It amazes me that in this world of instant access to information, that some applicants believe that a smart owner or manager won’t find out about their past.
If you have had problems or credit issues, its better to discuss with and disclose them to your future landlord BEFORE you sign the lease. If they discover that you concealed material facts that could have affected their decision, you may be subject to eviction and having the lease voided.
An honest person, though embarrassed by their mistakes, will disclose them. This character trait at least shows the landlord that you are willing to accept that you are not perfect. More importantly, it removes the possibility of termination for non-disclosure.
As a property manager in Tucson, Arizona, I recognize that many people have been hurt by the current economy, and are embarrassed about their credit, income and family situations. I have many current tenants that have lost their homes to short sale and foreclosure. The ones that come clean up front get my respect and lay the ground work for good tenancies.
Honesty really is the best policy!