I have 2 unpaid broken leases 12-14 yrs ago. One included fees for damages. Should I still report this when applying

Disclosures protect all parties in a real estate transaction. The best business practice is to disclose and explain.

Hi Demetria!
Ok sure you can mention it. But most likely it’s already off your credit. Hopefully you have kept your credit clean since then. Debt to income. Bills paid on time. That was a very long time ago. I’m sure age has made you wiser and you are now ready to be a reliable renter. You could also write a personal letter to owner/rental company explaining what happened and what you have done in the mean time that has brought along change. People love a good heartfelt explanation.

If you need any help,
Cristi Barahona #711828
832-455-8869
Untangling Real Estate

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Yes, you should report this before applying. Moreover, you can earn from your home. Read these tips for making money online and earn from your home. The Internet has made earning easier anyone with a computer and internet connection can earn easily. Go give it try to become self-employed.

I would think at 12 to 14 years a broken lease should note be showing on your credit report. Now if they sued you that may be a different ball game.

yes you should

There are a lot of good answers here. 12-14 years is a long time. Even a bankruptcy drops off after 7 years. If you have had positive rental history since that time, and you have good credit and verifiable income, you probably will not have a problem. I'm not saying nobody could find it or that nobody will hold it against you since every landlord has their own criteria, but you should not have a problem finding a nice rental because of that.

I agree with everyone. Absolutely be up front. I work quite a bit with tenants facing all sorts of difficulties. Other questions I would ask you: How is Credit, How is Income, and criminal history? Does your previous landlord know that the lease was not in your name, IE will they give you good rental history?? Have you considered either fighting prior judgments or more helpful, contacting them and arranging a settlement or payment plan? Depending on those answers, my advice on where to go might change (house or apartment). I always advise either a letter or a conversation to prospective landlords: These are the issues that you will see when you run my application, This is how I have over come these issues (not excuses, own the problems and address so they have some comfort knowing they are issues from your past, not current.) This will save you time and money by only talking to landlords who will at least consider your situation. It will also keep you from paying nonrefundable applications for landlords who definitely won't consider you.

Just best be to be upfront and honest.

Yes, I would absolutely include it and explain why. Most likely they will want to speak to landlords since then to verify payment and good rental history

what are you applying for? If they are showing on your credit report yes. But shouldn't be on there at this point unless they file a judgement.

Demetria, definitely let the landlord or agent know upfront you have broken leases from years ago. You do not want to lose application fees by not being honest. We all have a past so there is nothing to be ashamed for the past is the past. If you are comfortable,I suggest making a brief statement as to why these broken leases may appear on your report. Be encouraged and look forward to a better future.

Hello Demetria,

Review your credit report and see if the leases appear; 12-14 years is quite a bit of time. Experian provides a free option to view your report. Most times they also provide a 7 day trial for $1 to view Transunion and Equifax.

Since being the broken leases are over seven years, the first thing you need to do is run a credit check to see what's on your credit. Be honest, just because it may not be on your credit does not mean they don't have a record( database system) of showing you never paid XYZ apartments and you have a broken lease. Talk to the leasing office or management company because it still may on a database for apartments and they will let you know you have not paid XYZ Apartments and must do so before they can lease to you.
Best wishes!

Your future Realtor,
Pondra Lynch

It is still possible for you to rent a place under your name. If I where you I would run my credit to see if these broken leases appear. If not, then there is no need to bring them up. The only thing that may hold you back from renting is your current credit score, income and or criminal background. If you are in good standing then there is a good chance for you to get accepted in a Lease. Then again if you apply to a property and pay for the application, there may be a chance you may not be accepted due to the fact that your broken leases come up. You may just have to take that chance and loose the application fee.

Hello Demetria,
Honesty is definitely the best policy, yes. Have you pulled a credit report to see if the default is still on your record? Most broken leases stay exactly 7 years on your rental history and evictions stay 10 years then fall off. It is always good to add on all applications that you have had broken leases in the past along with the date. If you have established good rental after the fact that can help you get an apartment or rental. If you have more questions or would like free apartment locator services or interested in home rentals let me know, I'm here to help.

Stephanie Coronado
Gary Ismail Fine Properties
Stephanie.garciacoronado@gmail.com
281-704-3727

Hi Demetria!

If you’d like give me a call. I’d like to get more information and see if I can help you or point you in the right direction.

Best,
Liz Gonzalez
Keller Williams Metropolitan
281.773.3387

Hi Demetria

Honesty is always your best policy. The potential landlords run background check as well as rental history check, so these items will most likely come up anyway. It's best to be honest upfront and have a good explanation of why it happened.
I would recommend letting the potential landlord know about this prior to you applying and paying the application fee (application fees are non-refundable).
Hope this helps and best of luck.

Yvonne Chauvin- REALTOR®
Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene