i have dodgy credit -- but i still need a home! (rental, evictions)

[aajn1983]

I want to rent in the Rogers Park or Edgewater area. I'm not picky, just a cozy studio close to public transport in one of those trendy "vintage" buildings.

But my credit score is like... 576. Embarassing, eh?

Will I still be able to rent? I have good rental references and am going to secure a job before I move there.

Any idea if I'll be able to get a place?

[soulful]

Some management companies don't pull credit reports. Others, even if you have less than stellar credit, are willing to make exceptions if you pay an additional deposit.

While mortgage/loan or credit card cos. tend to look at the FICO score, many landlords focus more on the content of the credit report. It all depends on the specific building/landlord.

good luck to you

[sunnyandcloudydays]

Originally Posted by aajn1983

I want to rent in the Rogers Park or Edgewater area. I'm not picky, just a cozy studio close to public transport in one of those trendy "vintage" buildings.

But my credit score is like... 576. Embarassing, eh?

Will I still be able to rent? I have good rental references and am going to secure a job before I move there.

Any idea if I'll be able to get a place?

Nothing to be embarrased about alot of people have fallen victim of the economy or ran into medical illness etc..

You really would needa credit score and a solid two years of no collections etc and paying your bills on time to qualify for mortgage. Not even counting the other factors like disposable income, savings, job history.

I remember way back in my 20's i rented a place and at the time probably had a similar score.

The management company let me in because i had a good employment history and I showed them a track record of paying my rent on time.

That was back in the early 90's .
so i am sure things have change but your not at a dead end

I might under the right circumstance lay the cards right on the table up front and not catch them off guard .

the downside is you could potenially be ignored by some.
I do not agree with that but its the way the world goes right now.

You will certainly find something may take a little bit longer but its out there.

[eevee]

Originally Posted by aajn1983

I want to rent in the Rogers Park or Edgewater area. I'm not picky, just a cozy studio close to public transport in one of those trendy "vintage" buildings.

But my credit score is like... 576. Embarassing, eh?

Will I still be able to rent? I have good rental references and am going to secure a job before I move there.

Any idea if I'll be able to get a place?

I've been told by a couple of landlords that when they pull credit reports, they are more concerned about evictions, bankruptcies, and judgments against you. Not sure if this is the case with all landlords, but I do know someone with even worse credit than you (bad medical bills and car was repo'ed) who was able to rent, though her strong employment history likely helped. I would avoid the big buildings and stick with landlords managing only 1-4 units. I would also be prepared to cough up a bigger deposit if you really like the place-you may be able to sway a landlord, especially if you move during an off month.

[jwaiter]

"i have dodgy credit -- but i still need a home!"

Too bad!

[chrawnick]

Get a roommate and build your credit up, to be honest.