Law schools often have landlord/tenant clinics where you can get free help as well. Your case will be primarily handled by a law student, but a licensed attorney will be in charge. It’s fairly common for landlords to cut corners with evictions—and because tenants don’t often call them on it, they usually get away with it.
You can also enter an agreement with the landlord to seal your eviction record so no one will be able to see that you were evicted. Usually, this is part of a larger agreement for payment of past-due rent. [4] X Research source Keep in mind that sealing is not the same thing as having the eviction removed (“expunged”). Even if you have the record sealed, you’re still technically required to disclose to potential landlords that you were evicted if you’re asked. [5] X Research source
If you were evicted for nonpayment of rent, the judge typically won’t expunge your case until after you’ve paid your debt in full. [8] X Research source Check the court records after your expungement is granted to make sure the eviction was removed. The court clerk can help you with this.
You can also make an agreement with your old landlord not to report the eviction. But if the tenant screening agency goes straight to the public records rather than calling your old landlord, that agreement won’t make any difference. [10] X Research source
There’s no point in contacting a tenant screening agency before a landlord orders a report from them. These agencies pull these reports together on demand—they don’t have a report on you otherwise.
Make a photocopy of the front and back of your driver’s license or state ID and include that with your letter to verify your identity.
Unfortunately, if you don’t have any documents to back up your request, there’s not much you can do. The screening agency isn’t obligated to remove an eviction record if there’s a public record of it.
This option is especially valuable if you won the eviction case or moved out before the landlord could take you to court. Even though the record is still there, you weren’t technically evicted, and that makes a big difference! This also gives you the opportunity to explain the circumstances that led to the eviction. For example, you might write, “My youngest daughter was sick and I had to stay home with her. As a result, I lost my job and couldn’t pay rent. I was evicted before I could make arrangements with the landlord. "
For example, you might say, “Before I fill out this application, I need to tell you that I was evicted a couple of years ago. I lost my job and was having a hard time making ends meet. Now, I have a new job that pays a lot more than the one I lost, and I really just want to put that chapter in my life behind me. " If you’ve already applied at a bunch of different places, ask the landlord what tenant screening agency they use. If you’ve already dealt with a landlord who used the same agency, you’ll know what’s on that report so you can do damage control. If you won the eviction case or the landlord evicted you illegally, print copies of the court papers that show that and take them with you when you meet with prospective landlords. [17] X Research source
Look for private individuals who don’t use tenant screening services or run background checks—they exist! If you rent from one of these people, you won’t have to worry about the eviction on your record at all. Walk neighborhoods looking for signs that say “For Rent. " Many private landlords don’t advertise their properties online. [19] X Research source
For example, if you’ve been a member of the same church for over a decade and are active in several church groups, that shows that you’re dedicated and reliable. Include names, phone numbers, and email addresses of people who are willing to vouch for you as a responsible and reliable person. If you have kids, include information about them that puts them in the best light. For example, you might mention that they’re on the honor roll at school or list any awards they’ve received.
If you have to take your kids with you to meet the landlord, make sure they’re on their best behavior. While landlords can’t legally discriminate against you for having kids, it definitely helps your cause if your kids are polite, respectful, and well-behaved.
Even if you haven’t completed your payment plans yet, many landlords will be more receptive if you show that you’re actively working to pay back the debts that you owe and are in control of your finances.
If you have a low or fixed income, contact your local public and subsidized housing office. Most of these offices have wait lists, but they may still be able to help you or point you toward other resources. Even if you’re planning on having roommates, if your name is on the lease, you need to make sure you can afford all of the rent on your own. Don’t rely on others—if something happens to them, you’ll be on the hook for the whole thing.
Landlords don’t have to accept cosigners, but a lot of them do. It helps if your cosigner lives in the same state—even better if they’re local. Keep in mind that this is a big thing you’re asking them—they’ll be on the hook if you don’t pay your rent in full and on time. Try not to get too upset or take it personally if they’re not willing to help you.
If a landlord decides not to rent to you, ask them what tenant screening agency they used. They’re required by law to tell you. Use that information to hold the agency accountable if they reported an eviction when they shouldn’t have.
This entry stays on your credit report even after you’ve paid the debt in full, unless you’ve specifically negotiated with the collections agency to remove it.
Once your landlord turns over your account to a collections agency, that agency will report the debt to at least 1 (if not all 3) credit bureaus. Every month that goes by without payment, your credit score takes another hit. To avoid that ding on your credit, get with your landlord and try to work out a payment plan before they send the debt to collections.
Be upfront about your financial situation and what you can afford to pay to satisfy the debt. The landlord might be willing to accept less than what you owe if you’re able to pay it at once. For example, if you owe $1,200, the landlord might take $800 in cash immediately rather than $200 a month for 6 months.
Collections agencies are usually willing to settle for much less than the total amount. They might include information about different payment plans you can choose, or you can negotiate your own. Plug the payments into your budget so you know how much you can afford. Don’t bite off more than you can chew! Agreeing to a payment that ends up straining your finances could do more harm than good.
Check over the summary from the collections agency carefully and make sure it includes everything you agreed to. If it doesn’t, call them back and get them to fix it.
Check the other information on your credit report as well. If you see anything that’s incorrect or looks unfamiliar, contact the bureau and dispute it. The process is free and might boost your credit score.
