record.

Errors can often be disputed, or you can negotiate settlements with some former landlords to remove inaccurate or too-old records. Understanding these timelines is important to help you rebuild your rental history strategically.

Removing an Eviction From Your Record

While evictions can remain on your record for several years, there are some ways to have them removed sooner.

●      Dispute Inaccuracies: If the eviction was filed incorrectly and contains inaccuracies, you can dispute it with the courts or with the credit bureaus to have it corrected or removed.

●   Negotiate with Landlords: You can also attempt to negotiate the terms of the eviction directly with your former landlord, as some may be willing to remove the filing if you pay any balances owed.

●      Wait it out: Time can also work in your favor. Although any legal record can last for 7 years, typically, most landlords are only looking for 3-5 years of rental history. If you can maintain good records and show that you have shown responsible behavior since the eviction occurred, it will become less impactful.

Evictions can last for years, but their impact will decline over time. Start rebuilding your rental reputation, which the next section will show you how to become a trustworthy tenant.

Rebuilding Your Rental Reputation After an Eviction

An eviction does not have to define you as a renter. Regardless of the circumstances that led to an eviction, and as long as you are willing to make a good-faith effort, there are steps you can take to show a future landlord that you are now in a better headspace.

The steps below can assist you in attempting to rebuild trust and prevent future challenges.

1. Be Honest About Your Past

Being honest helps establish credibility with your next landlord. In your application, briefly state your eviction in writing, letting the landlord know what you learned and how you have changed.

Make it a fact-based statement and avoid getting too personal. For example, “In 2020, I lost my job unexpectedly, which led to my eviction, and I am now employed at a job with over two years of stable employment.” This shows personal responsibility while getting the reader to think about your current condition.

2. Strengthen Your Application Package

Put together documents that counteract past issues. Add recent pay stubs that show consistent income, reference letters from past employers or previous landlords (could be a room rental), or a copy of bank statements that show you have been financially responsible.

You can even offer to pay a larger security deposit or multiple months of rent in advance to appease reluctant landlords.

3. Find the Right Rental Opportunities

Find private landlords or small property management companies that likely have more flexibility than large corporate complexes. Look for “second chance” rental programs in your community. Consider month-to-month leases or sublets as a way to re-establish a rental history before applying for leases.

4. Build Positive Rental History

If you can, think about looking for non-traditional housing alternatives like renting a room or a shared-living situation with roommates where you can at least begin to develop recent positive references. Just 6-12 months of having a solid rental history could help with your applications. Be sure to document all on-time payments.

5. Consider a Co-Signer

A co-signer with decent credit, good income stability, and a verifiable, trustworthy income will help the landlord settle their concerns about risk. Some non-profits have co-signer assistance programs to help applicants.

With consistent effort and these strategies, you can overcome your negative rental history and past issues. Just remember that you are working to build a rental reputation for long-term use while finding the right home for your special situation.

Conclusion

An eviction may feel like a monumental setback, but it doesn’t need to prevent your access to housing for the rest of your life. If you understand how to navigate rental history, mitigate past issues by taking a proactive approach, and demonstrate that you are responsible today, landlords can be persuaded to offer opportunities for you.

It may take some time and persistence, but the above recommendations will provide ways for you to get past an eviction. Remember, you are not labeled a bad tenant forever because of your eviction. With a commitment to adjustment and a balanced plan for the future, you can find reasonable housing that aligns with your goals.