Can We Still Rent Even with Bad past Experience?

If its on your credit report as a judgment or civil claim as unpaid then you need to go to the courts and provide them your proof that it's paid so it can report paid. With proof you should be able to rent, some may ask for a higher deposit, others won't. The most important thing is to be honest and upfront. If they ask, tell them. That will show credibility. I'm sure job history, job tenure, and income from then to now will show how/why you can afford it and why it won't happen again. Start checking around and ask those questions before you apply. You have to pay usually for an application and they will run your credit each time. If they know up front and tell you it will be fine then apply.

My husband and I have been in this situation and what we did was we had to pay double the amount in rent in order to get in most apartment complexes. You could go with a private owner but depending on the owner will determine if they will rent to you or not. I've had some that just needed to move so they didn't care what our rental history was and then there were others that wanted strict credit scores and no lates on previous rentals. It all depends on the person. As long as you can prove you've paid the debt off and that you both have stable income, you shouldn't have a problem renting anywhere.

Provide your new potential property manager a receipt or proof of payment that it was cleared up and they should understand. Also do the same with the credit reporting agency and have them get it off your credit history. You may have to pay an increased deposit upon approval and you could even offer to do such. My husband is property manager and he looks at every case on a case-by-case basis. Good luck.

You may have better luck renting from a private owner versus a rental company or apartment complex. Private owners generally are more forgiving with past rental history especially if you have the opportunity to personally meet with them and explain the problem you had in the past. Also, if all of your rental references are good except for the one blemish of not paying the last month, I would think you have a good shot a finding a home! Good luck :)

Honestly I can not remember what we all filled out when renting (what info they needed), it was over 4 years ago BUT if I remember correctly we did have to show we made enough money to afford the rent (pay stub) to afford the apartment.

I would just go start looking, a good place will check the history but they are going to be more concerned about the now and if you can afford it. They might ask what is different between 3 years ago and now (not sure if that is allowed) but if they ask just be honest that it was only the last month that was not paid, you moved in with family but after 3 years you are financially back in a position to afford rent again.

There is no harm in going out and trying to find a place, if someone turns you down ask why, it might be something you can clear up with them or they might just not the right fit for you. Remain strong and even if rejected make sure to not let it get you down, you will be able to find a place to rent, it might just take some searching :)

Definitely look at private owners and not agencies. They will be more willing to look past bad histories. The sooner you look the better your chances. Most people don't move in the early spring, but later in the summer when kids are out of school. I'm sure the TX climate is much better than our MN climate and finding a good rental in the winter is MUCH easier than the summer.

Something to ask a potential land lord to make them feel better about renting to you is to see if you can have your rent taken straight from your bank account on the first of every month or see if you can write 4 months or more of rent checks ahead of schedule. I wrote out 6 checks and post dated each for the first of each future month. Now, I don't have to worry if I sent in the check on time and I know that the rent check has priority over everything else if it is a tough month.

If you look at an agency owed property they will ask you to pay up to 3 - 4 months in advance plus a hefty deposit. If you can get letters from any previous landlord saying that you were a good tenant that will also help your situation.

Try craigslist and start calling people and asking. Don't mention your previous history until you have seen the property and met the landlord in person. You can mention your financial hardships but that you realized that it was necessary to live with your parents again until you really could afford living on your own again.

I think it all depends on the landlord. Some of them look at past history, some of them don't. You may have to apply for a few places to find one that will accept the history, but also if you explain the situation - if asked. It might help the landlord out. Everyone falls on hard times and as long as you don't have a habit of this on your credit report and you are stable now - I don't think it should hurt you to much.

Good luck finding a new place that you love & can enjoy.