Apartments After an Eviction

Renting With an Eviction on Your Record

For many landlords, a recent eviction is considered a larger red flag than a criminal record or bad credit. Evictions suggest a direct risk of unpaid rent or lease violations. However, finding an apartment after an eviction is not impossible if you understand what properties look for and how to present your case.

Landlord Debt vs. Court Records

There are two main ways an eviction impacts your ability to rent:

1. Court Records (Public Record): An eviction filing goes on your public civil court record. Even if the eviction was dismissed, the filing itself might appear on tenant screening reports and spook landlords.
2. Landlord Debt (Collections): If you owe your previous landlord money for back rent, damages, or lease-break fees, it may appear on your credit report as a collection account. Many properties have a strict "no outstanding landlord debt" policy.

How to Improve Your Chances

If you have an eviction, you must be proactive to secure a new apartment:

• Pay Off Landlord Debt: If possible, set up a payment plan or settle the debt with your previous landlord or the collection agency. An eviction with a zero balance is much easier to work with than an unpaid debt.
• Offer a Larger Deposit: Properties willing to accept evictions often require a double deposit (e.g., paying first month's rent plus two months' rent as a security deposit) to mitigate their financial risk.
• Find a Co-Signer or Guarantor: A guarantor with excellent credit and high income who agrees to be financially responsible for the lease can sometimes override an eviction denial.
• Time Heals: An eviction from 5 years ago is viewed much differently than one from 6 months ago. Some properties will ignore evictions that are older than 2 or 3 years.

Private Landlords and "Second Chance" Properties

Like with criminal backgrounds, private landlords (renting out a single home or duplex) are often more willing to listen to the story behind the eviction (e.g., a medical emergency, a job loss during a pandemic) than a corporate algorithm.

Second-chance apartment locators or properties specifically advertising "bad credit accepted" may be your best starting point. When requesting housing help through our platform, be sure to note the eviction and whether the balance has been paid, as this significantly influences which resources we can recommend.