Choosing to rent or buy is a major decision that young people make. It’s also a very important one, and can have huge ramifications on your life for years to come.
The answer to that question depends on a number of factors. Here are some of the main ones:
Age of Majority
The age of majority is the legal age at which a child gains full legal rights and becomes an adult. This can include everything from guardianships and defining who is in charge of the home to the ability to legally bring lawsuits and purchase alcohol. It also determines the minimum age for voting, marriage and other statutory rights.
In most states, the legal age of majority is 18 or 21, although there are some exceptions. This age is set by the state government, and the exact requirements vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
If a person is below the age of majority, it is illegal for them to rent an apartment on their own. However, it is possible for them to co-sign the lease with an adult. This person can be a parent, guardian or even a trustworthy adult who passes a background check and financial verification test.
Having a co-signer is an excellent option for those who are below the legal age to rent an apartment on their own. This can help them avoid being denied by a landlord for lack of credit or rental history.
However, a 16 or 17-year old who wants to rent an apartment is going to have a lot of difficulty finding one. They often don’t have credit or a rental history and will likely be denied by most landlords because of this.
In addition, a teenager’s income and savings are not likely to be sufficient to cover the monthly rent and deposit. They are also likely to have inconsistent, seasonal and part-time employment.
For this reason, many landlords will ask for proof of employment before they will accept a tenant who is below the legal age to rent an apartment on the own. This can include pay stubs or bank statements.
Landlords may also require an additional security deposit from a young person who is not able to provide enough cash. This is usually a small amount, but it can be a good investment for the landlord in the long run.
The legal age to rent an apartment on your own varies by jurisdiction, but it is typically 18 or 21. In addition, some municipalities have laws that protect tenants who lived in a rental property as a minor and choose to stay after they reach the legal age of majority.
Emancipation
The legal age for renting an apartment varies by state, but most landlords prefer to rent to tenants 18-years old or older. This is because young adults are notorious for destroying property and failing to pay their rent on time.
However, a minor can still legally rent an apartment if they have emancipated before they reach the legal age of 18. If you’re a 17-year-old who is legally emancipated, you can rent an apartment and have a co-signer who will be responsible for paying your rent.
Typically, landlords will want to see proof that the individual has been emancipated, but you should also provide references from teachers and parents who are willing to sign a lease on your behalf. You should also show a solid track record of paying your rent on time to avoid getting denied.
Some states have a special law that allows emancipated minors to rent apartments. This type of emancipation is often used by minors who are looking to leave their parent’s house and become self-sufficient.
There are a few exceptions to this rule, including if you’re married, in the military, or have court approval to be emancipated. All of these factors could make it easier for you to rent an apartment.
In Virginia, you must be 16 years old to move out of the home without your parents’ permission. You can seek emancipation by filing with the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court in the administrative district where you live or your parents live.
You can also request emancipation if you’ve left home due to your own actions and have become independent of your parents or guardians. In this case, the court will determine whether or not you’ve acted responsibly.
Many teens who are emancipated do have trouble obtaining an apartment, and they usually get turned away by landlords. This is because they have a poor credit history, no employment history, and they’re considered a risk for breaking the terms of the lease.
However, there are many cases in which an emancipated adult child can be allowed to rent an apartment. Some cities have laws that protect this situation, but it’s always important to check with the city to ensure that this is in place.
Co-signing
Co-signing for an apartment can be a great way to help someone secure a lease, especially if they do not have good credit. However, it is important to be aware of the risks and responsibilities of this type of arrangement.
The first thing to understand about co-signing is that it is a legally binding agreement. This means that the person you co-sign for is a joint debtor with you and has full legal responsibility if they are unable to pay their rent. They are also responsible for any damages to the property that they cause during the time they are renting the apartment.
This could lead to a negative impact on your credit score and can also be detrimental to your relationship with the person you are co-signing for. Make sure you choose a responsible individual who can afford to make their monthly payments on time.
It is a good idea to talk to the applicant about their financial situation and ask questions about how they plan to make their rent payments on time. This will give you a better understanding of the person you are co-signing for and how they will be living in the apartment.
You can also ask your potential co-signer for a copy of their application and lease, as well as any documents related to the agreement. This will provide you with more information about the person you are co-signing for, as well as their credit history.
Landlords often request that co-signers have credit scores of at least 700. This is because they want to ensure that their rental properties are occupied by people with a strong financial background. This can be an issue for students and applicants with less than stellar credit scores who do not have a lot of cash saved up or a long work history.
Having an approved co-signer can also help you get an apartment more quickly, as it may be difficult to find an apartment without one. This is especially helpful for first-time renters or those who are moving for a new job.
Credit
Your credit score is a number that represents the likelihood of you paying your bills on time. It is a very important factor in the rental process.
Your score is based on a combination of different factors. These include payment history, amount owed, length of credit history and your mix of different types of debt. A good credit score means that you have a strong financial history and have paid your bills on time in the past.
Landlords typically prefer renters with a credit score of 700 or higher because it shows that they are financially responsible and have paid their bills on time in the past. They also want to avoid renting to someone who might have a problem with paying their rent, such as someone who has a past of late payments or who has charged-off accounts.
If you have a good credit score, it will be easier to find an apartment because landlords and property managers are more likely to take your application seriously. Your score is also important because it helps you compete with others in the area who have a similar credit rating.
While the minimum credit score to rent an apartment varies by landlord and by state, it is generally somewhere between 600 and 650. Some landlords may not even consider applicants with a credit score lower than this.
Most people with a credit score of 600 or above will be approved for an apartment if they can prove that they have a reliable income and a stable job. They can demonstrate this by providing a recommendation from their employer, showing proof of a previous landlord, or offering a deposit and guarantor.
However, some tenants with a low credit score can still get a lease approved if they show a high amount of savings and are willing to provide financial documents that demonstrate their reliability. They can also ask for a credit check and obtain a co-signer.
In addition to your credit score, you will need a stable job and a bank account. It is also a good idea to have some money in your emergency fund, which can help you cover unexpected expenses.