Can I rent an apartment after an eviction? Three years ago, Marie stood outside her apartment with two trash bags and her 6-year-old daughter. Rent had fallen behind after unexpected medical bills, and the eviction notice came quicker than she could catch up. With nowhere to go, she felt like a failure.
Marie found a temporary shelter with a friend’s help, then reached out to a local housing counselor. With the housing counselor’s assistance, she learned how to create a realistic budget, prioritize needs over wants, save for emergencies and large purchases, improve her credit score, and apply for rental assistance programs. Within ten months, she secured a stable place, and two years later, she had savings and a plan to become a homeowner.
Eviction can feel like a major barrier when trying to rent again but, with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to stop you. In fact, being evicted doesn’t mean you can’t rent again or even become a homeowner in the future.
Life is full of uncertainty. For many, especially those with limited income or no emergency savings, an unexpected situation can quickly spiral. But you’re not alone, and your situation isn’t permanent.
Renting After an Eviction in Orlando
Evictions can happen for many reasons—breaking a lease, going through a divorce, losing a job, reduced income, or health issues. No matter the cause, the impact is often the same: financial stress, emotional strain, and a damaged rental and credit history. Finding a new place to rent after an eviction can be difficult. Many landlords may reject your application, and the experience can feel discouraging. But eviction doesn’t mean the end of your housing journey. With the right steps, you can recover, rebuild your rental history, and regain stability. Know your rights, do your own research, and visit official federal and state government websites to understand what the law says about eviction. If you believe your eviction involved discrimination or abuse, don’t hesitate to seek legal help.
So, what can you do to rent again after an eviction? Let’s explore your options and help you move forward with confidence.
Be Honest & Acknowledge Upfront
Many landlords see eviction as a red flag mostly when they run your tenant screening report and that can make the process difficult for you to rent again. Acknowledge the eviction, explain what happened, and highlight the steps you’ve taken to prevent it from happening again can make a difference in the process. Not all landlords will be willing to rent to you, which is why it’s better to address an eviction upfront rather than waiting for them to discover it on your report. It can help you avoid wasting money on application fees. Why apply for an apartment when you know an eviction on your record will likely lead to a denial?
Address Outstanding Balances
If you still owe rent, don’t ignore it, contact your former landlord with a plan to repay. While paying off the balance won’t remove the eviction from your record, it can show responsibility and may help improve your credit score. After being evicted and finding temporary shelter with her daughter, though hurt and overwhelmed, Marie reached out to her former landlord and admitted she still owed rent. Instead of avoiding it, she asked to set up a repayment plan. She explained her situation, shared her budget, and made a realistic offer. The landlord appreciated her effort and agreed. Marie made consistent payments, little by little. Paying the outstanding balance didn’t remove the eviction from her credit profile, but it showed responsibility and helped her rebuild her credit score.
Improve your Credit Score
You’re entitled to one free credit report each year from all three credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, Experian). Take time to review your annual credit report, dispute any errors, and work on rebuilding your credit score. A higher credit score can give you access to more desirable rental opportunities. Pay off debt, save for emergencies, and move forward. After stabilizing her housing, Marie requested her credit reports and was shocked to find several errors, including an old collection that wasn’t hers. She filed disputes, paid off small debts, and set up a simple savings plan. On year after, her score jumped.
Consider a Cosigner
A cosigner is a person who commits to covering the payments or obligations of a loan or lease if the primary borrower or renter fails to do so. Cosigners are often used when someone has low income, poor credit, or limited rental history, and they help strengthen the application by providing added security to the landlord or lender. Remember, a cosigner shares the same financial responsibility as you. If you miss payments, their credit could be affected too. Ask questions and do your own research first.
Focus on Private Landlords
A private landlord may have more flexible requirements compared to large property management companies. She faced challenges securing approval from housing providers. Every application was denied the moment her record came up. She changed her approach. She started looking for rentals owned by private landlords. One landlord, Mr. Joseph, was willing to listen. Marie explained her past, showed proof of steady income, and provided letters of recommendation. Impressed by her honesty and effort, he gave her a chance. Marie had a fresh start—and eventually rebuilt her rental history by making on-time payments.
Conclusion
Eviction is hard. It can feel embarrassing, overwhelming, and hopeless. But it doesn’t define you. With the right support, information, and determination, you can bounce back stronger and smarter. Whether you’re facing eviction now or trying to recover from one, know that resources are out there to help. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, work with a housing counselor and build a new plan. Your fresh start is waiting.
