Any way to rent an apartment under 18?
I want to move out after high school. I live in Massachusetts and I am only 17, and I need to live closer to my job, and have some freedom from my parents. Could I rent an apartment at this age? Another thing is, I could be roommates with the co-workers and share the rent, but would that violate any law? Is there any way I could get out my house before 18.
Or if I wait until 18, I won't have a very high credit score, would that be a problem getting an apt.? Thanks in advance.
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Those people are wrong. Almost all people have to be 18 to enter into a contract (or should I say be bound by the terms of the contract), but there is legal recourse for those who need to and are underage.
If your on good terms with your parents you should get them to co-sign. This will be the quickest, easiest way. Or have them allow you to move out and co-rent with your worker friends (who are over 18? they could do the lease agreement)
US law says if someone enters a contract under 18 they can cancel for any reason at anytime- they do have to give whatever benefit they got back though (interest on a loan, car...). Unless that minor is emancipated youth, maybe some other situations as well.
Because of contract law most landlords will not rent to those under age- they want a binding lease agreement!
http://www.expertlaw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4...
Most landlords will expect you to not have a high credit score at age 18, you have not had anytime to get one. Landlords don't like to rent to younger people because they tend to not respect the property and have parties at all hours of the night/day. If you have a job that is good for renting- you should also have references- older people who are not family. Teachers, friends parents,...
EDIT:
To Big Deal Maker: Read up, get educated! Emancipated youth in some places CAN enter into contracts.
This is for CA:
http://lafamilylaw.typepad.com/lafamilylaw/2009/05...
"...parents do not have to...provide their child...shelter...This means that your minor child does not have to be responsible to you and may live wherever he or she wishes to live. An emancipated youth also may, for example, enter into a contract, sue and be sued in his or her own name, make or revoke a will, buy or sell interests in property, and apply for a work permit without parental consent."
Hello under age for a rental unit. Sorry to say No you can not rent an apartment while your are under the age of 18. This is just contract law and nothing more. And do not believe the emancipated BS. That has nothing to do with contract law.
Having no credit is better than having bad credit when it comes to renting at the age of 18. We all had to start at one time or the other.
Nope - no landlord will rent to you, as you cannot legally sign a contract. And if you don't have a decent credit score, or any rental history, you may be asked to have a parent co-sign a lease.
You have to be 18 to be responsible for a contract. Wait until then...most apartments dont care about credit.