Most landlords are reluctant to rent their apartments to underage tenants. So if you get a garage apartment in a private person`s house, you might be better off. However, be prepared to request a one- to three-month trial program if possible. During this time, make sure you pay your rental fee on time. Exceptions to renting an apartment under 18 years of age are military service, marriage and emancipation by a court (court approval). That said, renting your first apartment will be a big challenge if you don`t fall into this category. Many new tenants do not have an established credit history. A credit report is one of the things most potential homeowners will check to determine whether or not you qualify to rent an apartment. You may also be asked if you have a checking account and a savings account. If you do not have a credit history, you may have to pay a higher security deposit and/or obtain a guarantor/co-signer.
Emancipation allows minors to live independently of their parents, to enrol in school, to pursue or be prosecuted, to work and to make decisions about their health care. You can also enter into contracts, such as signing a lease to rent an apartment. To attract new tenants, most new apartment complexes offer rental incentives. To save money, look for such apartments near the desired area. Age restrictions for renting apartments vary from state to state. However, they are usually based on a basic principle of the law: anyone who is not yet of legal age is not able to enter into a legally enforceable contract, such as signing a lease. In most states, the age of majority is 18, which means you must be at least 18 to rent an apartment. However, in certain circumstances and depending on the state, a person who is 17 years of age or maybe even younger can sign a lease to rent an apartment. For people between the ages of 16 and 17, signing a co-signing lease is one of the best ways to get an apartment that lives away from caregivers. Technically, anyone can sign a lease regardless of age, but the main problem is that minors are not legally bound by the contract like adults.
Getting a lease for an apartment between the ages of 16 and 17 is certainly much more difficult than an adult lease. This is certainly possible with the proper steps and procedures. Apartments are cheaper in winter because fewer people want to rent. The winter months are known to be a festive season, and no one wants to replace that with the stress and worry of moving. Find out here which is the best month to look for an apartment. Here are some strategies/tips for finding housing to save time and money: A co-signer is someone who is willing to pay your rent in case you are unable to do so (unpaid rent). So if you`re wondering if your parents can rent an apartment for you, the answer is yes, according to the landlord. A co-signer can be your parent, guardian or even a parent. They are usually older than you and have a stable source of income to ensure they can pay the rent on time.
Note: This blog post is not legal advice and should not be treated as such. The opinions expressed here are purely for educational discussion purposes and are intended for general information only. As a first-time tenant, you need to know the types of units you can afford when looking for an apartment. In other words, what criteria do you use to determine which apartments you can afford? Whether there are urgent reasons to want to live alone, or you just hope to spread your wings and leave the nest, there are many ways to build a good housing situation without fear of penalties or legal consequences. That being said, some landlords may allow a 17-year-old to rent an apartment with parental consent, which is common in situations where the minor can move for college. Other means, such as marriage with parental consent or emancipation through court approval, may enable a minor to obtain housing. Renting an apartment at the age of 17 puts you in the adult world and is not an easy transition. You can`t legally sign a lease, but having adult guarantors is one way to get your own apartment. Emancipation comes with a number of requirements that must be met. First, you need to prove that you are able to live independently of your parents or guardians and make informed decisions.
Second, you`ll need proof of income (bank statements) to show that you can pay your bills yourself. While renting with a roommate can be a smart decision, you need to do your research to choose the perfect roommate.