What to say and not to say when renting a apartment....?

Question

Okay me and my bf are ready 4 our own place, and I was wondering what to and not to tell the landlord. We have a son together whose 8 mo's and I had a friend who told me I shouldn't tell the landlord about my son or my bf. Also she told me that whomever has the better credit/better income should go, but the thing is I have the better pay and my bf has the better income. If anyone knows anything that would help, please let me kno. I would like to kno b4 I move out. No one wants us 2 go but we're 21 w/s baby. Also I make 1600+ a month.

Sorry I have better pay but my bf has better credit.

Answer 1

That is terrible advice.

First off, if you lie on the application about who will be living there, and you sign it stating "everything is true" you are setting yourself up for eviction and loosing everything.

Just be upfront. Nothing you have said would prevent you from renting a place. Both adults need to apply and provide credit reports. Landlords do not expect shining credit, otherwise you would be buying, not renting.

You should look for something that rents for 25-30% of your combined income.

Answer 2

You confused me about who makes more money.You say you have the better pay and your boyfriend has the better income?!? Don't lie to your landlord! You should be honest about who lives in your apartment because if the landlord finds people there who are not on the lease-you are in breach of contract! This is grounds for eviction. You should both apply for an apartment. Your combined income & credit will decide if you can afford the place. Make sure the apartment you choose is an apartment you can afford on your own in case of emergency (ex. someone getting sick.). So shop around, like you would for clothes or food. Find the best bargain with the amenities you need.

If you are worried about credit, check out private landlords. They are usually more flexible-especially if you are honest up front. You may expect to pay a larger deposit if your credit is really bad. Some larger apartment communities are not flexible with not so good credit, but it can work with the both of your credit combined, so give it a shot.

Save up as much money as you can before you move. You two want to have enough for furniture and utility bills. The first two months when you first move are brutal, but doable.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Sometimes friends give bad advice.

Do not lie to a potential landlord!

If the landlord is even slightly suspicious about the info you give, finds out that you lied (about the smallest thing) or omitted something, you can be denied.

Most landlords use applications and require an application to be completely filled out by each adult.

There is no reason to lie about your child or BF.

Your $1600 per month income would only qualify for an apartment in the range of $400.00 - $533.00. So you may need both incomes in order to qualify for a decent place.

As far as credit, some landlords will accept not-so-stellar credit with either a larger deposit, a co-signer, or both.

Answer 4

First off you'll need to be honest about who is going to be living in the apartment. Making it look like it's just one of you and it turns into 3 is the quickest way to get evicted. It can't be that you have the better pay, but bf has better pay as pay and income are the same. If you mean he has the better credit, he can be first signer on the lease, but with most landlords, your both going to have to sign. Most landlords also look to see if both of you could handle the rent alone in the event of a split.

Answer 5

First off... Do Not Lie. Landlords will find out, and even if they get over it, they'll constantly be worried about 'what else you've lied about.' People can choose to rent to whom they want, so being honest, forthcoming and genuine is the best way to get on a positive relationship with them.
When searching for a place, make a list of the things that you absolutly need, and what you don't need. Personally, I need a place that has a washer & dryer. I don't need a place with a dishwasher. I don't need to be close to the highway, or beach, or whatever. Once you have a goal of what you're looking for, then start looking for pricing. If you both make an average of $1500 a month, then you don't want to be spending half your monthy pay EACH on rent. You won't be able to save properly if you do. Keep your bills in mind (rent, insurance, food, utilities, etc.
Be Honest. Be Smart. Take it Slow, or you'll be stuck somewhere that you don't want to be.

Answer 6

The Fair Housing Law states that: (http://www.fairhousinglaw.org/fair_housing_laws/)
In the Sale and Rental of Housing: No one may take any of the following actions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap:

* Refuse to rent or sell housing
* Refuse to negotiate for housing
* Make housing unavailable
* Deny a dwelling
* Set different terms, conditions or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling
* Provide different housing services or facilities
* Falsely deny that housing is available for inspection, sale, or rental
* For profit, persuade owners to sell or rent (blockbusting) or
* Deny anyone access to or membership in a facility or service (such as a multiple listing service) related to the sale or rental of housing.

Basically, the landlord can't deny you the opportunity to rent the unit because of your familial status (unmarried and have a child).

On the application, be absolutely truthful! Any landlord worth renting from will check your application. You are both over 18 and therefore will need to fill out applications. The landlord will compare the value of earnings vs. credit and make a decision on what he's comfortable with. Should you try to be untruthful and not have your boyfriend apply, if you're the only name on the lease, and it's found out that your boyfriend is living with you, that could be grounds to terminate your lease. You could be evicted.

Answer 7

Be honest and up front with anyone you do business with, including your landlord. If you get turned down, there are always some landlords who do not check on you. Fill out all the blanks on the application. Good luck.

Answer 8

All adults living in the apartment must be on the lease. If they find out after, they can evict you. It's that simple. You will also have to tell them about your child, they need to know of everyone living there, including pets.