So this isn’t really an opioid specific topic. But it is a topic that is relevant to a lot of people from many walks of life and with all that’s going on in the world right now more people are going to come across this. In addition, I was a property manager in a former life so it is a topic I have extensive knowledge of.
In this former life I was responsible for leasing units, specifically going through applications and credit/background reports. One story I remember, that was fairly typical for what we would see, was a nice young couple that came in to rent a unit. We showed the unit, they were interested, filled out the application and then….both came back with prior evictions. They asked us if there was any way to work this out. In their case the answer was NO, but it didn’t have to be.
Some background about our applications at the time, we specifically and clearly asked about broken leases and evictions. We also gave an area to explain. Both the applicants above marked “no” to any broken leases or evictions. I get it (I’ve had a broken lease). You mark no because hell, what are the chances anyone will find out…
Excellent. The chances are excellent and getting better by the minute. My broken lease was in the 1990’s (yes I’m old) and in a different state so it never actually affected anything for me. I resolved the whole issue later but that’s another story. A lot of people seem to still think it will work like this. Sorry the internet has dramatically changed this. An eviction now hits your record in less than a month. I saw it all the time.
One of the evictions on the application above was less than 2 weeks old at the time we ran credit, meaning they were likely still in the unit trying to find another place. If you are going to try that tactic you better have your new place lined up before the judgement comes back.
So you’re figuring the landlord isn’t gonna check right? Here is a big time clue they will. If they are charging you a $30-40 application fee they are likely checking. This is the cost of most credit/criminal checks. It is now super fast and super easy to run these. Like 5 minutes.
Ok so then what? Are you condemned to never renting? No but it’s going to take some work. First of all don't lie about it. The applicants above basically screwed themselves right there. Once someone lies to you, how much about what they say are you going to believe?
You’re going to have to be upfront about the eviction (before just getting caught with it), why did it happened and….(this is the hard work part) what you are doing about it. Was the eviction justified? Did you owe money? If you did it’s time to work it out with the landlord or collections agency to have it resolved. Be upfront and state this on the applications…”I have an eviction and I currently have this plan with the prior landlord where I pay X amount” and show the signed agreement. I can personally say if I had come across someone who did this I would be impressed. No one expects people to never make a mistake, managers/landlords want to know that you are a responsible person who will correct mistakes when they happen.
Whether this tactic works is obviously going to depend on where you’re trying to rent, the place with the pool, concierge, and dog walker is likely out of the question ...for now. Are you forever locked out of the nicer apartments after an eviction (provided you meet other qualifications)?...No. But you need to build your rental resume. Like I said, it’s going to take a little work here. You’re going to have to start being a good tenant. Then get rental references (yes these matter, if you’re prior manager liked you that is like gold, really it’s the highest compliment). If you have more than one good reference.. Well sky's the limit.
So let’s say the eviction was not justified. Do you have to just pay money that you don’t owe? No. You can file an appeal but...unless you can prove you did pay it’s going to be an uphill battle. Some states have a way to expunge (get rid of) the eviction from your record, you’ll have to look it up for your case. Generally evictions/collections stay on your record 7 years so if it’s older than that it may not appear. You can get a copy of your credit report and check what is on there so you’re not caught off guard.