Tips on Home Rental after Going through Foreclosure
Renting a home requires a good credit history. Landlords set certain criteria before they accept tenants. They usually require a credit score above 700 points and income of potential tenants must be thrice the rent price. Some landlords accept a higher down payment to compensate for low credit scores, but majority does not.
Unfortunately for people who have just gone through foreclosure crisis, their credit records are not one to be proud of. Their credit history is left with negative marks because of missed payments and is further ruined by other legal problems that come with it.
To help foreclosure victims find a decent home for rent, here are some tips:
- Reveal necessary information to the landowner. Trying to conceal your foreclosure case will do no help since it will nevertheless show on your credit history. Being cooperative with the landlord will save you both a lot of time.
- Choose individually-owned apartments over those owned by companies. Individuals have bigger chance of being lenient despite a bad credit history. Sometimes, they take into consideration not only the credit record of a person but their personality as well.
- Be ready with your list of references. Landlords contact them in order to check your ability to pay. Also, provide the landlord with proof of your income.
- Do not just settle for what ever conditions the landlord sets. Negotiate for a smaller rent payment if possible. A flawed credit record is not enough grounds for a poor living condition. Be humble but learn to assert.
- If you can not afford the down payment, ask if you can pay it in an installment basis. If the landlord permits, you may pay your installments with the monthly rent.
If you have exhausted all your efforts but is still unable to find a home, you may try temporary housing rentals. These types of home do not implement credit checks. Even better, they do not collect deposits.

January 19th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Great article! A lot of good advice, for difficult times. I recommend calling the “WE BUY HOUSES” guys, get referrals from them. They usually have a large list of landlords who buy houses from them and most are much more lenient when it comes to renters.
L J Sutherland
http://becoming-a-real-estate-investor.weebly.com