
Renting After Bankruptcy
Can You Rent an Apartment or House After Filing for Bankruptcy?
Depending on the form of bankruptcy you file, the proceedings allow you to liquidate your assets to pay off your creditors, or retain assets while working out a repayment scheme. Regardless of the form of bankruptcy you file, there will be some restrictions imposed on you when it comes to spending. Because of this, you might wonder, “will I be able to rent after I file for bankruptcy?”
Difficulties of Renting After Bankruptcy
There is no law that prohibits you from signing a new lease agreement during or after bankruptcy. But you might find it difficult to enter into an agreement with a landlord after they run your credit and see the bankruptcy charge. Checking a credit history is standard practice when renting out property. Because of this, it’s advised that you notify the landlord prior to them running your credit. You should be forthright with all the information regarding your bankruptcy proceedings, the status of your bankruptcy, and details of your actual financial situation. You might also want to provide proof of income, to show you will be able to make rent payments in a timely manner.
Rental History
You might also want to prepare a rental history for your landlord to prove you have not been evicted from previously rented properties. You should also try to procure recommendations from former landlords (provided you have a god relationship with them) to convince your new landlord of your good standing with rental obligations.
Co-signer
You might want to consider a co-signer with good financial standing to co-sign on your lease agreement. This might provide a sense of security for the landlord. If you default on your rent payment, the landlord would be able to go to the co-signer for the payment. Be careful of this, as you do not want to have a co-signer stuck with a payment you cannot make.
Bankruptcy does not mean you won’t be able to rent, it just means you might have to go through a few more extra steps to prove you are capable and able of making rent payments on time.

RHM LAW LLP
Meet Our Los Angeles Bankruptcy Specialists
-
M. Jonathan Hayes Senior Counsel
-
Matt D. Resnik | Partner Partner
-
Roksana D. Moradi-Brovia | Partner Partner
-
Russell J. Stong III | Associate Attorney Senior Associate Attorney, Los Angeles Office
-
W. Sloan Youkstetter | Associate Attorney Senior Associate Attorney, Los Angeles Office
-
David M. Kritzer Senior Associate Attorney, Encino Office

Client Reviews
What Clients Say About Working With Us
-
I filed bankruptcy with this firm 3 years ago and found that they are professional, friendly, and compassionate. I also met with their loan modification department. Unfortunately, they were unable to help because of the type of loan that I have. I really appreciated that they did not lie, waste my time, or take my money in an attempt to modify a loan that was not doable. I've since used their firm for a couple of minor issues and found all of the attorneys to be knowledgeable and considerate. Attorneys Simon and Resnik are amazing!- Shannon J.
-
I needed a bankruptcy attorney in Sherman Oaks and found Matt Resnik on Google. He has one of the best-reviewed bankruptcy law firms on Yelp so I decided to check it out his law firm for myself. I quickly found out that they are foreclosure specialists and they could help me with my issue. They made the process very easy for me and laid out my options for me. I cannot thank them enough for helping save my home. I would recommend them for anyone that is thinking about filing for bankruptcy or foreclosure on their home. They are the best bankruptcy law firm in Sherman Oaks.- Joseph R.
-
I worked with David Kritzer at this firm, and he was great. He negotiated on my behalf with a credit card company and was able to settle with them for much lower than I could have on my own thanks to his knowledge and expertise in the field. If you have a debtor on your back go to him to get it taken care of.- Kelly S.
-
Matt is the best bankruptcy attorney in Sherman Oaks. I consulted with Matt over a chapter 7 bankruptcy. I had issues with overwhelming credit card debt after Chase increased it's APR for no reason. It set off a chain of events that were really hurting me. He made me feel like I had options, all was not lost, and I could rebuild my credit after the 7. I had some concerns about a piece of property I was having issues with and Matt also turned out to be a real estate lawyer as well! I recommend this office to anyone who is unsure of their financial situation. It doesn't hurt to find out your options.- Max B.
-
Where to begin? I had a vile evil credit union repo my car over a misunderstanding, they wouldn't work with me even when I offered full payment plus repo fees (this was my first repo!) so I didn't know what to do. I met with a few lawyers but when I met with Simon he broke things down and gave me my options. I needed a car - so I filed BK and included the car to get it back. The evil credit union fought and Simon GOT ME MY CAR BACK!!! His team is amazing!!!! Maria Donna etc!!! These are top-notch pros that'll have your back. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Sincerely they saved my life. LA with no car!? ARGH!!!!!! *THANX ALL!!!!- Tim C.
-
Dear Mr. Resnik: We wanted to thank you for your professional handling of our loan modification with GMAC mortgage. We are very happy that you were able to accomplish the modification of our loan in such a short period of time. Thank you again for your professional service.
- W and B Mejia -
I worked with Matt and his team for about a year to get through the paperwork shuffle and my personal experience was nothing short of fantastic. Legal situations have a tendency to get hairy, but Matt and his staff conducted themselves with professionalism throughout the whole ordeal. To keep it short, let's just say he under-promised and over-delivered. Rarely would I ever say this about an attorney, but overall he was just a great guy. I would not hesitate to have him on my side of the courtroom again. World market is right across the street from his office and I even decided to get his staff a thank you / holiday gift card. World market has excellent craft beer BTW, try the Einstock White Ale. They also validate parking. That just shows this isn't a fake review.- Dean C.
-
Fantastic office! I want to thank Matt for taking his time with me and sincere in his assistance. He spent over an hour with me for free during our initial consult. I left knowing exactly what's needed. He not only saved my house but also got rid of all my debt. They are not your typical attorneys and their creativity really allowed me to do things that other attorneys never mentioned in previous consults. Affordable and Outstanding firm and thank you for all you have done! My family thanks you!- David K.
-
Matt and his team are the best!! They were thorough, extremely knowledgeable, wonderful to deal with, thoughtful, and really helped guide me through what was one of the toughest times in my life. I never felt judged or looked down on. They were efficient and really were lifesavers during this tough time. I can not recommend them highly enough!!!!- Rusty H.

-
A Summary of Bankruptcy Law: Third Edition
-
Summary of Chapter 13