Do You Have to Report a Past Eviction on an Application to Rent
My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: NY
Six years ago I was vacated an apartment and broke a lease due to my roommate moving out and not being able to afford it on my own. We never were sued to collect unpaid rent and never were given anything but the sheriff's notice on the door when I came back to pack my stuff and left. I am now living in CA and need to apply as a co-tenant with someone for an apartment. I won't be listed as the primary. The application asks if I've ever been evicted. Do I need to say yes due to vacating that apartment 6 years ago? Is there any way I can get away with not disclosing the information? I'm not sure the best way to handle the situation is.
The past rental money is in collections and does show up on my credit report but by looking at my credit report it doesn't read clearly that its residential and shows its a joint account.
Re: Evicted 6 Years Ago, Do I Need to Disclose It
The best advice you're going to get is to answer the question truthfully.
Yes, you got evicted and defaulted on the rent.
Lie on the application and risk the consequences. Up to you.
Re: Evicted 6 Years Ago, Do I Need to Disclose It
Does it help at all if I'm applying as a secondary tenant and the primary has good credit and rental history? Is there any way we can be considered for a place with this old rent money on my credit report?
Re: Evicted 6 Years Ago, Do I Need to Disclose It
That is 100% up to the new landlord.
Re: Evicted 6 Years Ago, Do I Need to Disclose It
No, you don't have to disclose. - You may be denied if they check your credit and find you have unpaid debts - regardless of why.
You may disclose and you may be denied because you have a history of unpaid obligations.
I think if you tell them you were evicted, there is a higher chance of being denied than if you don't tell them and hope they do not do a credit check. If they do a credit check and deny you, chances are they would have denied you even if you disclosed the eviction.