HAP - Section 8 - Tips for Tenants with Screening Barriers

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Tips for Tenants with Screening Barriers

Have you had problems finding housing because of your credit, criminal, or rental history problems? Here are some tips that might make your housing search more successful:

Important Note: If your screening problem is related to a disability, you have the right to ask for a reasonable accommodation during the screening process. If you have a history of substance abuse, have you completed a treatment program; and/or, are your actively involved in support programs? Call the Fair Housing Council at 1-800-424-3247 for more information about screening and disabilities.

First, get copies of your credit reports from the three credit-reporting agencies. (You can probably get those copies for free.) Know what is on your report ahead of time so that you will be able to respond to negative or inaccurate charges that appear on it.
Call your local Community Action Program. These agencies offer free trainings for tenants. The classes may be called “Tenant Education,” “Housing Readiness,” or “Ready to Rent” classes. Often landlords are more willing to accept tenants who have taken these classes.
Don't disclose past problems over the phone to landlords when you call to make an appointment to see a unit. Be polite over the phone. If you think your children will interrupt you, place your call from a different room, or have someone watch over them while you are on the phone.
Arrive 15 minutes early to your appointment. Dress as if you were going to a job interview. Don't bring your children if they will misbehave.
Ask the landlord for a tour of the unit and all common areas. Ask a lot of questions. Let the landlord know you are looking for a long-term home for you and your family. Complement the landlord on what you like. Show the prospective landlord what a conscientious tenant you are. If the unit doesn't meet your expectations (if it is unsafe or if the landlord is rude to you), look someplace else. Any problems you observe now will probably only get worse later.
After the tour (and if you decide this is a place where you could live), tell the landlord about your past rental history. Explain to the landlord (briefly) what happened in the past and explain why things are different now. Take responsibility for your mistakes.

The landlord must give you a piece of paper detailing what their screening process is, what exactly they check, how much the screening fee is, and how you can correct misinformation. (The landlord is also required to tell you how many units are available and how many applications have already been taken.) Find out what the landlord's screening criteria is and ask the landlord what he/she thinks your chances are of being accepted. If the landlord says your chances are 50/50 or worse, ask the landlord if there is something else you could do that would help.

If the landlord seems unwilling to negotiate with you, it is probably a good sign that your application won't be accepted. Don't pay the screening fee. On the other hand, if the landlord seems encouraging or tells you that other tenants with the same problems have been accepted before, submitting your application is probably worth the try.

For any further questions, please contact the Community Alliance of Tenants Renters' Rights Hotline at 503.288.0130.

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