question about renting a apartment?

Question

I have a question regarding renting a apartment. I have 1300 dollars, but my credit is torn to shreds due to identity theft, and I have a felony drug possession conviction on my background. Can anyone give me any advice on what I should do for securing housing, or do I face homelessness for good?

Answer 1

OK, first, lying on a rental application is a really bad idea. I sometimes manage rental properties, and while I will consider an application from someone with credit problems or a conviction, a lie on that application gets an automatic rejection.

You're much more likely to get a landlord that will rent to you with an admitted conviction than you are to get a landlord that doesn't check, and do you really want to live in a building where the landlord doesn't care who he rents to? (Remember, these folks will be your neighbors.)

Landlords only care about a few things. They want to be sure that they will get their rent on time, every month, that you won't tear up their property, and that you won't disturb the other tenants. (Lying on the application tells a landlord that you will probably be a problem with at least two of those things.)

You will probably have to start by building up a history with more temporary accommodations, such as a residence hotel that gets paid weekly. You should tell them up front that you will only be there a few months.

Pay on time, be a model tenant, stay a few months, give notice before moving out, keep the place spotless (regardless of how it looked originally), and ask for a letter of reference.

Then you've got something to help you get a more permanent home. Not all landlords will rent to you with that, but many will be willing to take a chance under those circumstances.

Answer 2

I have a felony on my record (drug thing 10 yrs ago), and real bad credit too. I've found that I just need to keep applying at place after place, never say 'yes' to that question about the felony, and eventually someone doesn't do a background check. It usually only takes a few applications to sneak in somewhere.

Also, here's something else i'm doing. Try applying for an expungement on that drug charge if it's your only offense. A non violent first offense can be taken off your record if you haven't been in more trouble. Just a thought. Good luck, I know how frustrating this is.

Answer 3

I went from a house to an apartment and I love it. BUT some people I know would rather live in a house. you do get more freedom in a house. A yard and more room. I would go for it if I were you.. at least for the sake of the kids..

Answer 4

Try to find a place and see what happens. What's the worst that could happen?? - They could say "no thanks." I think you will have more luck at small, privately owned apartment complexes. They are less likely to run all the background checks.