How to Get a Second Chance

Second Chance Apartments are willing to provide housing to individuals that have bad credit history or poor leasing records. Potential landlords connect with previous landlords to determine the type of tenant you are, and they are hesitant to rent to anyone that shows a history of bad rental problems. They view leasing to you as a risk. It is assumed that you won’t pay your rent to them even if you financial circumstances have improved. Landlords that offer Second Chance leasing are willing to take that chance, however it's going to cost.

Reasons for Needing Second Chance Leasing

You’re a possible candidate for second chance leasing if your rental history consists of one or more of the following:

  • You constantly fail to pay rent on time.

  • You broke a lease with no suitable purpose

  • You owe back rent

  • You moved out without a notice

  • You’ve been evicted

Having any of these issues on your apartment rental history can make searching for a new apartment difficult. Even if you decide to move to another another state, your rental history will follow you. The first step to improving your situation would be to resolve issues with past landlords. Try to work out a payment plan for owed rent and other monies. Work on getting negative items removed off of your credit report. While working on your credit history, second chance leasing is a good way to rent until your rental history has improved and been updated.

General Requirements For Second Chance Leasing

Fortunately, there are landlords that are willing to give you a second chance but they have certain requirements. For example, they may want documented and written proof that you are doing what is necessary on your part to resolve past financial issues, such as a payment plan with previous landlords to pay off debts, and resolving credit issues.

However, there are second chance leasing landlords that won’t be concerned with those particular details. You may have to pay a high security deposit to ensure that the landlord is covered just in case you find yourself in a situation where you cannot pay rent or you decide to break your lease.

 

 

Benefits of Second Chance Housing

  • The obvious benefit is that you have shelter. When you have a negative rent history, it makes it hard trying to find an apartment. Second chance leasing will give you a nice and affordable place to live.

  • It gives you the opportunity to re-establish yourself as a good tenant for other apartment rentals in the future. Maintain a good relationship with your landlord by paying rent early or on time, and keep your apartment damage free.

  • It gives you the opportunity to focus on repairing your credit score and rental history. 

 

Effects on Non-Second Chance Tenants

Many apartment communities are mixed, with tenants of all different backgrounds renting. The same is true for apartment buildings where second chance leasing is offered, and you shouldn’t be more concerned about living next door to a second chance tenant. However, some landlords give second chances to tenants because of a past criminal history. That should be a cause for concern, and it’s important to know what criteria your landlord uses when it comes to second chance leasing.

You can find apartments that offer second chance leasing, the same way you would find a regular apartment for rent.

Tips for Meeting with a Second Chance Landlord

  • Your appearance is always your first impression. Be sure to dress appropriately.
  • Be courteous, polite and attentive when the landlord is going over leasing information.
  • If you are in the process of repairing credit, submit copies of updated credit reports.
  • Ask questions to get a thorough understanding of what the Leasing agent or Landlord requires from tenants.  
  • Don't hesitate to pay a higher initial deposit to move in. Many Apartment properties require a higher deposit from second chance tenants for extra precaution. 
  • Submit copies of references.