Getting evicted does not mean the end of the world. Sure, it’s an unpleasant situation, but life is full of those. You have to pull yourself together and continue. However, many who got evicted might have one concern – how to find a new place? If you have a fear of new owners finding out that you were evicted, you’ll have a hard time finding a new apartment. Nevertheless, renting after an eviction or repossession of your home is not as terrible as it may seem in the beginning.
With that in mind, I’ve composed a list of 6 simple tips to get you back on your feet.
6 tips to get you back on your feet
It is true that eviction can damage your rental history, bet there are clever ways to get around that. After all, we all make mistakes, and you shouldn’t be bothered too much with the past. So, here is what you can do to get around these unpleasantries:
- rectify the situation with your previous landlord
- work on your credit report
- prepare good references
- answer all questions
- find the right landlord
- ask friends for a recommendation
Make amends
Renting after an eviction will be much easier if you make amends with your previous landlord. Whatever the reason for eviction was, there are ways to fix it. Before you start going through the apartment listings, talk with your landlord, and try to get him/her to remove the eviction from your rent history.
They might agree to help you out if you find a proper way to settle this dispute.
Have a clean credit report
If you are looking at renting from a landlord’s perspective, the biggest concern is getting paid at the end of the month. So, to ease their mind, always have a clean credit report. Your future landlord might decide to pick you if he sees you don’t have any major financial issues.
Also, talk about the deposit. If you can afford it, leave a higher amount. This will most certainly show that you are serious about finding a place to live. If your landlord recognizes that in you, you are halfway done.
Many people do not realize they can get a free credit report once a year from the three major credit bureaus. In fact, you could cut the year into thirds and get one every four months. It is crucial to make sure there are not errors in your credit report as they can dramatically alter your credit score. Having negative information that is wrong is imperative to correct.
By keeping tabs on your credit report throughout the year, you’ll increase your chances of what’s being reported staying accurate. Never under-estimate the importance your credit score will hold with the next landlord. Most owners want to work with those who they feel will pay their bills on time.
Keep in mind that each of the three credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax, and Transunion, will be off slightly from one another. What’s important is that there isn’t a mistake that could be unnecessarily decreasing your score.
Prepare good references
A reference is worth much more than you think. If you have changed a couple of apartments already, make sure to provide references from previous owners. If you forgot to get them, call and ask. Try to explain your situation, and they might offer to help you out.
A good reference consists of a few lines of text, and a contact number or e-mail from the landlord. Make sure to have everything prepared, because moving to a new place is much easier if you have a reference.
This is especially important if you are moving overseas. While renting after an eviction might be challenging, finding a place in a foreign country is a horse of a different color. That’s where a good reference can really make a difference. Also, hire international moving experts from Lebanon if moving overseas. Working with professionals, in this case, will make everything smooth and easy.
Answer all questions
You must expect that your eviction will be, at some point, the topic of the conversation. When that happens, do not try to hide anything. Landlords are suspicious by nature and trying to trick them will not be in your best interest. While it may happen that you successfully hide your eviction, you are risking a lot. If you are discovered, you will be evicted for the second time, and that never looks good.
Instead, be honest. It is even recommended to start the conversation about this by yourself. Your landlord will see that you have nothing to hide. An honest conversation is the best way to gain your landlord’s trust.
Find the right landlord
When searching for apartments, read the add thoroughly. Most of the times, landlords only look for a credit report and not the tenant background. If you think you’ll have a hard time explaining your eviction, look for this type of landlords. You are more likely to find a place with a private landlord, than with a manager of an apartment complex property.
Furthermore, finding an apartment broker might help as well. They are familiar with what’s on the market, and they can help you with finding what you’re looking for.
Ask friends for a recommendation
If everything else fails, you can always turn to your friends. Ask them if they know someone who is renting a place. Renting after an eviction will be less stressful if you have someone to say a few nice words about you. It is easier to find an apartment this way. Sure, it might need more time, but in the end, you’ll get what you need.
Caption: Getting that apartment key is much easier if you have a friend or a relative to help out
Alt: A person holding apartment keys on their hand
You can also talk to your family and relatives. If you are having a hard time finding an apartment, ask if you can move in with them for a month or two. It will mean a lot if they can offer a place for you to stay. The transition period is never easy, and who else will understand this if not your family.
However, be careful not to exploit this situation. If you make a deal for a few months, honor it. Do not use their goodwill to help you and stay longer than first agreed.
Guide for renting after an eviction made easy
As you can see, the situation is not so terrible after all. With a few simple tips, a bit of honesty, and help from friends and family, you will soon have a new place. Another smart piece of advice is to read apartment blogs while searching for a new place. You might find out many useful things that will make renting after an eviction much easier. And remember, never lose hope! A perfect place for you is just around the corner!
