Let’s just be honest, having a prior eviction on your record in today’s market makes finding rentals extremely tough. Couple that with poor credit or low income, or both, and it makes it even more difficult to find a landlord or property management company that will work with you.
Times are tough right now for renters in general, but they’re even harder for those in this scenario. Even though it is defeating, try not to be discouraged. There are things you can do to help improve your situation:
Make Things Right with your Previous Landlord
Some landlords will be willing to erase an eviction if you can pay any outstanding money owed and settle your debts. Depending on how you left things, you could even ask for a letter of recommendation from them to help get your foot in the door somewhere else.
Try Searching HUD Housing to Find Local Apartments
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development have a search function for renters to find privately owned apartments in their area that offer reduced rents. Do a search and contact the apartment complex directly to inquire about rental prices and qualifications.
Apply for Brevard County Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Brevard County was awarded a direct allocation of American Rescue Program Act (ARPA) Emergency Rental Assistance Program 2 (ERAP2) funds in order to assist those in the County financially impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). These funds were allocated to six local not-for-profit agencies to help those facing rental debt, the fear of eviction, and/or the loss of basic housing security by helping to pay rent or utilities for eligible households.
Eligibility:
- Applicant must be a resident of Brevard County.
- Applicant must be at or below 80% of Area Median Income.
- Applicant must sign all required documents (application, social security number waiver, release/request of information, etc.) or their application will be rejected/denied.
- All members of a household must be accounted for in the application.
Maximum Eligible Income
1 Person Household:$24,250
2 Person Household:$27,700
3 Person Household:$31,150
4 Person Household:$34,600
5 Person Household:$37,400
6 Person Household:$40,150
7 Person Household:$42,950
8 Person Household:$45,700
View their website and apply here.
Apply for a Public Housing Voucher
The Housing Choice Voucher program is the federal government’s major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. The applications are only open during certain times of the year and is conducted in a lottery type of system.
Call 2-1-1
Section 8 Mainstream Voucher program waiting list is open strictly on a referral basis from local Brevard County, Florida supportive services partners.
For assistance:
- If you are located in Brevard County, Florida, call 211, and provide the intake specialist with your information.
- If you are not located in Brevard County, Florida, call 321-632-6688 and provide the intake specialist with your information.
- You can also visit www.211brevard.org for detailed information on the 211 services provided in Brevard County, Florida.
In order to qualify for this Mainstream Voucher, a non-elderly person, under the age of 62, must have a current situation that includes one of the top two bullets below and be referred by a partnering homeless service organization (bullet #3).
- Non-elderly persons with disabilities who are transitioning out of institutional or other segregated settings or
- Non-elderly persons with disabilities who have previously experienced homelessness and are currently a client in a *Permanent supporting housing agency or *Rapid rehousing project and
- Non-elderly persons with disabilities *who are referred by a partnering homeless service organization.
*Please dial 211 (local) or 321-632-6688 (outside of Brevard County) for assistance in finding a partnering homeless service organization that may be able to assist you. An applicant to the Mainstream Voucher Program must be referred through 211 to a partnering service organization in order to be considered for a Mainstream Voucher.
References
Obtaining good references from past employers can help you get a job. They can also help you find a rental home following an eviction. Previous landlords or past employers are good sources for referrals that can demonstrate you’re a responsible, trustworthy person.
Get a Co-Signer
If someone you’re close to like friends or family have good rental and credit history and would be willing to help you get an apartment, this may help your chances to finding a rental. The co-signer will have to cover the rent if you can’t, so make sure they’re okay this! If the co-signer isn’t able to make rental payments, you could wind up evicted again. All things to consider before using this option.
Work to Improve Your Credit
Low credit is a common challenge for many Americans. There are several things we can do to improve our credit scores, including settling any old debts, reducing our ratio of credit available to credit used etc. We recommend using a credit repair facilitator like Credzu to get started. Start now so that you can improve your situation for the future.
Be Up-Front and Honest
Wherever your rental search leads, don’t lie about a previous eviction. If you’re asked about it on an application or in person, be truthful and explain the circumstances that led to the eviction. If you’re caught in a lie, it’s almost guaranteed that a landlord won’t rent to you.
Honesty is always the best policy. That is why we use a pre-qualification survey for all of our clients. A Realtor can only help if they know the whole situation, so be up front with them too so they can help you to the best of their ability. We’ve saved renters thousands just by having all of their qualifications up front, and being able to reach out to the landlords and property managers direct before submitting their applications and paying the fees, only to be rejected.