Finding a NoVA apartment is a nightmare! (Arlington, Alexandria: mortgage, credit report)

[Cocopuff]

WARNING: LONG BUT IMPORTANT STORY! Here is an FYI to all who are looking for a modest studio or 1 bedroom apartment in Falls Church, Arlington, or Alexandria: it's impossible! I relocated from Tampa, FL to the DC area at the end of August; hoping to find my own place within a month or two. By the way, I do have a full-time job and although I'm not making six-figures, I'm making way more than minimum wage. So, with my new job and previous savings, I budgeted for no more than $1100 a month for a studio or 1 bedroom (granite countertops not required, just clean, safe, and close to a Metro station).

Well, it's now December, and I have yet to be able to get into an apartment! I've looked at dozens of places, and actually applied to four. The first two apartments said that I didn't meet their "income requirement". WTF! I've lived in New York City, Boston, and Tampa, and have had absolutely no problem paying the rent, whether it was $400 a month or $1200 a month. The third place said my co-signer (my father) didn't make enough money. Again WTF! Not to brag, but my father DOES bring home over $100K a year (and that's after taxes). The really kicker was the last apartment. They approved my application, accepted my security deposit, wrote up the lease, and notified me of the exact address (building number and unit number). All I had to do was show up Saturday morning with first month's rent and they would hand over the keys...like all of the other apartments I've lived in. Well, at 6pm Friday night, the manager called and let me know that they decided to deny the approval and reject the lease (in other words I can't move in). Can you believe that?! I spoke with the manager today in-person, and all he did was give me the runaround and say that although my credit was good, my father's credit was really bad. Oh really? If his credit was so bad, he wouldn't be able to buy a house or car whenever he wanted, or rebuild and expand his business after a fire destroyed it a few years back.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do now. I guess I'll start looking for a place in DC or Montgomery Co., MD. I hope there is not so much discrimination there. All I have to say to people hoping to move to northern Virginia...don't be surprised if you get rejected from every place. Don't subject yourself to income and/or racial discrimination! Move to DC or MD instead!

[VLT]

Cocopuff, I don't know what to say... I am so sorry you are going through such a difficult time just to get a roof over your head. I have never heard of a cancellation on a rental at the last minute as you described. Maybe you should formally complain, if you believe you have been discriminated against. There is not room for that in this part of the world, or even country!

Best of luck!

[SmerkyGrl]

Try renting from private owners. Renting below $1100 is difficult in NoVA anyway. Also, there are some apartments in Falls Church (look at online sources) that have "maximum" income requirements as well. Just got to know where to look. I found my apartment within a week.

[Flamingo13]

I haven't rented in quite awhile, but my last rental was in Falls Church. I agree w/previous posters, if it's discrimination - DO something about that. Look at private rentals (I rented condos. most recently). I have no idea what rentals go for these days, but I was single and didn't make a "ton" of money, and had no problems.

[Yankeesfan]

Since two of the places have mentioned your father's income/credit rating, that may be where the problem lies. He may be doing very well but his own expenses (mortgage, car payments, etc.) put him at what the creditors consider a comfortable limit and adding the additional cost of your rental would put him over their guidelines. After all, that is the point of a co-signatory; he isn't just vouching for your trustworthiness, he's legally obligating himself to make the entire payments if you don't.

[ACWhite]

I'm sorry you're having so much trouble. Is it possible your dad could check his own credit rating with one of the credit bureaus? I wonder if someone might have run up a bill on one of his credit cards, if there is an uncorrected error on his records, or if he might be an identity theft victim.

[goldenmom7500]

Very strange! Years ago I almost rented a studio at the Bennington in Alexandria (either Crystal City or Pentagon City, probably the first). It was a nice place ($600/month 12 years ago, probably $1600 today, right?) and the application process was very low key. But I ended up getting a roommate and moving somewhere else. Or I would agree you could try a private owner through craigslist.

[Alanboy395]

i'd go with a private rental off craigslist.com. these folks are a lot more negotiable and probably will disregard income and credit rating if you have a good rental history.

[Zack]

The first two income requirement apartment problems might have been that you make too much money, not too little. Those places are tax subsidized apartments for lower income residents.

Go out and immediately get a copy of your credit report and your fathers. This will tell you if there are red flags on the report that is getting you rejected.

The previous posts suggesting to look at private landlords are fine, but they will likely check your income, credit rating, and previous rental history as well. If they don't you probably don't want them as a landlord anyway, since that is basic due diligence that any landlord should do; makes you wonder how they handle other situations.

[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?