Managers Make Business Decisions

• Know when to discuss your bankruptcy with a landlord. Property managers and large apartment developments usually screen tenants' credit scores early in the rental process. If you're interested in renting an apartment from the property manager, discuss your bankruptcy prior to submitting the application. The manager may charge to run your credit and end up rejecting your application. Professional managers run an apartment complex like a business. Each unit must consistently bring in monthly rental income. A tenant who pays late or has the potential to default on rent payments may result in an unrented unit, according to "Every Landlord's Legal Guide" by Marcia Stewart, Ralph Warner and Janet Portman.
  
  

Opportunities

• Every property rental manager maintains different criteria for tenants with less than perfect credit. Some property managers require discharge of bankruptcy of at least 12 months before renting to the prospective tenant. Others require two or more years after a bankruptcy or eviction. Author Mitch Wakem recommends looking for apartment complexes advertising "monthly specials" in "How to Get Credit After Bankruptcy: The Complete Guide to Getting and Keeping Your Credit Under Control." The author recommends limiting the number of credit requests prior to identifying your new residence. Multiple credit requests may damage your ability to obtain a new lease. Let the landlord know about your credit history in an open and honest manner. Show the landlord that you can afford the rental by presenting a copy of a pay check stub. Alternatively, offer to pay several months' rent up front to the landlord.
  
  

Considerations

• If you're current on rent payments to a landlord, she may never know about your decision to file bankruptcy according to "The New Bankruptcy: Will It Work For You?" by Stephen Elias. Your landlord isn't listed as a current creditor if you don't owe her money. Security deposits held by your landlord must be identified in a bankruptcy, though the author says you're likely to argue the security deposits are exempt funds.
  
  

Rentals By Owner

• A landlord with one or two properties may make a decision to rent to you based upon a good interview. Find small landlord rentals by walking or driving a neighborhood you like. Some landlords want to rent to local residents. Your new landlord looks for a neat and clean appearance. He wants to know you're employed and how you'll pay the rent. Presenting written references to your landlord creates a good first impression. If you pay the rental deposit or security deposit in cash or by money order, the landlord perceives your financial responsibility. If the landlord doesn't ask for a credit report, there's no need to supply one. Make sure you pay the rent on time and in full, and keep your new house or apartment in good order.