Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Find a landlord who will rent to you. Money talks.

It's an individual landlord decision. In general, I think a credit report that shows you paid up your old debts would be a lot better than one showing no payment ever, but I couldn't say how much help. Market conditions in the neighborhood where you're trying to rent will be a factor; most landlords would rather rent to a credit risk than let the space remain vacant. As far as getting the credit-reporting agencies to delete items when you pay them, I do not know whether they physically expunge the delinquency information or simply add a notation that you paid late; probably the latter, and then only if the reporting party furnishes the new information to the credit bureau.

There is no magic wand to wave and make it all disappear. Records are forever. Landlords are free to deny anyone they find to be a 'risk'. An eviction on your record will result in most landlords refusing you. Start looking, and offer a BIG security deposit or advanced payment on rent.