Overcoming a Bad Background Check

A background that isn’t squeaky clean can make the rental process tougher and often a bit longer. It’s best to be upfront about your history. Addressing the issues before a landlord asks will show you’re being honest and transparent, and gives you a chance to explain the circumstances.

If you’ve been evicted, try to clean up any mess with your previous landlord. Paying any money you still owe, whether it’s back rent or covering repairs, might encourage the landlord to remove the eviction from your credit report. If so, make sure to get it in writing. If that doesn’t work, you can at least tell prospective landlords about your efforts. It’s also helpful to check your credit report and begin rebuilding it by paying off your debts (if possible) and paying your bills on time.

Landlords have the right to ask if you are a felon and can deny your application unless the conviction was for drug use. Whether you’ve been evicted or convicted, here are ways to help land a rental:

Search differently

Watch for openings in duplexes, smaller apartment complexes or single family homes. These are typically managed by a landlord who might be more flexible and willing to take your circumstances into consideration. Renting from a landlord means you’re renting directly from the owner. Landlords do more of the legwork themselves: They usually create their own leases, determine how much the security deposit and rent will be, and handle the maintenance and upkeep of the property.

Large apartment complexes are controlled by property managers who serve as the go-between for renters and either a larger property management company or an individual landlord. Management companies tend to have a central corporate office that determines the property’s rules, lease agreements and associated fees.

Make a good impression

When you meet a landlord, make sure you’re on time (or early) and neatly dressed. Be ready to answer some tough questions about what happened, and avoid sounding defensive. Calmly explaining what you learned from your experiences will help reassure the landlord that you’re ready to be a responsible tenant. Providing personal letters of reference from a previous landlord, boss or co-worker also helps.

Ask for referrals

Friends or family members could put in a good word for you with their own landlord. Having a reliable tenant vouch for you might help you land a current or future rental home. If you’re a felon, your community may have reentry programs for felons so check with your parole officer, who might also be willing to write you a letter of recommendation.

Use government resources

Many city, county or federal housing offices government offices provide resources and a pathway to free or lower-cost rentals to those at a disadvantage. You’ll likely be put on a waiting list so patience will be necessary.

Offer more

A landlord might be more willing to take a chance if you can find someone to cosign your lease. A cosigner – ideally someone with good credit and references – becomes responsible for rent if you can’t make your payments. Consider asking parents or close friends who might have the resources to help you out. If money is less of a problem, you could offer to pay more than the asking price, additional months to be held in escrow, or a larger security deposit.

Avoid temptation

It might be tempting to crash with a friend without letting the landlord know, or ask a friend to rent a place for you. Even if you’re helping to pay the rent, you could be subject to eviction unless your name is on the lease or rental agreement. If you’re not paying rent, you should be listed as an occupant and the landlord may run a background check. So honestly is the best policy.