[kuzivazack]

We are a couple who are planning on moving to the Kalamazoo area to attend school and work while there. We are having a hard time finding apartments that dont use credit against you and definetly do not want to move into the bad side of town. We also dont have good cosigners to cosign for us but we do make a lot of money. The problem is just our bad credit from past credit cards. We have never rented before, this would be our first time so I guess that makes it harder for them to accept us. Please help us if you can by telling us any information that could possibly help us with our situation. Thank you very much
Zack & K.K

[lavendersunrise]

Unfortunately, I think you are pretty SOL. From my experience it's good credit or bad side of town. Maybe you could work something out where you pay in advance for 6 months or something?

[bubbagirl]

When I originally had to rent on my own, I also had a situation with a credit card gone bad. I worked with a private owner for a rental house and explained my situation. The owner was happy to help as long as I was willing to put down enough money up front to minimize risk.

I might suggest that you gear your search towards the cheaper and maybe not as desireable of apt and offer to put up not only your security deposit and first month's rent, but also last months rent up front. Legally, the landlord cannot ask for more than 1.5 months worth of security deposit, but they can ask for first/last +sec... I would just offer it if money is not a problem. Also, offer a bank statement showing regular money coming in and that you're financially responsible (and not letting your bank account go dangerously low or in the negative on a regular basis).

[MittenDweller82]

wow you need to move back with the rents and pay down the cc bills...otherwise your life is greatly affected. Plan for 5 years ahead, set a goal, declaring bankruptcy can sometimes boost your score ( i dont know yours but) its a point that you can start from. I had to raise mine for 3 years before getting back into the swing of things (buying a car, etc) Gluck.....find a for rent sign on a house, and if the owner does not require a credit check then go for it.

[JillianS]

I lived in Candlewyck for a while....they seem to have fairly low requirements in that area. I was a broke college kid and they let me in! Just do your best to have a job before you apply.