Austin apartments that accept less-than-perfect credit? (Dallas, Earth: apartment complex, rental, condo)

[micmac99]

Need to know about apartment complexes in Austin that will accept applications from people like me with less than perfect credit. Over the last year I maxed out on a few credit cards, and they are now in collections because I cannot afford to make payments, although I may be able to do a settlement on a couple of them before I move (beginning of next year).

Any leads or thoughts? Thanks again.

[theloneranger]

Originally Posted by micmac99

Need to know about apartment complexes in Austin that will accept applications from people like me with less than perfect credit. Over the last year I maxed out on a few credit cards, and they are now in collections because I cannot afford to make payments, although I may be able to do a settlement on a couple of them before I move (beginning of next year).

Any leads or thoughts? Thanks again.

Why on Earth would someone lease to you if you can't pay your current debts? That seems a little hopeful to me.

[micmac99]

1. I said absolutely NOTHING about trying to rent a place with no employment. Please be assured that I will not move to Austin before having a job lined up. I live in Phoenix right now. If no job prospects are forthcoming, I will not make the move. I will not overburden your already skimpy Texas social services network. I say this as a former 2 1/2 year Dallas resident.

2. Some of you people just can't help but be negative. I'll try to ignore that and hold out for comments that are actually helpful.

[micmac99]

Originally Posted by theloneranger

Why on Earth would someone lease to you if you can't pay your current debts? That seems a little hopeful to me.

Ummm...people DO rent to folks with outstanding debts. TRUST ME. Even in Texas. I should know because I rented in Dallas with $1000s in student loan and CC debt and the place was one of the best I ever had ANYWHERE I have lived in America. Not looking for a $1200/mo condo. Just a place to hang my hat and sleep. Doesn't even need to be in the "best" neighborhood.

[CarnivalGal]

The outstanding debts aren't the problem, the problem lies in that you can not and are not paying on those outstanding debts - that's what's going to hurt you.

Most complexes don't give a rat's behind how much outstanding debt you have, so long as you are paying on them in a timely fashion.

I really don't have any advice. Perhaps some apts will rent to you if you have someone co-sign. Or you could always look for someone who is looking for a roomate.

[micmac99]

Originally Posted by mm57553

The outstanding debts aren't the problem, the problem lies in that you can not and are not paying on those outstanding debts - that's what's going to hurt you.

Most complexes don't give a rat's behind how much outstanding debt you have, so long as you are paying on them in a timely fashion.

I really don't have any advice. Perhaps some apts will rent to you if you have someone co-sign. Or you could always look for someone who is looking for a roomate.

My request is for complexes that work with people in these situations, or information on apartment finder services that recommend them. I simply refuse to believe that SOME apartment complex will reject an otherwise perfectly qualified applicant who has the ability to pay monthly rent on time each month.

Maybe a better approach is to ask about general procedures for finding and renting an apartment in Austin - what to expect from landlords and complex management in the market based on the specific and unique qualities of the Austin market as opposed to other markets in Texas and nationally. In Phoenix it's pretty easy to find a place for any budget and credit situation because of the (abnormally) high amount of rental housing in the market and the "working class" majority of the population in Phoenix compared to affluent citizens.

What good is this forum if I cannot find people who can answer a simple question without thinking I'm a dumb*** for even asking the question??? I read many of these posts, and many of you think the borders of Travis and Williamson County ought to be sealed anyway so NO one relocates to Austin! How terrible and unfortunate an attitude!!! Sheesh!!!

[mwv]

Most people who rent apartments don't have perfect credit. That sets up a strawman argument. Lots of people have average/good credit though.

If you have outright BAD credit you are largely going to be restricted to living in a bad part of town.

If you can pay a huge security deposit you might be able rent a place in somewhat better areas, if you can demonstrate respectable employment (something not fly-by-night) that gives the owner some confidence you can pay.

[mwv]

Oh, if you type "bad credit" into Craigslist apartment search you'll find many places.

[Pfhtex]

First and foremost, obtain your credit report(s) so you know exactly how things are reporting TODAY. Recent blemishes, even up to 60 days old, sometimes don't show up on a report when pulled. Of course, residential pay history will be a big swing factor for you.

What do you want to rent? A condo or apartment managed by a company might be tougher than something rented by an individual with whom you could meet and explain your human experience.

I had success using Craigslist, the "housing wanted" section, and I just laid it on the line in the post. I got several understanding replies.

If you are looking to rent a house, your prospective landlord might be in a terrible situation with their investment property(ies) due to the economy, and your deposit + 1st/last month payment might actually be saving their butt.

Get the credit report. Be up front. Your credit might not be nearly as bad as you think. In this market, you are in a position of greater strength than you might think.

[gpurcell]

Micmac, I'd suggest looking into the complexes east of I-35 between Riverside and Oltorf. If any area is likely to be forgiving of delinquent places that would be it.