Renting in Nashville with bad credit? (low income, apartment complex, renter)

[Ldunn1001]

We have been here on two occasions, considering to permanently relocate here but each time have found it is difficult, if not impossible, to find a nice house to rent (we can't buy right now) with bad credit. It seems that everyone does a credit check and finding a house, that you like, in an area that is not 45 miles away from downtown is quite a challenge. Anybody else have this problem? What did you do? Thanks

[scottv]

apartment complex

[vlv723]

I'm kinda in the same situation as well...

I concerned that if I try to rent an apartment/room because they might do credit checks and possibly decline me because of having bad credit. I can make the payments and put down the deposit but do property management/landlords really care if my credit is bad?

[scottv]

you have to look at it from a landlord's perspective: he/she doesn't want a deadbeat in his property who could take a while to evict/damage the place etc...I have friends who rent properties and they've been stuck with giving a deadbeat free rent for a period of time during eviction, etc...you might be able to get by if you pay rent a few months in advance or something like that...

[Ldunn1001]

Here's the deal, Scott V. Some good people who would actually pay their rent on time, have had difficulties in the past and have ended up with poor credit. Ultimately, when that happens you end up paying a higher rate on EVERYTHING. Its like businesses/creditors penalize you for having bad credit and make it even MORE difficult to ever come out of the situation. Its a vicious cycle. But just because someone has bad credit doesn't automatically mean that they are bad people or that they will end up being evicted. Its just frustrating because it is definitely more difficult to rent from an apartment complex or realtor because you know going in that they are going to run your credit and more than likely turn you down and then you still without a place to live and also the $50 it cost to apply. The only hope for people like myself who have ran into hard times, is to hopefully find an individual who is lenient in that respect and willing to give people a second chance. There are just not enough people like that out there, particularly in Nashville. I have found that most homes in Nashville are through a realtor or require a credit check...so that knocks us out immediately. We don't even pursue those homes and that really doesn't leave anything left. We have two children and we would really like to give them a nice home but people who insist on holding the past against someone for years makes it an almost impossible task finding a home....especially in Nashville.

[scottv]

have you tried craigslist.org ?

[Carol McCullough]

It might be worthwhile for you to contact the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency (MDHA) and ask them for advice. While they primarily deal with public and low income housing, they are also involved in community development and are connected with lots of property owners. They may be able to direct you to some landlords that would be willing to work with you or they may recommend someone else with whom you could talk. Their main line is (615) 252-3677.

Alternatively, you could also contact the Mayor's Office and ask for advice. That number is 615-862-6000.

Don't be shy. Providing assistance is what they are supposed to do for a living!

[creeksitter]

What I look for is has the renter made any progress in paying back past debts. If the balance owed is the high balance that looks like the renter has no sense of responsibility for paying back the money they owe.

[patrn52]

I recently left a very abusive relationship came to Nashville to start over. I got a job, I just can't find anywhere decent to live. I make very good money and pay on time I just had to leave in a hurry and broke my rental agreement and that looks bad on my credit, Any help or advise on this seemingly hopeless situation?

[Fourever2]

Being upfront and honest with the people your dealing with about your credit history and offering an additional deposit will most likely help you get housing.