How to Rent with an Eviction on Your Record [2025]

Renters dealing with prior evictions are often afraid to start the apartment hunting journey because of their past. But many don't realize that they have the potential for a promising experience ahead of them. It’s important to remain optimistic in your apartment search because eviction-accepted rentals exist. After all, evictions are so common that nearly 1.5 million rulings annually happen nationwide.

And while some landlords are wary of renting to tenants with eviction histories, fortunately, many are understanding. Furthermore, there are proactive steps you can take to make your apartment hunt easier. That's why we wrote this guide to help you take back the reins.

Want more help insight into removing evictions from your record? Check out this fantastic, detailed guide on exactly how to phrase your eviction appeal from Attorney Robert Flessas:

Renting with an Eviction on Your Record

1. Be Willing to Compromise

While going through an eviction can feel overwhelming, you can still find an apartment. However, you'll need to come prepared and exercise patience to find the right place. Understand that you may have to compromise on some aspects of your search. The more open-minded you are going into your hunt for an apartment, the easier the process will be.

2. Try to Remove the Eviction From Your Record

You may have already tried this step, but if you have not, you should know that in some cases it's possible to remove an eviction from your record by bringing your case to court. However, the court will only remove it if you're disputing an inaccurately reported eviction. If you were wrongly evicted, it's also possible to petition the court to win your case and ask for a reversal.

The video we posted at the top of this page discusses in detail the process for removing evictions so you can find out if it's a good option for you.

3. Focus On Private Landlords

While apartment companies often have strict rules and regulations about background checks, some private landlords either don’t care about evictions or would be open to hearing about your specific situation. Therefore, we recommend starting your search with small, private landlords. Corporate-owned rental communities may be quick to deny applications with eviction histories, private landlords are sometimes more understanding and willing to sit down for interviews to find out more.

4. Look At Complexes in Smaller Towns and Cities

It's always a good idea to start with typical tools like search engines and apartment listing sites to try to identify apartments that rent to people with evictions. Use these tools to find smaller complexes or single units in less-popular cities or neighborhoods. These types of rentals are more likely to hear an explanation of your rental history and even waive a credit check.

A short-term or month-to-month apartment may waive a credit check if you can prove you can offer the funds, but it's important to know that month-to-month apartments are typically expensive.

5. Look for Landlords Skipping Credit Checks

Finding eviction-friendly apartments with landlords who don't run credit checks or ask about your detailed rental history is possible.

However, there are risks involved. If a landlord isn't running a credit check, it could be a sign you're entering into a no-credit-check rental scam. You can use the messaging system inside of Apartment List to contact a prospective landlord and inquire about the rental application process.

6. Talk to Your Last Landlord

You can also petition for an eviction removal from the reporting company if you've repaid the landlord. Since renting an apartment with an eviction can be more challenging, it might be worth conversing with your last landlord to clear the air. See if they will cooperate with your petition to remove the eviction. If you're on very good standing with them, consider asking for a referral letter explaining the situation and how it resolved to use in future rental applications.

7. Work On Your Credit Score

If eviction-related fees appear on your credit report, you can pay off your debt or discuss a payment plan with your landlord. First of all, paying off the debt to your landlord can help you directly with your apartment search. But second, if you have strong credit and a good history of paying bills after the eviction, landlords are more likely to view your application favorably.

8. Offer to Pay Rent in Advance

Similar to paying more rent, offering to pay rent in advance is another way to persuade landlords to provide eviction-friendly rentals. Your commitment to making payments shows your financial stability, which all landlords want in a tenant.

9. Offer a Higher Security Deposit

When renting with an eviction, you might consider paying a larger security deposit. The security deposit covers any damage to the apartment and your rent if you fail to pay. Renters get back their security deposit provided the apartment is in good shape when they move out and have no outstanding balances.

10. Offer to Pay Higher Rent

Your landlord may be open to renting with an eviction if you offer to pay higher rent. The offer shows your landlord that you're serious about paying your rent and keeping your apartment.

11. Gather Rental References

Rental References are essential if you want to get an apartment with an eviction. Landlords are more likely to look beyond having an eviction on your record due to COVID, especially if you're currently employed and have cleared your debt. Still, collecting references from past landlords, property managers, and colleagues is an excellent place to start.

12. Create a Renter’s Resume

Creating a robust renter’s resume can be beneficial when seeking out an apartment with an eviction. In addition, bring your previous rental history, paperwork from your employer, bank records, and everything that positions your reliability as a renter in a positive light.

13. Find a Roommate, Cosigner, or Guarantor

Living with a roommate can show a landlord greater financial stability. Cosigners and lease guarantors aren’t completely similar, but both can help make a potential landlord feel more confident renting to you.

While both cosigners and guarantors are held responsible for renters who fail to make rent payments, a cosigner has the right to reside on the property during the lease while a guarantor does not.

14. Be Honest

Honesty can go a long way when trying to rent an apartment while having an eviction on your record. Let the new landlord know what led to the eviction and how your financial stability has improved. More than that, a lack of honesty can cause issues that could even result in another eviction later. So it's important to be up front about your situation.

15. Stay Positive

In the end, it’s up to you to remain positive in your search. While finding a rental that accepts evictions might be more challenging, it’s not impossible. Keep your head up!

Don't Let an Eviction Hold You Back

An eviction is never easy to deal with but it isn't the end of the world. You can still rent an apartment after being evicted and rebuild your rental history. So, don’t worry about how to rent with an eviction on your record. Instead, figure out where to get started in your apartment search by checking out Apartment List’s online quiz today!

FAQs: Finding Apartments that Accept Evictions

How Long Does an Eviction Stay on Your Record?

It can take up to seven years for an eviction to disappear from your credit report.

How Do You Remove an Eviction From Your Record?

You’ll need to petition the court to have the eviction removed. However, the court will only remove it if you're disputing an inaccurately reported eviction.

Does an Eviction Hurt Your Credit?

Eviction can impact your credit if there are fees associated with the eviction that go to collections. Does eviction stay on your record? Well, it can, again, depending on what is reported.

How Do I Negotiate with a Landlord Who Is Hesitant to Rent to Me Because of My Eviction?

If you're landlord is open to negotiating, start by explaining your prior eviction and the steps you've taken to prevent one in the future. Consider offering a higher security deposit, paying more in rent, staying on a month-to-month lease or short term lease, offering rental references, or finding a cosigner to help your prospective landlord feel at ease renting to you.