[JDel]

Hi! Since you all have been so helpful with my previous post, I would like to get some input with this:
My husband and I have very poor credit. Unfortunately unexpected things happened and we have alot of medical debts, car repossessions, student loans, etc... But, on the bright side we do have a very strong rental history. We always made sure to pay the rent.
So, here is my question. What is the best way to find a rental with poor credit? We were thinking about looking for a 6 month lease and paying the whole thing up front, but I don't know if that would be acceptable? Alot of the apartment complexes have pretty strict criteria. Or, would it be better to go with a property management?
We are good people who just had some really bad luck -- Thanks for any advice.

[swagger]

Others could probably help more than I, but I believe that as long as you don't have an eviction, most renters are fairly lenient on credit reports. They know that things happen, and that everyone needs a place to live.

[5kingsinvegas]

The best thing is to be honest. Most people realize that if you had excellent credit you would be buying instead of renting. I think most landlords are concerned with evictions and late rental payments. They don't want to inherit some one else's problems. Also, most landlords don't want to collect a years rent up front, this also can be a red flag. I would just be honest and straight forward and I think you will find most landlords willing to work with you. They will be more concerned with your employment and making sure you can afford the rent. I also think that you would probably have an easier time with individual owners vs property management companies.

[olecapt]

In any case an extra month or two worth of security deposit cures all sins. At least 90% of the LLs will take that. So don't sweat it.