Seriously, I need to find an apartment for myself and three boys under 5. Is it possible? Does EVERYONE check credit? I'm living with a family member now in NYC, but have to move soon. I work in Somerset, NJ. Any advice is appreciated.
But please no criticism abou the credit; I'm honestly working on it.
2006-12-31 08:12:43 · 9 answers · asked by cleo_michelle73 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
As others have said, you'll have a better chance with a smaller building where they're more likely to hear your side of things. Figure your maximum rent to be about 1/3 of your income, or about $950 per month. This assumes that your other monthly payments aren't excessive.
In the meantime, you might prepare a short statement to include with your application, something like:
"To Whom It May Concern:
My current credit score is about xxx, and I am working to repair it. I got behind because I (fill in the blank). " I am now working at company xyz and don't foresee any trouble with paying my rent on time. Thank you for considering my situation.
Signature and date"
I wouldn't go into any detail, just say something like "was laid off and didn't find a new job right away", "was off work while caring for an ill family member", or whatever the actual reason is. I wouldn't stray too far from the truth, although I'd put the best light on it and keep it short. (Unlike this reply, lol!)
Good luck to you.
2006-12-31 08:42:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Not everyone checks for credit, call on the for rent by owner ads and call on the ones that are not advertised but only have a sign posted on the rental unit. There is an over supply of housing at the moment in many parts of the country, I am not familiar with your area, but there may be some parts. Another possibility is sharing housing. Check with senior centers, there are a lot of senior citizens wanting room mates to help around the house in exchange for housing, and most old geesers love kids. So, that might work for you. Another possibility is to look into subsidized housing and do avoid doing credit checks as a bunch of credit checks will actually lower your credit. As a rule the most you are supposed to be able to afford is 1/3 of your gross income so that would be about 11,333 per year which is actually less than $1,000 a month, so you probably qualify for subsidized housing.
2006-12-31 08:23:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
I won't judge you on your credit score. It sounds to me like it's just been a really tough situation right now. I think the entire FICO scoring system is bunk, but anyway on to your problem.
To answer your question not everyone checks credit. The vast majority of large apartment complexes do check credit, so to find what you're looking for shop for smaller, stand alone apartments which are owned by private individuals and not huge companies. These will be single buildings with 4 - 12 apartments units, not full blown complexes. Your best resources for finding these properties will be local classified ads. You can also try CraigsList.org.
You can do this girl.
2006-12-31 08:24:32 · answer #3 · answered by KC 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Be open and honest with the apartment manager. The smaller complex's would be better. We're in CA so apartments may be different. Again, just be honest. Tell them before they run your credit. Having a bunch of places run your credit is going to lower your score. You may have to pay a higher deposit. With 3 kids you want to be somewhere safe. It may be worth staying put until you can save a bit more money.
Again we are in CA so the income requirements are different but have you looked into apartments that are reduced in rent?
Good for you for working on it. I know its hard!
Good Luck!
2006-12-31 08:19:47 · answer #4 · answered by Jenn 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
To get an apartment they usually require that your income be 3x the amount of rent per month. As for the credit score, that can be hit or miss depending on the apartments as in if they use a company to make decisions or if they make the final decision.
2006-12-31 08:16:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
let the father rent an apartment.
2006-12-31 08:16:45 · answer #6 · answered by Dave 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i may have something for you in lakewood nj please email me with the most you can pay a month stevenhgluck@yahoo.com
2006-12-31 15:01:24 · answer #7 · answered by steven g 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
its gonna be difficult at the least
2006-12-31 08:15:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
do they have FHA?
2006-12-31 08:14:57 · answer #9 · answered by northville 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋