Hi Everyone. Yesterday, as part of another thread, I posted that my husband and I had applied to rent a town house. We haven't heard anything yet and I'm so nervous! I checked and, just as I anticipated, the management company pulled Experian. Everyone pulls Experian out here in Southern cal, much to my dismay. There are no recent derogs. Everything negative is over two years old, the worst thing being that confounded paid chargeoff I have. Also, the limits on a couple of my cards are kind of high but that shouldn't matter. We don't have car payments and can easily afford the new rent. In fact, we'll still be able to continue our habit of putting a generous amount of our salary in savings. No, we won't be able to save as much as we are now but we'll be fine. Anyway, if you would all hold a good thought for me I would be grateful. We really want this place! It's a four-bedroom town house and we're hoping to have the option of buying it in a year or so. Before we plank our money down, though, I want to make sure I can tolerate the daily commute. We're talking a 30-mile commute and that's a lot to handle by bus. Therefore, we don't want to buy yet, making our stay too permanent. But we're sure praying that we can rent. The place we're living in now is wayyyyy too small. I just hope my credit isn't going to trip us up. Take care and thanks for listening. Donna
if its a rental, all they care about is the current credit situation, and any past-rental issues. remember, they are the ones loosing $1000's a month from having an empty unit.
Thanks, Sam. You've been so helpful during this time of looking for a new place. I know for a fact that we were the first in line to submit our applications. Yep, my husband and I both had to fill one out. I'm just afraid that, if someone with better credit comes along, they will get the rental. The confounded place is $1300 a month so it isn't cheap. However, compared to similar places we looked at, this was a good deal. Neither of us has any past rental issues so we're in luck there. Take care and thanks again. Donna
Thanks much, Marci. I sure appreciate your kind words of support. As soon as I hear anything, I'll be posting. I long for the day when I will no longer have these kinds of worries. Donna
Donna, hang in there! I remember when my wife and I wanted to rent a loft. It was a tough week waiting for the answer. On top of the credit issue the landlord wanted to select someone who would not neglect the unit. We rented for three years and finally have a place of our own. Best regards, Sam
Thanks, Sam, for your support. I appreciate it. I am encouraged to know that you and your wife were able to get the place you wanted and stayed there for three years. The best part came, though, when you were able to buy your own place. I know that had to feel awfully good. Donna
Thanks much, NanaC. I appreciate your kind thoughts. You can bet I'll let everyone know when I hear something. Donna
I am also looking for an apartment. I found one yesterday that I like. IT HAS A DISHWASHER!!!!!! Anyways, the landlord said its $30 for a credit check. Is there a special report that landlords pull? She said they look for things like BK, and if you pay your bills. If you have bad credit you will have to pay $650 for first months rent +$650 dep. +$650 deposit+$200 nonrefundable cleaning fee (you have to pay this is you have good credit too) and the thirty dollars for the credit check. Now, Trans Union has no negatives, Experian has two negatives one will fall off in Jan. and the other will fall off 7/2004, and Equifax also has two negatives. Both have dola 6/95. These negatives are alll older than three years, do you thik I will be considered bad credit?? Ps I am also in S Cal. and everyone pulls Experian. I tried to ask the landlord which report they pull and she didn't understand what I meant. Her english is not that great.
Hi Molly. You'll be fine, I'm sure. Your negatives are pretty old and they don't sound severe. You'll get your place. I'd bet on it! The suspense of waiting is a real killer, though. I'm going crazy! The dish washer sounds great! Our town house has one, too! That will be a luxury. The management company pulled Experian on Hubby and me. Like you said, most places do out here in Southern Cal and I hate that. But hopefully the info they find on you and me will be sufficient to get us approved. My application went in yesterday and the credit report has already been pulled. Good luck! Definitely keep me posted. Donna
Thanks, Dave. Your posts always bring either a smile or a laugh. If only Hubby and I would hear something *soon*! Waiting is driving me nuts! Should I start packing? Donna
Donna I think you will be ok. At most they may make you put down a bigger deposit. That's not so bad. Good Luck!
Hope and Roni, Thanks a bunch. Where would I be without all of you guys! Maybe I'll know something by tomorrow. Boy, I sure hope so! Patience isn't one of my virtues! And waiting is never any fun! I'm ready to start packing. Donna
Sometimes they do more than just pull a credit file. Call your work, former landlord, etc. I'll add my history...I applied to rent a place in Pasadena which was a large complex, just remodelled(there were many open units -- so there definitely wasnt someone lined up right behind me) I was like 8 months post bk, but figured worse come to worse I could pay a bigger deposit. They came back and said no, and I offered to pay deposit+first months+3 months rent up front. They said nope, bk so recent, we cant do it. Not wanting to pay $30 times 2 again and go through that we just stayed put for another year. Sucky. I just hopes that doesnt happen in another year when I really have to move. I'm thinking good thoughts for you though, Donna and Molly
Making, Thanks for sharing your experience. Sorry your apartment quest didn't have a happy ending. I can imagine the process of applying was difficult to get through. Since a lot more time has past now, I'm sure your next search will end in a happier result. Maybe you'll even take the big plunge and become home buyers. Take care and, again, I appreciate the help. Donna
Non-refundable deposits I'm writing about the comment about a $200 non-refundable cleaning deposit. If you are in California, then this is illegal. In California, there are NO non-refundable deposits of any kind. Even if they put it in the lease, it is still illegal. Also, the law limits how much in deposits the landlord can collect. They can't jack up the deposit to make this up past the legal limit. Furthermore, a landlord can not simply charge you $200 from your refundable cleaning deposit. The deductions must be valid. Normal wear and tear is not a reason. You can go ahead and pay this, and then turn around and sue them in small claims court for a refund. The landlord will have no defense and will loose.
