May 30, 2022 at 1:40 pm · Justin Becker · Comments Off on What Age Can You Rent an Apartment?

What Age Can You Rent an Apartment?

If you are a young adult wanting to rent an apartment, you may be wondering if you are allowed to do so under the law.

The vast majority of laws in the United States require that an individual must be 18 years old to be considered an adult. A minor is not permitted to sign contracts under the law; and a lease is considered a contract (binding rental contract).

With that being said, there is an exception to that rule – emancipation. If you are legally emancipated (meaning you can legally rent an apartment), you assume the role of an adult and, therefore, can be able to enter into a contract. Generally, emancipation equals the rights of adults, meaning you are not restricted in any manner regarding leasing an apartment.

What Age Can You Rent an Apartment?

Emancipation comes with a set of requirements that must be met. For starters, you must demonstrate that you are capable of living independently of your parents or legal guardians and making sound decisions. Second, you will need proof of income (bank account statements) to show that you will be able to pay your bills on your own.

Leasing your own apartment is normally an exciting experience, but for young individuals, especially those under the age of 18, it can be a substantial challenge. If emancipation is not an option, you can rent your own apartment with the help of an adult as a guarantor.

Let’s have a look at how old you have to be to rent an apartment.

Why is there an Age Restriction when Renting an Apartment?

Typically, the law considers individuals under the age of 18 years old as minors and, therefore, cannot make sound decisions on their own. Furthermore, landlords commonly view this age group as inexperienced and immature, implying that they are incapable of properly caring for their property.

A landlord is bound to consider the possibility that a minor will not be able to pay rent on a constant basis, especially if they are a first-time renter, as opposed to an adult with a steady salary.This why landlords often consider leasing apartments to minors too risky.

Furthermore, a property manager, like any other adult/parent, wants to make sure the minor/child is mature enough to care for oneself. Thus, finding an apartment as an emancipated minor can be difficult unless you can present proof of emancipation.

How to Rent an Apartment as an Emancipated Minor

There are a few options available to you if you are under the age of 18. One option is to seek emancipation, while another is to co–sign the lease. If a landlord is confident that an adult will be responsible for paying rent in the event that the minor/younger tenant is unable to, they may be more inclined to lease the unit.

That said, here is how to rent an apartment as a minor:

Find a Co-Signer: This Gives You Credibility

A co-signer is an individual who is willing to pay your rent in the event you are unable to do so (unpaid rent).So, if you were wondering if your parents can lease an apartment for you, the answer is yes, depending on the landlord. A co-signer could be your parent, legal guardian, or even a relative. They are usually older than you and have a steady source of income to ensure that they will be able to pay the rent on time.

As a minor, you typically would have little to no acceptable rental history, making it difficult to find your first apartment under such circumstances. This is because you lack the credibility that would help your application stand out. This is where a co-signer comes in, they boost your chances of scoring your own apartment. Learn how long it takes for an apartment to approve you here.

Meet the Minimum Apartment Requirements

Before leasing an apartment, the property management company will do a background check to ensure that all of the details are correct and that you fit the tenant profile they require. In most cases, you will be required to show proof of income as well as personal identity, such as a driver‘s license, if applicable.

So, how much money do you need to make in order to afford to live alone? Learn more about how much income is required to lease an apartment here.

In addition, most landlords demand a good credit score of at least 620 or higher to demonstrate that you are financially responsible and will pay your rent on time. Since you might not yet have sufficient credit history or have limited employment history, being a minor, proposing to pay a larger rental deposit/security deposit and a bigger sum upfront to cover many months’ rent could help persuade the property owner to approve your application.

That said, if you have a bad credit history, having a co-signer will also help persuade the landlord by putting their concerns about your ability to pay rent at ease.

Dangers of Co-Signing when Renting an Apartment

It is always important to understand the dangers of co-signing as a parent or guardian. To begin, you will be responsible for paying the rent until the conclusion of the lease term. Second, you will be responsible for any damages to the apartment until the end of the lease. Learn everything there is to know about an apartment lease agreement here.

Which Apartments Can I Afford?

As a first–time renter, you should be aware of the types of units you can afford when looking for an apartment. That said, what criteria do you use to determine which apartments you can afford?

Here are some apartment hunting strategies/tips for finding an apartment to help you save time and money:

• Apartments that offer convenience are considerably expensive. What do we mean by this? If the apartment is located near grocery stores, shopping malls, and other amenities, the rental prices are often higher than those located a little further away.
• Another indicator of a higher rental fee is whether or not the property is pet-friendly. This is because there will be so much more cleaning to perform, on average, that landlords sometimes charge a higher rent for tenants with pets. So, always review the apartment pet policy.
• If the apartment does not have an elevator, the upper units will be more affordable because no one wants to carry things, like groceries, all the way up. So, consider leasing the top floor units to save more money.
• Keep in mind that safety comes at a price. We understand that as a young adult you want to save as much money as possible, but the unfortunate reality is that renting an apartment where you lose valuables may be extremely costly.

How to Budget for Rent as a First-Time Tenant

As a young adult, it is clear that your monthly paycheck is not sufficient to cover many of your requirements and desires. So, discovering ways to save money is a great way to stockpile a large savings account after paying all necessary payments.

That said, here are strategies you can use to save more money as a first-time apartment renter:

Use 50-30-20 Rule

This rule states that you should set aside 50% of your income for necessities, such as rent, food, and clothing, among others. The 30% should be set aside for desires, such as vacations, and the remaining 20% should be set up for savings.

This rule can assist you in avoiding living over your means, which can lead to financial difficulties. That said, use a rent calculator online to search for apartments that fall within your budget range. All you need to do is key in your monthly income, and the tool will give you a range of apartments that you can afford.

Look for a Roommate

Renting your own apartment with a roommate can help you save money. Splitting your monthly rent will save you half of what you could have spent if you had paid them on your own. A security deposit, plus one month’s rent and a pet fee, if applicable, is a huge expenditure; renting with a roommate can ease the burden of dealing with all these expenses.

Consider your utility expenditures as well, which can easily double or triple during the winter or summer months due to the need to heat and cool the apartment, respectively. Learn how to keep utility bills low in an apartment here.

Although renting with a roommate can be a wise move, you need to do your research to pick the ideal roommate. Some people are difficult and stubborn in many ways, regardless of how much you attempt to reason with them; this is not the type of person you want as a roommate.

Before signing the rental agreement/lease agreement, make a list of non-negotiables that you and your potential roommate agree to, and talk about how you will live together beforehand.

Search for Apartments During Winter

Apartments are less expensive during the winter since fewer individuals are looking to rent. The winter months are known for being a festive season, and no one wants to replace that with the stress and worry of moving out. Learn what is the best month to look for an apartment here.

Besides, landlords are far more inclined to negotiate a lower rental price during this time because they would rather have an occupied unit rather than an empty one. So, always push for a lower rent to save money since you may have leverage over the landlord.

Note: Never take someone’s word for it; always double-check that what you agree on with the landlord is reflected in the rental agreement. You lose your leverage after you sign on the dotted line, and it will not matter if what is on paper differs from your verbal agreement at that point. Your statements will be pitted against the hard evidence of what you signed on paper in a court of law.

Look for Rent Specials

To attract new tenants, most new apartment complexes offer rent incentives. To save money, look for such apartments near your desired area.

Asking for a Trial Period

Most landlords are reluctant to lease their apartments to underage tenants. So, if you score a  garage apartment in a home of a private person, you may be better off. That said, be prepared to ask for a trial arrangement of one to three months, if possible. During this time, make sure to pay your rent dues on time.

This is not your parents house, so be sure to show respect to someone’s property and them personally in order to earn their trust and respect as well. Such small attributes can go a long way to scoring you the apartment long term.

Final Thoughts

Exceptions to renting an apartment under the age of 18 include military service, marriage, and emancipation by a court of law (court approval). That said, renting your first apartment will be a huge challenge if you don’t fit into that category.

If you do not have a good credit report, it is always a wise decision to offer the landlord a lump sum upfront to cover many months of rent (this is aside from paying a security deposit and one’s monthly rent).

Lastly, although property managers are prohibited under the law from discriminating against race or national origin, the law does not address age discrimination implicitly. That said, a landlord can decide to rent to a young adult without a credible source of income or employment history.

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May 16, 2022 at 11:57 am · Justin Becker · Comments Off on The Best Rentals in Keego Harbor, MI

The Best Rentals in Keego Harbor, MI

Keego Harbor is one of Oakland County’s nicest locations to reside in. It has a lot of appealing apartments that are both luxurious and reasonably priced. If you are visiting the city for the first time, be prepared to lose track of time as its attractions entice you.

From ancient buildings to gorgeous landscapes and publick Keego Harbor parks and rec, the city has something for everyone.

Rentals in Keego Harbor, MI

Whether you are starting a family or seeking a change of scenery, this city will offer you the ideal environment to settle at. That said, if you are looking for a rental, you have come to the right spot. Here, We have put together a list of the top rentals in the city of Keego Harbor.

Cass Lake Front Apartments

At the top of our list is Cass Lake Front Apartments. This apartment complex has a variety of excellent units that are welcoming and affordable, and is located at 1751 Cass Lake Front, Keego Harbor, MI 48320.

This apartment complex prides itself on offering excellent customer service and attention to detail. The community aims to provide residents with affordable access to the picturesque city and the beautiful Cass Lake. What sets Cass Lake Front Apartments apart from other apartment communities is their commitment to providing a superb apartment living experience.

The Cass Lake Front community offers a variety of floor plans, including one bedroom apartments for rent in Keego Harbor, MI and two bedroom apartments for rent in Keego Harbor, MI.

The units here feature:

●       Upgraded Granite Countertops

●       Hardwood Flooring

●       Spacious Bedrooms

●       Extra Storage Spaces

In addition, the community is pet-friendly, so feel free to come with your cats and dogs. The best thing about these Cass Lake apartments is that the apartment pet policy is very reasonable compared to the neighboring communities.

This community offers a virtual apartment tour for each layout, or you can contact Cass Lake Front Apartments for an in-person tour.

When viewing the virtual tours, make sure you don’t use misconfigured or infected devices to avoid cyber attacks that could result in you losing personal data. Whether it is an office or shared network, contact your network administrator to help you secure your connection.

Pine Lake Manor

Pine Lake Manor is another apartment community that offers a wonderful apartment living experience, being located right off Orchard Lake Road.

If you enjoy lake living, you will certainly be pleased to learn that Cass Lake, Orchard Lake, and Pine Lake surround this apartment neighborhood.

The community is dedicated to giving the best apartment living experience possible by offering amenities like a sparkling pool, lush landscaping, and 24-hour emergency maintenance.

Other unique features include:

●       Additional Storage

●       Air Conditioning

●       Balconies for 2nd & 3rd Floor Units

Pine Lake Manor offers a variety of floor plans, including one and two bedroom apartments, with the average rent ranging between $1,068-$1,118 and an average of 800-900 sq ft. in space.

The community is also pet-friendly, welcoming both cats and dogs, however dogs may be subject to breed restrictions.

Other Nearby Communities

Huron Place

Huron Place is an apartment community located at 574 W Huron St, Pontiac, MI 48341. It is a historic building full of charm in Oakland County.

This apartment building offers a one and a two bedroom apartment floor plan with an average rental price between $699–$799 for the 1-bedroom and $899–$999 for the 2-bedroom, respectively.

The nicest part about this apartment community is that utilities, such as water and heat, are included, meaning that you don’t have to worry about paying them separately.

The apartments here are smoke-free, and they offer high-end appliances, including an oven, a range, and a refrigerator. However, they only offer a one-year lease option, so if you only need to stay six months, you may need to reconsider.

The Crossing at Auburn Hills

Last on our list is The Crossing community, located at 601 Seville Blvd., Pontiac, MI 48340, and they offer two and three bedroom apartments.

The top-notch features of this community include spacious layouts and excellent customer service, along with a strategic location that positions them closer to amenities such as public transportation, dining areas, and shopping centers.

The community is pet-friendly, and so it allows cats and dogs. With that said, prepare to pay $200 for a pet deposit and $25 pet rent every month.

The Crossing community offers apartment layouts with beautiful hardwood floors, extra storage spaces, and spacious walk-in closets.

You may contact the office staff to request a private tour/temporary access and inquire for more information.

Final Thought

There are several great communities to live in within Keego Harbor and its nearby neighborhoods, however Cass Lake Front Apartments stands out as one of the most prestigious in the city. Living here provides you with a one-of-a-kind residential experience.

If you want to get a sense of the community, contact their offices and request a tour today!

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May 9, 2022 at 1:16 pm · Justin Becker · Comments Off on Why is Finding an Apartment So Hard?

Why is Finding an Apartment So Hard?

If you have ever tried finding an apartment, then you understand how difficult it can be. What makes it challenging is aligning your rental budget, preferences, commute, and personal needs with the apartment you choose.

However, with the right amount of effort and research, you can easily acquire the rental unit of your dreams. In this article, we give reasons why it is difficult to acquire an apartment and give you extra tips on how to get one with ease:

Why is Finding an Apartment So Hard?

Finding the right apartment becomes very difficult due to the following reasons:

Lower Supply, Higher Demand

We all know that the rental market has been on an upward trend for the past 10-years or so. Many apartment complexes are being built to address the problem of increased population; however, the truth of the matter is that the new apartment supply is lower than the higher demand for housing.

A lower supply of new properties and increased demand for rental units also results in increased rental costs. This means that fewer people can afford the monthly apartment rent, making it hard for average earners to find an apartment. For this reason, many people are opting for low-cost mobile homes for rent.

Unreasonable Rental Regulations and Rules

The rental regulations and rules stipulate the different landlord and tenant privileges. However, it also outlines the responsibilities that prospective tenants have towards the landlord.

In most cases, the landlord must ensure that the rental unit is well-maintained and secure. On the other hand, the apartment hunter needs to pay their month’s rent on time.

Some jurisdictions offer landlords a chance to create additional rules to make their apartments more desirable and hospitable. Some landlords take this advantage to create rules that make the life of tenants more difficult.

For instance in some cases, you might be prohibited from keeping pets in your rental unit. Therefore, you will be forced to put more research into finding an apartment with a friendly apartment pet policy. Unfortunately, it might also mean paying an additional fee.

Uncooperative Roommates or Partner

Most people usually go through the process of renting an apartment with their partner or a roommate. Having a roommate is a proven approach to reducing rental costs.

However, your interests and needs might differ from those of a partner or roommate. This forces you to take more time to land a rental unit with both your common interests.

If you don’t want such challenges, pick a roommate you have common needs and interests with. It might even be wise to vet your potential roommate.

Increased Monthly Rent

The current market is always experiencing fluctuation in rent prices. The current uptick in costs can be attributed to the real estate developers not meeting the demand for housing. In almost every state, you will note an increase in the number of college students looking for apartments.

It is common to see the monthly rent for some apartments jumping from as low as $500 to as high as $1,500 nowadays. Then, once the rental cost shoots up, it is almost impossible for landlords and property managers to lower it, especially with the demand being so high.

The funny thing is that while the rental cost is increasing, the average monthly income for most people throughout the country is not changing very much. So, instead of going for the expensive apartments, most people prefer renting or buying mobile homes.

For your information, rent increases more for a one bedroom unit than for a two bedroom apartment.

Strict Landlords

There are some landlords and property managers who make the life of tenants more difficult when it comes to finding the best units. Such landlords take tenants through a very long rental application process most of the time.

They make the different stages, such as interviewing, referencing, and documentation very strict and difficult. Even though they might be doing everything genuinely to chase away bad tenants, they sometimes unknowingly chase away the good ones, too. Learn how long it takes for an apartment to approve you here.

If you are seriously looking for a perfect apartment, there are things you need to do to avoid being rejected by your potential landlord. For instance, you should be realistic with your budget. The best tenant is one who manages monthly rent payment promptly. If possible, prove to your landlord that you have a good history of paying rent on time.

It is also critical that you are on time for your rental viewing. During this time, present yourself professionally. Not giving your landlord a good impression might translate into being rejected.

To cooperate easily with your potential landlord, ensure you prepare all possible documentation in advance. Most landlords will require your proof of identity, proof of earnings, and references. Therefore, prepare your driver’s license, bank statements, and references from previous landlords beforehand.

Also, know what to ask when apartment hunting. Where necessary, ask clarification questions from your landlord; and when they call to offer a vacancy, be responsive.

Questions that need clarification include:

• Whether renters insurance is necessary
• Whether off-street parking is available
• Is there covered parking or will you be charged for garage parking?
• Whether there are rent specials, such as discounted security deposit

Competition Among Tenants

Statistics show that rental property demand is rising in both rural and urban locations. People no longer have the many rental options that they used to, leaving everyone competing for the few available. With this, you are likely to find it hard to get a rental unit that meets your requirements at an affordable rate.

How to Find a Rental Unit Easily

Getting the best apartment can be easy if you have the right information. You should know where to search and who to approach. Determining your requirements beforehand can also make your apartment search more straightforward.

Go through the below tips to have an easier apartment hunting process:

Ensure Perfect Timing

If you want to get a rental unit quickly, look for one on a weekday. This way, you will get maximum access to the property manager and apartment inventory.

There is also an option of doing an online search. Always search for a unit months before the move-in date. We recommend narrowing down your preferred search location to the level of a city, for example metro cities, like San Francisco. Take a look at our recommendations for websites to search apartments for rent.

Approach Experts

Working with an apartment broker, leasing agent, or real estate agent in hot market areas will likely land you a rental unit within days. Most agents have pre-vacancy online listings and can, therefore, link you to such options.

However, you will have to give them broker fees. In most cases, it is a percentage of your monthly or yearly rental cost. Learn how to find an apartment without a broker here.

Have Your Documents Ready

You will find it hard to land your dream rental unit without the relevant documents. We recommend that you have documents scanned even before you start looking for an apartment.

Most landlords will require a copy of your ID, tax returns, 1–2 years of W–2s, a letter of reference, and bank statements. They use these documents in the tenant screening process.

With the letter of reference, talk to the relevant referee in advance. You will be safe if you maintain a clean credit report.

Understand Your Needs

It is important that you define your dream apartment even before you start searching for one. You can then do thorough online or in-person searches to check the available options. We recommend that you don’t compromise your features of choice for low monthly rent.

Be Open-Minded

You need to know what you are willing to negotiate and what you can’t compromise. This will enable you to make quick decisions.

If you can’t find a rental unit that is up to your standards, just accept and move on. Do not settle for less due to fear of missing out on a vacancy.

Involve Friends

Nothing beats “word of mouth” when it comes to finding an apartment. You will be surprised to learn that some of your friends know of vacant units within the neighborhood. They can even recommend you to the best landlords.

Always feel free to let friends know when you are in need of finding an apartment.

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May 2, 2022 at 11:56 am · Justin Becker · Comments Off on Top 5 Rentals in Bloomfield Hills, MI

Top 5 Rentals in Bloomfield Hills, MI

Moving to any new place and looking for rentals is a challenging task, but a destination like Bloomfield Hills is worth the effort! In Bloomfield Hills, MI, you get access to the nearby city of Detroit without having to forgo that peaceful suburban vibe.

Rentals in Bloomfield Hills, MI

Knowing how to shop for apartments may get confusing in Bloomfield Hills. So, you should check out the following top recommendations first:

1. Cass Lake Front Apartments

While we can compare Cass Lake Front Apartments and Bloomfield Lakes Apartments, the former choice seems to have some excellent features. It is just across the street from Cass Lake, providing gorgeous views to several units. You are also just two minutes away from the happening Bloomfield Hills downtown area, with a range of museums, parks, shops, and other attractions.

Perks of Selecting Cass Lake Front Apartments

• Nearby top-ranking Keego Harbor schools
• Luxurious features at reasonable rates
• Nearby convenience, such as grocery stores
• Close-knit community
• Loads of amenities and facilities, such as on-site maintenance, laundry, open spaces, modern appliances, etc.

2. Bloomfield Lakes Apartments

This is a housing complex near Bloomfield Hills that has somewhat older units for rent. With access to these apartments, however, you can still have a modern lifestyle.

Perks of Selecting Bloomfield Lake Apartments

• It has several positive online reviews
• Access to on-site facilities, such as laundry rooms and picnic areas
• In-unit amenities, such as air conditioning, heating, and an internet connection (as network administrator, always select the office or shared network option and perform an anti-virus scan to avoid infected devices)

After making sure that your broker has the right real estate licenses, you may also want to check out the pros and cons of apartments in Bloomfield Hills, MI. For this particular complex, the increasing costs and low housing availability are the biggest disadvantages.

3. Glens of Bloomfield Apartments

These units are pet-friendly, with simple yet elegant details to attract anyone in Bloomfield Hills. As long as you avoid any misconfigured or infected devices by using an anti-virus scan, you can enjoy a stable internet connection too.

Perks of Living in Glens of Bloomfield Apartments

• Contemporary, updated kitchens
• Natural light
• Community clubhouse
• Fitness center
• Outdoor lounge area
• In-unit washer/dryer
• Individual basement storage

4. Bloomfield Square Apartments

This is a pet-friendly community that features both one and two-bedroom units. There may also be an internet connection, but every resident should manage their network administrator settings in order to avoid misconfigured or infected devices.

Perks of Living in Bloomfield Square Apartments

• Fully equipped kitchens
• Dining room
• Walk-in closets
• Outdoor swimming pool
• Several parks and shopping centers nearby

5. Bloomfield Place Apartments

At Bloomfield Place Apartments, you get easy access to all the important locations in Bloomfield Hills. These include the Bloomfield Town Square and the Gateway Plaza. According to their respective timings, residents also have temporary access to at least five parks in a 7-mile radius.

The standard residences here are fairly simple, but there are also more upscale units for those who can afford higher rent rates.

Perks of Living in Bloomfield Place Apartments

• A fitness center
• Dog park
• Landscaping
• Outdoor pool
• Sundeck
• Outdoor grilling area

Overall, this apartment complex is excellent if you are in search of quick access to the nearby happening cities, such as Keego Harbor, MI.

The Takeaway

There is no shortage of decent rentals in Bloomfield Hills, MI, but the above rental options will hopefully narrow down your search. It does seem like Cass Lake Front Apartments is the best choice yet, so do check it out once you have enough income to rent an apartment in Bloomfield Hills. If you sense a personal connection, go ahead and research in detail. See if you can get temporary access to a unit before signing anything!

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April 25, 2022 at 1:15 pm · Justin Becker · Comments Off on Can My Parents Lease an Apartment for Me?

Can My Parents Lease an Apartment for Me?

Moving to a new apartment, especially if you are just starting out, can be stressful due to the expenses involved. For example, purchasing furniture and appliances for a new place is costly, and there are other fees to take into account, such as pet fees and security deposits.

That said, a minimal monthly revenue stream may not be sufficient to cover your needs. Seeking help from parents is not uncommon when it comes to dealing with new apartment expenses. As a result, many people rely on their parents and relatives for financial support.

Can My Parents Lease an Apartment for Me?

Yes, your parents can lease an apartment/rent an apartment for you, and they can co-sign as guarantors, which means they will be liable for paying rent if you are unable to do so.

Parents may co-sign as guarantors for a variety of reasons, such as if the tenant has a poor credit score or none at all, or if they do not have a previous rental history with which the landlord can compare your ability to pay rent.

With that said, we dive deep and uncover all you need to know about how your parent/legal guardian can lease/rent an apartment for you.

What is a Guarantor?

A guarantor is someone who agrees to pay rent (rent an apartment for you) if you are unable to do so according to the terms of your lease. It can be one of your parents, relatives, or friends.

With that said, being a guarantor is a massive responsibility, which is why it is always best to find someone you can completely trust so they do not let you down when you are in a crisis.

By agreeing to be your co-signers, your parents are not obligated to live with you; in fact, some landlords require your co-signer to be someone who owns property or owns a home in order to ensure that they can comfortably step in and pay all the rent.

What are the Qualifications for My Parent to be a Guarantor?

Typically, your parents should have a steady source of income and a credit score of at least 700 in order to qualify. This is to ensure that the guarantor has the financial means to pay your rent, if necessary.

Why Would You Need a Rent Guarantor?

There are a variety of reasons why you might need a guarantor, but here are a few of the most common:

Bad or No Rental History

It is difficult to get your first apartment if you have a negative rental history or none at all. Many landlords and property managers pay close attention to such facts in order to determine the type of tenant or renter you are. Furthermore, background checks assist landlords in determining whether you have the financial means to pay your rent.

Poor or No Credit History

Bad credit or no credit history often lowers the chances of scoring a rental property. Typically, landlords require a good credit score of at least 620, but that number varies based on the market and the community.

If you fail to pay, a guarantee or co-signer strengthens your claim to lease/rent an apartment because the landlord will be more confident that the rent will ultimately be paid.

Low or No Income Stream

If you have a low or no income, a landlord or property manager is more likely to reject your application. No sane landlord would let you rent/lease one of their units if they knew you did not have a steady source of income. Also, people that are self-employed may have a hard time proving their income, which may require a co-signer in order to be approved. Learn how long does it take an apartment to approve you, here.

On the other hand, a guarantor will increase your chances of getting the apartment because the landlord will be confident that someone else will pay.

Drawbacks of Having a Co-signer

When it comes to renting an apartment, having a guarantor or co-signer has a lot of advantages, but what are some of the drawbacks? Let’s find out!

It Can Strain or Damage Relationships

Most co-signers are typically close to the tenant, in terms of relations. With that said, if the tenant does not pay their rent on a regular basis, the co-signer will ultimately be responsible. Furthermore, if the cosigner fails to pay the rent, this might harm both the cosigner’s and the tenant’s credit scores.

One late payment can blow a good credit score, and raising it back up takes some time. Although the legally required financial responsibility falls on the cosigner if the tenant defaults, the relationship may be jeopardized as a result of the overdependence.

Property Owners Have the Right to Decide Who Needs a Co-signer

While having a co-signer on your side can help you get your first rental unit, the sad reality is that most landlords will decide whether or not to grant your request.

Some landlords prefer not to accept cosigning at all since they do not want to deal with the headaches that come with having someone else pay their tenant’s rent. This in no way violates any tenant rights.

What if My Guarantor Falls Behind on Payments?

The first thing that will happen is that you will be hit with late fees for failing to pay your rent on time. In addition, if you do not pay your rent/lease on time during the grace period, the landlord will most likely serve you with an eviction notice and initiate a lawsuit against you and your guarantor, which can affect the credit scores of both parties.

That said, before you choose a guarantor, make sure they can afford to pay the lease amount if you fail or fall short of the required rent at any moment.

What to Look for During Your Apartment for Rent Search

If you want to get the best rental unit in your desired area, there are a few things you should watch out for on your apartment tours.

Pet-Friendly Communities

Finding a pet-friendly community is a top priority if you are a pet owner. We encourage you to talk to some residents to get their views on the pet-friendliness of the community before signing the rental agreement.

Furthermore, most communities have pet restrictions; find out if your pet qualifies to live there, particularly in terms of breed type, by reviewing the apartment pet policy. If your pet is among the restricted breeds, look for alternatives.

Strategically Located

Many things will be affected by your apartment’s location throughout your stay, so you must choose solely based on your needs. For example, it is not a good idea to live too close or too far from your workplace or school. You should also consider the traffic congestion and other factors before making a final decision.

Living far from your place of work, as well as amenities like shopping centers, restaurants, and hospitals will cost you more in transportation.

Plenty of Amenities

Apartment amenities can really make or break your living experience. It is important to find an apartment community that offers amenities that align with your lifestyle. It is not enough to just have luxury features and a good location; you want to make sure you have all the necessities you need, from parks and libraries to grocery stores and fitness centers.

Noise Levels

A neighborhood can be a good indicator of what your living experience will be like. In fact, for many people, having a quiet neighborhood to call home is the ultimate goal. That said, a quiet and peaceful neighborhood can make you feel more at ease and less like you are living in a busy city. Learn how to deal with noisy apartment neighbors here.

Break-Lease Clause

A break-lease clause is an important element to be considered before signing the lease agreement. It indicates the duration of time for which a tenant has to give notice of his intention to break the agreement. Read more on how to break a lease without penalty here.

This can be done if the tenant wishes to move out of the property because he has found another place, needs a temporary relocation, is going abroad for an extended period, or has any other valid reason. With that said, ignoring this section in lease agreements could jeopardize your relationship with your landlord if you want to leave before your lease term expires/lease ends. However, if you know there is the possibility that you will be moving out sooner rather than later, consider signing a month-to-month lease to make the transition easier.

Natural Lighting

The way your own apartment is naturally lit can have a big impact on your utility bills. Learn more about what bills to expect when renting an apartment here.

Windows can let light in during the day and open up the space, but closed curtains can keep out light and heat at night. If you are lucky enough to live in a place with windows on every wall, you may want to explore blackout shades as well.

Spacious Apartment

Many people begin their apartment for lease search with the goal of finding a property that checks all of the boxes on their “what to look for when renting an apartment checklist.”

The truth is that finding a spacious apartment can be tough. The struggle is often between finding one that is affordable and one that has enough space. The answer to this problem can be found in many ways, but possibly the most seamless is using online real estate websites, which provide listings of apartments for rent/lease based on your preferences. Find our top five websites to search apartments for rent here.

Cost of Living

When looking for an apartment, the cost of living is often a major factor in determining the best option. In addition to being able to afford the rent/lease and utilities, you also need to be able to afford the food and necessities in that area. For instance, it is important to consider how much you are spending each week on groceries and whether there are any grocery stores nearby.

Final Thought

Many times, the person leasing the apartment wants to be able to live there without their family or needing roommates. If they cannot obtain a lease themselves, however, they can ask a parent or other guarantor to sign on their behalf.

The truth is that one of the most common myths about leasing an apartment is that you need to be at least 21 years old. This is not true, and many people in their late teens or early twenties can lease apartments if they have a guarantor.

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