Renting with bad credit in Maryland just got easier

Landlords in Maryland can be just as choosy as those in other areas. This is a fact that some prospective Baltimore tenants recently found out. Still, there are ways to get into an apartment even with prior credit challenges and even evictions.

The first thing to do is to realize that you might need to take advantage of some of the programs that are offered locally. Each county has a department of social services (DSS) that assists with lower income families. This is especially true if you are in danger of becoming homeless.

Families with small children are the top priority, and your children could catapult you to the top of the list. If you don’t have children, you still have options. Many of the rent-controlled apartment communities are reserved for single adults.

The department of social services for each county has case managers that will interview you to determine your needs and find a proper fit for housing. In some cases, you may be eligible for rent subsidies that can bring down the cost of renting.

For these types of rental arrangements, credit requirements are often relaxed. This does not mean that you can avoid paying your bills.

Instead, the minimum credit score may be much lower than a traditional apartment leasing office would require. This can be a big help to households that have experienced recent financial difficulties such as repossessions, bad debts and even evictions.

Case managers at one of the county DSS offices throughout Maryland will want to know details about your finances so that they can qualify you for one of these units. It is important to be honest about your finances, including admitting any mistakes that you have made. They have seen hundreds of situations and can recognize when you share some fault for your situation. Therefore it is best to admit fault where you are at least somewhat responsible for your situation.

Each county has a program to help you find safe affordable housing even when you have credit challenges. For example, Anne Arundel County DSS has multiple programs to help with rental placement depending on your particular situation. If you have a documented disability, you might qualify for supportive housing through the Certified Adult Residential Environment (CARE) program. If you have children, you might receive a cash payment to put towards a security deposit, which can often offset a landlord’s credit concerns. Even single adults are eligible for aid through the Social Services to Adults (SSTA). All Anne Arundel DSS programs provide case management to help you deal with credit challenges. Furthermore, they can match you to special programs where credit requirements are relaxed.

If you have credit challenges, the most important advice is to show that you are trying to correct them and seek help through one of these state agencies, or through a nonprofit organization with a physical office in Maryland. You can get into a new apartment and begin the process of getting on with your life.

Alternatively, you may also notice several companies that claim that they can help you bypass bad credit and get approved for a rental. Most of these companies do not provide real relief, and instead want to charge you for dubious services such as credit repair. Stick with government agencies or nonprofit organizations in order to avoid making another bad decision.