First: Be honest with the leasing consultant. He or she will find out if they should do a background check so don't get off on a bad start with them.
Second: Ask them how much additional rent you would have to pay in order to get into the apartment. Because you would be considered a risk, they may not want to take a chance with you.
Third: Besides additional rent being charged upfront say 1 to 3 times the amount just to move in, they may increase your security deposit.
Fourth: Make every effort to work with your previous landlord such as set up a payment plan -- it may be in collection but if you have documents that show you are attempting to resolve the debt the potential landlord may take a chance with you.
Fifth: Have someone present who wouldn't mind co-signing for you. However, be ware that if you don't pay your rent on time, skip out on the lease, or get evicted, your action or inaction will affect his or her credit too.
Sixth: If you have already resolved the eviction in court with your previous landlord and paid your debt, one option is to contact lawyer/or rep from a credit monitoring service to help you get it off your record. Another option is to request a formal letter on letterhead from your landlord indicating that you have resolved the debt with him or her.
N. McGuire
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