29 Dec Tips on Finding an Apartment After Getting Evicted

Getting evicted from your apartment is never an easy situation to be in. Whether it was caused by circumstances that are beyond your control or not, an eviction can feel like an indelible stain on your rental history or background checks. Evictions can follow you around as you’re out hunting for a new apartment, and it certainly won’t make the process easy. However, you can still find a new apartment to live in even with a history of eviction. Here is how you can do it:

1.Accept reality and begin to move out.

While it’s possible that you may have been unfairly evicted, trying to fight the case won’t help your situation. The best you can do is prepare for the big move while creating a plan of action. It’s normal to feel sad, frustrated, and embarrassed about your situation, but you still have to be proactive about your next move. Start by hiring eviction moving services to help you pack away your belongings and transport them on the big day. Your situation is hard enough to deal with, so getting some professional help with moving can make it a bit easier.

2.Pay off any debt you may have to stay on top of your credit.

Your credit score may have been affected by your eviction or will take a hit as a result of it. Slowly rebuild it by cutting down any outstanding debt that you have and paying bills on time. This can help raise your credit score and increase your chances of finding a better apartment, even after an eviction.

3.Get a lot of references.

In addition to getting your bank statements and proof of employment in order, make sure you can get a lot of people to vouch for you as a person with good character. The immediate assumption when you get evicted is that you’re a bad person. But getting as many good references as you can from friends, family, and employers can help put you in a better light. You can even include letters of recommendation in your rental application to help bolster your chances of getting an apartment.

4.Try an apartment locator to find landlords with more lenient terms.

There are landlords out there who are willing to overlook evictions as long as you can show that you can be a good tenant. There are apartment-locating services that you can use to help you find these types of landlords and get direct referrals to them. However, you can also ask around for recommendations from friends and family. You also need to consider the kind of property that the landlord owns too. As a rule of thumb, a private property owner will be less strict when it comes to requirements over someone who owns many large apartment complexes.

5.Present yourself as an ideal tenant and be honest.

Going into an interview knowing you’ve been previously evicted can be nerve-wracking. This is why you need to do your best to make a good first impression on the landlord or property owner. Look presentable and dress decently for the interview, and make sure to bring all the relevant documents and paperwork with you. Impressing your interviewer early on can help make them more understanding of your situation once the eviction is discussed during the interview.Being upfront about your eviction and explaining the circumstances during the interview is better than lying about it and getting caught later. You’re more likely to get an apartment and get to stay when you put your best foot forward during the interview.

6.Seek a reliable co-signer.

For some property owners, presenting them a good offer is enough for them to overlook your previous eviction. One way to do this is to bring in a co-signer for your apartment, preferably someone you can trust who hasn’t been evicted yet. This can give property owners peace of mind because you have someone who can help you cover your rent and expenses every month if you are unable to. Just make sure to choose your co-signer wisely so you don’t end up on the losing end.

While getting evicted may limit your chances of getting an apartment, it is still possible to do so. By following the tips mentioned, you can increase your chances of finding a decent apartment no matter what your rental history may say about you.