I rented a public housing apartment 8 years ago when I was in college. Sometimes I did not pay the rent until I get legal papers telling me to go to court. I did this about three times, not realizing that even when I later paid the rent, it stayed on the court records as an eviction. So now I have three evictions on my record. Since I left this apartment, I have never rented for about eight years now. So the evictions on my record are about eight years old. Now I have a good job and financial secured and ready to rent again. The question is, can landlords legally use the eight-year-old record against me? And If they can, will they?

Hello K:

Yes, they can. If I was a landlord and found out that my prospective tenant had to be forced to pay his rent previously, I wouldn't rent to him.

excon

Yes of course they can. You've already proven to be a problem tenant. Because it was eight years ago and you've grown up since then is irrelevant. Any landlord who see's 3 past eviction attempts will more likely rent to someone without such a horrible rental history.

Find a place you really like. Offer to pay 6 months up front as a show of good faith. The last three places I rented they did not check my records. "You have an honest face." But whether they check your history or not, they take money for the credit report. Well, some do. Don't apply at places you don't absolutely love. So, if you really like the place, tell them right up front what happened, that your situation has really changed and you've grown up. Offer to give them extra money in advance to minimize their risk.