Prior evictions shouldn't prevent you from renting. Discover eviction-friendly rentals and learn how to secure housing despite your record.
✅ Summary Box: How to Rent with an Eviction on Your Record (At a Glance)
Quick Steps to Get Approved for a Rental Even with an Eviction:
- Be Honest and Explain the Situation – Disclose the eviction early to build trust. Write a short letter with context and growth since the incident.
- Increase Your Credit Score – Bumping your score up 50 points can make a huge difference in how landlords view your application.
- Show Proof of Income – Bring recent pay stubs, bank statements, or job offers.
- Offer a Larger Deposit – Show good faith by offering extra security.
- Get References – Ask employers or past landlords (before the eviction) to vouch for you.
- Apply with a Co-signer – A trusted person can boost your application.
- Look for Private Landlords – They’re often more flexible than large property managers.
Tip: Use platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to find private rentals. Stay respectful, honest, and persistent.
Have you ever been turned down for a flat because of something that happened years ago? If you've got an eviction on your record, you know exactly what I'm talking about. It's like carrying around a giant sign that says "DON'T RENT TO ME" – pure nightmare fuel when you're just trying to find a decent place to call home.
I get it. An eviction can feel like a mark that follows you everywhere, making landlords run for the hills before you've even finished filling out the application.
But here's the thing – it's not the end of the road for your housing dreams.
What Exactly Is an Eviction Record?
Before we dive into solutions, let's chat about what we're actually dealing with here. An eviction is when a landlord legally kicks you out of a property. It could be because you missed rent payments, broke lease rules, or stayed after your lease ended.
When this happens, it creates a court record. This nasty little record can pop up on background checks and rental history reports for years. According to Experian, one of the major credit bureaus, evictions can stay on your record for up to seven years.
Seven whole years! That's like still being punished for a haircut choice you made in 2017.
Eviction: Why Such a Big Deal?
We can understand where you are coming from with the question. You’re not buying a house or applying for a loan, so why all the fuss? Between 2000 and 2018, landlords in the U.S. filed over 3.6 million eviction cases. That’s a huge number in less than two decades. Because of this, tenant screening has gotten much stricter.
Evictions cost landlords time and money, so they now look very closely at rental histories before approving someone. Even one eviction can raise a red flag. That’s why it’s hard to rent with an eviction on your record, and why landlords are extra cautious during the screening process.
Want to know how long an eviction can stay on your record? This guide explains how it can affect your rental future.
Why Landlords Get Scared Off by Evictions
Let's be real about why property managers and landlords freak out when they see an eviction:
- They worry you won't pay rent on time (or at all)
- They think you might damage the property
- They assume you don't follow rules
- They fear they'll need to evict you too (which costs them time and money)
One study by TransUnion found that tenants with prior evictions are three times more likely to be evicted again. That stat makes landlords nervous, even if your situation was a one-off because of losing your job or having a medical emergency.
7 Proven Ways to Rent Despite an Eviction
Now for the good stuff – here's how to overcome that eviction record and get your foot in the door (literally).
1. Be Upfront About Your Past Eviction
Remember that time your mate tried to hide that massive stain on your couch with a strategically placed cushion? That never works, right? Same goes for evictions.
Don't wait for the background check to reveal your eviction. Bring it up first and explain what happened. Was it because you lost your job during COVID? Did you have unexpected medical bills? Most landlords appreciate honesty and might be willing to look past the eviction if they understand the circumstances.
"I had an eviction three years ago after I lost my job unexpectedly. Since then, I've maintained stable employment for two years and have references from my current landlord."
This approach shows maturity and gives context to your situation.
2. Offer a Larger Security Deposit
Money talks, especially in the rental market. Offering to pay a bigger security deposit shows you're serious and gives the landlord extra protection.
If the standard security deposit is one month's rent, offer two or even three months if you can afford it. This extra cash cushion can help ease a landlord's worries about potential risks.
Sarah from Birmingham tried this approach: "After being rejected five times because of my eviction, I offered a landlord double the security deposit. He appreciated that I was willing to put more skin in the game, and I finally got approved."
3. Get a Co-signer or Guarantor
Sometimes you need a little backup from someone with solid credit. A co-signer is basically someone who agrees to cover your rent if you can't pay.
Ask a family member or close friend with good credit and income to co-sign your lease. Just remember – if you mess up, it affects their credit too. So don't ask unless you're confident you can keep up with payments.
4. Find Private Landlords Instead of Management Companies
Here's the inside scoop – individual landlords often have more flexibility than big corporate property management companies.
Corporate places usually have strict policies and screening processes that automatically reject applicants with evictions. But private landlords can make judgment calls based on your current situation and personality.
Look for "For Rent by Owner" listings on sites like OpenRent or Gumtree, or even Facebook Marketplace. These gold mines can lead to more personal connections with landlords who might be willing to hear your story.
5. Provide Proof of Income and Stability
Show landlords you're financially stable now, even if you weren't when the eviction happened.
Gather documents like:
- Recent pay stubs showing steady income
- Bank statements showing responsible money management
- A letter from your employer confirming your position and salary
- References from your current landlord if you're in temporary housing
According to research by the National Landlords Association, 87% of landlords consider current income stability more important than past rental issues when the applicant can demonstrate at least six months of reliable earnings.
6. Work on Improving Your Credit Score
While an eviction itself doesn't directly appear on your credit report, the unpaid rent or damages often do. These financial dings can lower your score significantly.
Take steps to improve your credit:
- Pay off any outstanding debts related to the eviction
- Make all bill payments on time
- Reduce credit card balances
- Don't apply for new credit unnecessarily
Even bumping your score up 50 points can make a huge difference in how landlords view your application.
7. Consider Short-Term or Sublet Options First
Sometimes you need to take a stepping-stone approach. Short-term rentals and sublets often have less rigorous screening processes.
Look for:
- Month-to-month rentals
- Room rentals in shared houses
- Sublets from people who need someone to take over their lease
- Holiday lets that have transitioned to longer terms
These can help you build a new rental history to show future landlords you're responsible and reliable. After six months to a year of perfect payments, you'll have a recent reference to counterbalance that eviction record.
How Long Does an Eviction Stay on Your Record?
I mentioned this earlier, but it's worth repeating – evictions typically stay on your record for seven years. That's according to the Fair Credit Reporting Act that governs how long negative information can be reported.
But here's something many people don't know: in some cases, you can get evictions removed from your record before that seven-year mark. Which brings us to...
Getting an Eviction Removed From Your Record
If your eviction was a mistake or you've settled with your former landlord, you might be able to get it removed.
Talk to Your Former Landlord
Reach out to the landlord who evicted you. If you're able to pay any money you owe them (plus perhaps a bit extra for their trouble), they might agree to file a "dismissal" or "satisfaction of judgment" with the court.
Jake from Manchester shared:
"I called my old landlord, apologized, and offered to pay the £1,200 I owed plus an extra £300. He agreed to file paperwork saying the case was resolved. It didn't erase the eviction completely, but on background checks, it now shows as 'satisfied' instead of 'outstanding.'"
Look Into Legal Aid
If you believe your eviction was unfair or legally questionable, seek help from a housing lawyer or legal aid society. They might be able to help you get the eviction expunged (completely removed) from your record.
Organizations like Shelter or Citizens Advice can point you toward free or low-cost legal resources.
Also Consider Credit Repair Help
In some cases, you may benefit from working with a reliable credit repair service. These services can help dispute outdated or incorrect eviction records and assist with improving your overall credit profile—especially if the eviction is showing up in credit-related screenings.
Finding Apartments That Accept Evictions
Some property managers and companies specifically work with tenants who have challenging rental histories. These places exist – you just need to know where to look.
Search online for "second chance housing" or "apartments that accept evictions" in your area. There are also Facebook groups dedicated to helping people with housing barriers find accommodations.
Just be careful about scams – if someone promises to ignore your eviction without a proper application process, or demands large fees upfront, proceed with caution.
Real Talk: Be Patient and Persistent
Finding housing with an eviction on your record is harder – I won't sugar-coat it. You might face more rejections than someone with a clean record. But remember, you only need one "yes."
Tom from Leeds applied to 17 places before finding a landlord who would work with him despite his eviction. "It was exhausting and demoralizing getting all those rejections," he said. "But flat number 18 was perfect, and the landlord was willing to give me a chance after I explained my situation and showed him my new, stable job."
FAQ: Renting with an Eviction on Your Record
Q: Can you rent with an eviction on your record?
A: Yes. While an eviction can hurt your chances, you can still rent by improving your credit, paying old debts, providing references, or applying to second-chance housing programs.
Other related questions:
1. How long does an eviction stay on your record?
Evictions usually stay on your public record for 7 years. This can impact your ability to rent during that time unless you work around it with strong applications and honesty.
2. Can you remove an eviction from your record?
Yes, but it depends on the case. If the eviction was filed in error or settled, you may be able to petition the court to expunge it. A lawyer or tenant advocacy group can help.
3. Will landlords always deny me if I have an eviction?
No. Many landlords, especially private owners, will still consider you if you show that:
- You’ve changed your financial situation
- The eviction was due to hardship
- You’re upfront and respectful
4. What if the eviction was not my fault?
Explain this clearly in your letter to the landlord. If a roommate caused the issue or if it was due to job loss, highlight how things have changed and include proof (new job, savings, etc.).
5. Can I use a co-signer or guarantor to help?
Yes! A co-signer with good credit can be the key to getting approved, even if you have an eviction. Be sure they understand the risks—they’re responsible if you miss rent.
The Bottom Line on Renting with an Eviction
An eviction on your record creates challenges, but it's not an impossible situation. By being honest, showing your current stability, and trying different approaches, you can find a new place to call home.
Remember these key points:
- Be upfront about your eviction
- Offer more financial security to the landlord
- Seek out individual landlords rather than companies
- Document your improved financial situation
- Consider temporary housing while rebuilding your rental history
And most importantly – don't give up. Everyone deserves a place to live, and there are landlords out there who understand that people go through tough times.
Have you dealt with renting after an eviction? What worked for you? Drop a comment below with your experience or questions!