Screening

It’s not about luck – it is about what you can do with what you have.  If you can’t find housing because of rock-bottom credit scores, a criminal record, or evictions read on…  Here are a couple of tips that could improve your chances for a positive outcome.

·         Get copies of your credit report from the three credit-reporting agencies, review them and respond to any negative or inaccurate information that appears. 

·         Call for an appointment to see the property.  Be polite.  Don’t talk about bad luck or past landlords or how you can’t get a break.  Be polite and positive.  Have someone watch your children while you make this call – this will allow you to focus on what you need to do to get an appointment and make a positive impression.  Be polite and articulate.

·         Prepare for your appointment.  Come prepared with the information you need to complete the rental application.   Write a list of questions you might have for the landlord and think about what you want to say.  You want to show the landlord that you can be a responsible, long-term tenant.

·         Arrive early for the appointment – at least 15 minutes.  Act like you’re going to a job interview – you want to be clean, well-groomed and appropriately dressed.  If your children are accompanying you to the appointment, coach them on their manners.

·         Ask to see the property (and common areas if this is a multi-family unit); ask about parking restrictions, storage areas, and laundry facilities.  Do not make any negative comments about the property.  If the property is well-maintained, compliment the landlord.

·         If you are interested in renting the property, share your history with the landlord.  Take responsibility for whatever mistakes you might have made and be honest.  Landlords don’t like surprises.  Ask what the landlord’s screening criteria is and what the odds are of you meeting their criteria.   If the landlord is receptive, submit your application.   However, if the landlord isn’t encouraging or willing to negotiate with you, it’s a good indication that your application will probably not be accepted.

If you’re not interested in the property, feel that the landlord was rude, or don’t feel that environment is right for your family, look elsewhere.  Don’t be discouraged.  There are people available to help you with your housing needs.