subject: Tips For Residential Leasing For People With Past Rental Or Credit Issues [print this page] Finding that perfect residential lease can be a trying experience when you have past credit or rental problems. Often times one finds it necessary to curtail their expectations. Many times those with past issues find their deposits are higher, terms may be more rigid or the actual rental rates are higher.
Couple this with the hassle of even finding the right rental to begin with and most renters find the whole experience nothing but headaches and turmoil.
There are a few basic steps you can take ahead of time to alleviate some of the unknowns;
1. Check your credit report. Not only can you purchase a copy of your report from all 3 major credit bureaus, you are entitled under Federal Law to a free copy of your credit report annually. Be sure not to be taken in by those sites that claim to offer a free report. Check the fine print. Many only offer you a free report if you sign up for an expensive credit monitoring service that charges a monthly fee.
2. Talk to your current landlord. Most landlords aren't jerks. Even if you're unable to pay your rent and even if you are being evicted having a positive communication with your current landlord can make a big difference. Make sure they know you're going to have the property cleaned and ready for them to put back on the market immediately. Offer to let them show the property before you leave. Anything you can do on your end to make their life easier is going to translate into a better reference.
3. Get your references lined up. Don't just throw a bunch of names on the application. Talk to your references ahead of time and let them know you'll be using them. You don't need to coach them on what to say but many times if they get a random phone call they were not expecting asking about you they might make things up to make you look better or look evasive simply by trying to protect your privacy.
4. Make sure your employer knows they'll be getting a call. Different companies have different policies regarding employment verification. If you've given them a heads up it will save a lot of trouble. A landlord isn't going to want to fax over your application or fill out some authorization form. You want to make everything in the process as streamlined and efficient as a potential tenant.
5. Be upfront and honest. Your prospective landlord is going to pull your credit report. They are going to see that charged-off credit card, the unpaid student loan or the judgment and eviction. There is no point in trying to cover it up or lie about it. They are going to respect your position a lot more if you're up front about it. If you have a reasonable explanation they are much more likely to listen if it's brought into the air before they process the application. You're putting your side of the story up first which puts that in their mind. Otherwise they are left with their own imaginations.
These tips can be a useful guide if you decide to go-it-alone. Many people simply want to avoid the hassle all-together and seek the services of a professional group. There are literally thousands of agents, brokers, house-hunters, etc...
The Rental Advocate is one such group that saves people time and money by offering a unique combination of a nation-wide property locator service, a one-step online application, pre-qualified listings and several other services all for a single one-time application fee.
It's up to you as the renter what suits you best.
The best strategy is to always know your facts and tackle the issue informed. If you do that, you can take a lot of the headache out of finding the right home for you and your family.
