Attending a community college at 17? (Berkeley, Santa Monica: sublease, apartment, lease)

[EddieC]

I want to attend Santa Monica college this fall. Unfortunately, I will only be 17. I need an apartment near the college to stay. Is it ok for me to get one under my legal guardians name or do I need to wait until I turn 18 to attend?

[Ceece]

I'm guessing lot's of 17 yr olds go off to college on mom and dads dime. Since you probably don't have a job or an extensive credit score to let you rent an apartment, having a cosigner will be necessary anyway.

[EddieC]

I understand that. I'm just wondering is it legal for me, as a minor, to live in the apartment alone if it's in my parents' name?

[pacific2]

Originally Posted by EddieC

I understand that. I'm just wondering is it legal for me, as a minor, to live in the apartment alone if it's in my parents' name?

Eddie, FWIW, a similar question was posed at Yahoo and here’s the top answer:

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
As long as your parents agree, there is no need to be emancipated to do this. There is nothing specifically illegal about living on your own. However, if something did happen to you, there is a small chance your parents could get into some trouble for child neglect.

Also, if your friend rents her apartment, you should be aware it is unlikely she is allowed to sublease it, especially to a minor. The landlord could try to evict you if they found out. If she actually owns it, you're fine. Just make sure you work out with her all the details of the lease, like maintenance, payment and security deposit. It can be kind of tough to occupy someone's home for a long time while their gone. They return to find their stuff rearranged or missing and blame you.

Besides those potential pitfalls, you should be ok.
Source(s):
UC Berkeley Legal Studies
5 months ago
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...747AAZW0IZ]Can a minor live alone? - Yahoo! Answers

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by EddieC

I want to attend Santa Monica college this fall. Unfortunately, I will only be 17. I need an apartment near the college to stay. Is it ok for me to get one under my legal guardians name or do I need to wait until I turn 18 to attend?

actually our daughter started CSUN a month before she turned 17 and still only needed a room mate who was 18 to sign the lease. It does sound like you will be living alone, that part I don't like, but you aren't my kid so it isn't my business. Yes, your legal guardian can sign and they will be responsible for you.

Nita