Finding a NoVA apartment is a nightmare!

[acors]

try subletting, but what makes you think MD is going to be any different than VA unless of course you're looking towards moving into the PG County area, or Howard Co.

[Cocopuff]

Originally Posted by linux_n_Pontiac

Are they out and out rejecting you, or are they offering you a chance to pay a higher security deposit (refundable when you leave)? Why are they asking for a cosigner? This may not be a 'Virginia' problem, i.e., apartments in Maryland and the District most likely use similar standards for their applicants. I agree with the other posters that craigslist.com may be a good option. Maybe even a roomate situation?

Here's more information: For the first two places I applied on my own, and they just came out and said that they couldn't accept me becuase I wouldn't be able to afford the rent (when I actually did). The third place I used a co-signer (my father) and they rejected me supposedly because my father nor I made enough money. The fourth apartment accepted me (AFTER looking at my credit score (which isn't bad), previous rental history, and my father's credit score); then they "changed their mind" the night before I was scheduled to move in. I'm leery about trying craigslist again...I had made arrangements on three different occaisions to look at an apartment or condo, and the landlords (who just happen to all be men) never showed up and never returned my calls afterwards. To be honest, if I had known that finding a place to live in the DC area was so difficult, I would have never moved here. I started reading messages before the final decision was to move, and I NEVER once read about anyone meeting a brick wall when it came to looking for an apartment. I hope other people who are thinking about moving here have read this post and will consider the difficulties they may face.

[Cocopuff]

Thanks everyone for your opinions and thoughts on the situation. I've decided to give VA one more try before moving on to DC or MD (Montgomery or PG Co. I guess). Belle Haven Towers is supposed to let me know Monday or Tuesday what their decision is. And I can give craigslist one more try as well. I've been doing my best to stay positive, but it's becoming more difficult. Everyone I have talked to about this is perplexed as well. And just to reiterate: my salary isn't in the gutter, I'm working full-time for a reputable consulting firm that does work for the Dept. of Labor, my credit is OK (average), and I honestly have no problem paying up to $1100 for rent, or living in someone's basement. I just don't understand how people get an apartment in NoVa?! I wasn't planning on looking for a place (and wasting money on application fees) for more than two months!

[goldenmom7500]

Wow. This just shocks me. I'm a landlord in McLean, with a long term tenant, thank goodness. I have had to transition a few times, which I hate, and I never had the luxury of just blowing people off. Maybe if you are near a metro, you have a plethora of applicants? For each of my transitions, which I hate, as I mentioned, I usually have about 3 interested applicants [after one ad] and in the end, there is always one who wants it and who is, luckily, able to pay. I mean, it's a wonderful condo, but I still am a stress case every time I have to go through this ... to be so selective and nonchalant, to blow people off, I can't imagine!

[jnestorr]

Sounds to me that you have BAD CREDIT. It's very easy to get housing in NoVa, very easy i repeat, if your credit is okay. There aren't many complexes with income restrictions in the area. You just have to make enough though. Any credit score in the 500s would present an issue i suppose.

[sa_native1977]

I'm wondering if another issue is that you are just now starting your job in the area. With little work history in the local market, that might be something else that is cropping up. Good luck with Belle Haven Towers! I'll keep my fingers crossed for 'ya.

[itrade]

Privately owned condos are a good way to go if you want rent. There are a lot of owners who made speculative buys and wanted to flip the buys only to be stuck with the property and no owners. They will take ANY income over a complete loss via the monthly mortgage payment. One thing you could do is look at the owned condos in Ballston or Clarendon. We rented at the Alta Vista in Ballston before we owned our first home. The deals were pretty good back then.

In addition to being in an owned property, the entire building will have a condo association which means that there is ownership pride and valuation - meaning that the owners don't treat their units or common areas like a temporary dumping grounds - something you often see in apartment rentals where virtually everyone is there before moving on to the next big thing.

[Fairfax Mom]

Not to be offensive but are you non-white and are you being discrimated against? Do you have a lot of tatoos, piercings or look "rough" - no offense please!! but what you describe sounds very suspicious.