First time renting?

Question

I am 27 still living at home. My parents are in their 70's so I have stayed home to help them aroung the house. I am currently looking to rent an apartment because the girl I am dating her son starts kindergarten soon and we need to get a place. My question is since I have no renting history and my girlfriend does but it is not good because of her ex. They broke the lease and she says she gave him money to pay the bill but he used it for other things. That was four years ago. Are we going to have problems getting into a place cause of her past. My credit score is 709 and I am fixing to pay all of the balances down to zero. Will my credit override her bad past. If not what could we do or should we just talk to the landlords and see what they think. Maybe a high security deposit????? Thanks

Answer 1

You should have no problem with your credit score and your stable past. I am assuming you have lived at your parents address for several years. The lease will basically be in your name so your girl friend's history won't have much of an impact. The only thing that makes me wonder though is where has she been for the last 4 years since they broke the lease? She should have some reference from that.

Answer 2

Most likely, you'll be able to rent a place. If her name is going to be on the lease, they'll take her history into account, but they will also take your credit into account. In the end, you'll most likely be asked for a month's rent security deposit.