Dealing With a Shaky Rental History
Your rental history includes public record information (e.g., eviction filings) and accounts from past residences, such as noise complaints or late rent payments. A negative rental history can make it more challenging to secure a new rental. Here are some tips if your rental history doesn’t meet a property's screening criteria:
How To Deal With A Negative Rental History.
- Do You Owe Money to a Previous Landlord? Pay it off, or set up a payment plan with manageable monthly payments. Even small payments show good faith and can make a positive impact.
- Was Your Eviction Due to Job or Income Loss? Let the property manager or landlord know why you lost your income and explain what’s different now. Demonstrate that your income is stable and why rent payments won’t be an issue. Politely request an exception to the rental policy based on your current financial stability.
- Was the Eviction Due to Behavior That Violated the Lease? If a behavioral issue or criminal history led to your eviction, be honest and brief about what happened. Share how your life has changed and why you’re committed to being a good tenant. A responsible tenant pays rent on time, maintains the property, communicates promptly about maintenance needs, and respects neighbors.
If the landlord or property manager is unwilling to make an exception to their rental history policy, avoid applying or paying an application fee, and keep searching for a rental that accommodates your background.
You Don't Have To Do It Alone!
For renters with a negative rental history, our dedicated real estate agents offer valuable support to help you find housing that meets your needs. Our agents are experienced in navigating rental screening criteria and can advocate on your behalf with property managers and landlords. With access to a network of landlords who consider applicants with varied backgrounds, our agents work to connect you with rental options that give you the best chance for a fresh start.
