Second Chance Rentals in Los Angeles: How to Find Housing After Evictions or Credit Issues

Trying to rent an apartment in Los Angeles with a past eviction, bad credit, or a broken lease? You’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. There are landlords and second chance rentals across the LA area that are willing to work with people who need a fresh start. You just need to know where to look and how to apply.

What Are Second Chance Rentals?

Second chance rentals are properties that are willing to rent to people who may not meet traditional screening criteria. That includes renters with:

• Evictions on record
• Low credit scores or no credit
• Broken leases
• Background issues such as misdemeanors or felonies

Instead of automatic rejection, second chance landlords consider your overall story: Are you working now? Can you afford the rent? Can you offer more up front? If you can show that you’re financially stable today, many of these places will give you a shot.

Yes, You Can Rent After an Eviction in Los Angeles

Plenty of renters in Los Angeles have bounced back after evictions. But you’ll need to go beyond the typical apartment search. Many corporate complexes use strict screening algorithms that flag evictions automatically. Instead, target properties that either advertise second chance options or are managed by individual landlords.

Second chance apartments in LA typically look at the following:

• How old the eviction is
• Your current income and job stability
• Whether you owe a balance to a previous landlord
• If you can pay a higher security deposit or a few months up front

Where to Find Second Chance Rentals in Los Angeles

1. Try Private Landlords & Individual Listings

Private landlords are often more flexible than big property managers. You can find them through:

• Craigslist — search keywords like “no credit check,” “eviction ok,” or “flexible terms”
• Facebook Marketplace — many landlords post open rentals daily
• El Avisador magazine — sold at local liquor stores and Mexican markets, also available online. It’s a great local resource with listings not found on the big-name rental sites

2. Look Outside the City

Rents in LA are high, but there are affordable options outside the city where landlords may be more open to second chance renters. You should look at areas like:

• Morgan Hill — known for more affordable apartments and townhomes
• Gilroy — offers many family-run rentals and private homes

3. Use Apartment Locator Services

Some services specialize in matching renters with landlords who offer second chance housing. These locators often know which buildings accept applicants with evictions or low credit. The best part? Many of them are free to use.

4. Check Properties Known for Flexibility

Here are a few places that have worked with renters with evictions or low credit:

• Del Coronado Apartments – Located on Camden, this property has been mentioned as flexible and potentially open to renters who have had issues in the past
• Duplex rentals near Jackson – There have been recent listings for duplexes in this area, which are often privately owned and open to negotiation

How to Improve Your Chances

Even if a landlord accepts evictions, you’ll still need to prove you’re ready to be a reliable tenant. Here’s what helps:

• Proof of income – Bring recent pay stubs, job offer letters, or bank statements
• References – From current or former employers, case managers, or past landlords
• A short explanation letter – Own your past, explain what’s changed, and show that you’re stable now
• Offer extra security – Higher deposit or a few months of rent up front can go a long way

Be polite, be honest, and be ready. When you apply, say something like:

“I want to be transparent—I had an eviction a couple of years ago. Since then, I’ve been steadily employed and always paid rent on time. I’m happy to provide proof of income, references, and offer an extra deposit if needed. I’m just looking for a second chance to prove I’m a great tenant.”

What to Expect from Second Chance Rentals

Second chance apartments can offer a fresh start, but you may need to adjust your expectations. That might mean:

• Older units or fewer amenities
• Paying a higher deposit
• Shorter lease terms (month-to-month or 6 months)

Still, the priority is stability. Once you’ve built a clean rental history again, you can upgrade later.

Mindset: Keep Going, and Someone Will Say Yes

It can be frustrating filling out application after application. But it only takes one “yes.” As one renter put it, “I believe if you just continue filling out applications, someone is going to find it in their heart to give you a chance—and that’s when you show them that you’re a great member of society.”

What to Avoid

Some listings take advantage of people with poor credit or housing struggles. Here’s what to watch for:

• Scam alerts – Never send money before signing a lease and seeing the unit
• High application fees – Ask upfront about fees and screening policies
• “Too good to be true” listings – If it sounds unrealistically cheap or too easy, verify everything

Local Resources You Can Try

If you’re struggling to find anything on your own, there are also agencies and nonprofits that help renters with challenges:

• Los Angeles County Housing Resource Center
• Local housing authority or Section 8 office
• Tenant unions and renter advocacy groups

Checklist: How to Find a Second Chance Rental in LA

1. Gather your documents (ID, proof of income, references)
2. Write a short, honest letter about your rental history
3. Search Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and El Avisador
4. Target private landlords, smaller buildings, and duplexes
5. Use apartment locator services that cater to second chance renters
6. Call and ask screening policies before paying application fees
7. Apply quickly and be ready with your deposit

Final Thoughts

Second chance rentals in Los Angeles do exist—it’s just about knowing where to look and coming prepared. Whether you’re finding a listing through a magazine like El Avisador, talking to a landlord on Craigslist, or applying to a complex that’s known to be flexible, your new beginning is within reach.

Stay determined. Stay professional. And remember—it only takes one “yes” to get your second chance.