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To make this short, me and my soon to be finance, are considering moving to phoenix, az.

He is looking at taking a REALLY good job (would make more than both of us combined at this point).

Problem is we are both working on improving our bad credit and I am afraid it will hold us back when it comes to renting a new place even though we have good rental history.

I feel like between 2 small dogs, a cat and bad credit we'd never find a place to rent...

Anyone have any input on renting with bad credit?

Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 10:57 am Subject:

I know that it is possible to rent with bad credit, as I've known people over the years that were able to. You might be limited as to who will take you, though.

As for the pets, the 2 small dogs should be okay, only downside is the hefty pet security deposits a lot of places impose, and you may have to pay an extra fee on top of the rent each month for the pets. I don't know if 2 dogs AND a cat will fly. A lot of the ads I've seen when looking at apartments usually allow 2 pets max.

I'm assuming you are planning on renting an apartment? Years back, we were thinking about renting a house before we bought our first one, and every single property we looked at would not allow any pets.

Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 11:02 am Subject:

My current apartment doesn't have a problem with the pets. I paid a $300 deposit (3 payments of $100) and there was no limit on animals.

I know this is a rarity though. I thought being in a bigger city would make the pet part easier.

Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 11:21 am Subject:

I know with the recent dive in the housing market, at least in my area, renting with bad credit hasnt been too much of a problem as long as you are upfront and honest with your situation. A friend of mine works in property management and they have a tiered "points" system that takes into account your past rental history, income, time on job and then of course your credit. However, this method gives the opportunity to view the whole person not just credit.

She is seeing many people with recent foreclosures that are renting...and have no problems getting into properties other than being upfront with their situation.

Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 11:42 am Subject:

That's great info, volley. Glad to know that more is being taken into consideration that credit score.

Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 3:47 pm Subject:

We just purchased a home as a rental and had to put $23,000.00 into it so we were very picky on who we rented to. However, we rented to two young girls the oldest has been at her job for 10 years and had a wonderful fico score of like 730 meanwhile her sister has a fico of 520, and no job just moved here from california, but is originally from here. I can assure you that if it hadn't been for her sister's fico score being high and the reference that her previous landlord gave her in regards to paying her rent on time we probably would not have rented to her.

I live in city not as big as Phoenix about 250,000 and we do have alot of rentals in town both good and bad. I believe that if you are upfront and honest with a prospective landlord that they would be more willing to rent to you. Try to get references from you current landlord and previous landlords to present upon application at the time.

ladybug

ladybug

Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 3:57 pm Subject:

Thanks tiffany...

...everyone has a story or a situation and being honest and upfront helps a lot. There are some that are "gypsies" that move from place to place and their situation never gets better, then there are some that have fallen on a hard time such as a foreclosure, which is an epidemic in my area.

Also, a past rental reference goes a long way. I can see your point ladybug with a recently remodeled home,etc and a smaller market area. Hopefully in Phoenix there are more options and landlords hoping to fill properties with renters fast.

Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 5:22 am Subject:

Most property agencies use third party services to pull your credit as well as verifying your employment,past rental history,and any lawsuit history. You may have to pay a larger deposit due to your bad credit,but with prior renter history you should be able to find a place.

Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 8:31 am Subject:

In our area- they take the whole thing into account and renting is usually not a problem-unless you have ever been evicted. That is the first question they ask and find out- otherwise they rent to you, and some take pets,some don't...Good Luck to you..KAren

Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 9:10 am Subject: Renting with bad credit

Given the record amount of foreclosures and layoffs lately, you know there are a lot more people out there with bad credit now than in the past. I think credit shouldn't play into most of the approval process but unfortunately it does in most places. I could see asking for more of a deposit or employment history-etc but not credit. Not in these times anyway. I think they gotta change the standards a little bit.

We just became renters a few months ago after facing foreclosure. We found a lot of private apts/condos/homes wanted 1st, last and security to move in. They didn't care about credit which was good but where I live-that could cost THOUSANDS just to move in. Most did not want animals because of the insurance. We found that the larger rental communities did go by credit where if you did have good credit-you got all kinds of deals like free 1st month-etc. If you had bad credit-you could rent but with a deposit. I was nervous because we were in the process of a short sale but luckily it didn't report yet. They told me that they mainly pull credit to see if there are any past evictions/foreclosures, etc.

Oh, and every place that we looked at IF they allowed pets wanted a deposit-I didn't like it but it does make since to me. You know pets. Laughing

Good luck with your move. I am sure you will find a place that you all will enjoy!

Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 1:04 pm Subject:

Renting without credit checks is entirely possible, depending on where you live and what you intend to rent.

I'm going to be renting a house very soon - I explained my situation to the landlord (and my situation is very much related to the mortgage industry mess right now), and she was very understanding and appreciative of the fact that I was honest with her about my credit. I told her she could pull a credit report if she wanted, but it wouldn't be pretty. She's also allowing us to have our dog, which was a major factor for us. Having to move is bad enough - I couldn't make our family get rid of their dog - especially after we already lost one pet this year.

Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 2:19 pm Subject: Credit Repair

It would be to your best interest to consult a good credit repair company. I know of several if you want to contact me. You could have your credit cleaned up in a very short time.

Posted: Sat Jan 05, 2008 4:46 pm Subject:

I have god awful horrible credit, but when I needed a new place I was unsure that I was going to get in, I did get in to a very very nice apartment complex with a pool, security entrances, club house(all the glitter) I just had to pay the full deposit OR have a cosigner...so try...you may be surprised! Just make sure you do not have any evictions on your CR...that may make things difficult

Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 4:31 am Subject: The pet is the least of your worries.

Leasors are having to take people with bad credit mor and more. You can fix the credit reports though if you know how. If you need some advice contact me. I can help you.

Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 4:38 am Subject:

With a bad credit you can still manage to get an apartment for rent. All you have to do is to get hold of a copy of your credit report so that you are aware of the credit problems you have. Jot down all the negative entries you have in your report and then write a simple letter explaining the reasons behind those negative remarks. Landlords may give apartment on rent if they understand your financial background. You can also offer them a larger deposit. Another option is showing your payroll or a letter from your office verifying the length of employment and wages. It might be helpful.

Best of luck
Nelly

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