Renting an apartment without having a job. (San Diego, Paradise: apartment complex, rental)

[MidwestIrish]

Would I be able to rent an apartment without first having a job? (It might be a dumb question.) I have an excellent credit record, money in the bank, and marketable job skills. If I don't have a job secured by the time I move out, would apartment managers "decline" my application? Any feedback would be appreciated.

[mewzikguy]

I f you have money for a deposit, I don't think you'll have a problem. Enjoy

[kettlepot]

When I first came to San Diego, I was in the same situation that you are in. I was declined a rental by one apartment complex, but most others didn't seem to have a problem. Don't worry about it; it won't be a major issue.

[justsomeguy]

Generally speaking, if you have close to 6 months rent in your bank account and can provide documented proof of this, this will make up for not having a job when you apply. So attach a copy of your bank statement to your applications. Keep in mind rent out here will average about $1,000 a month though.

[san phlegmatico]

Your application will be accepted if you have a 700+ credit score and a few months' rent in the bank (verifiable proof required). They will likely require a deposit, first month's, and last month's rent UP FRONT. This info is based on first-hand experience as well as having spoken with other newly-relocated victims to the SD area.

Flight risk is HIGH in this area: the landlords understand this and yet manage to capitalize on this factor. In my medium-sized building alone, every unit save mine and one other has turned over in the span of eight months. One unit has seen FOUR different tenants in this short span of time. And these people are WILLINGLY leaving (not evicted). My wife and I assuredly will be ducking out prior to the terms of our lease as well: we just cannot endure this Godforsaken Hell any longer! The landlords don't care: they're amassing double the income per unit: as one leaves, another arrives, and the deposits and up-front rent checks of the comers and goers double-up. A brilliant way to run Fool's Paradise Halfway House.

Sure, I'll put as many months' rent down as necessary... I mean WHY IN THE WORLD WOULDN'T I? Anything to secure my place in Sunny San Diego! Surely I won't be bailing out in less than a year's time?! ----- SUCKA!!!

OP: You're gonna be ready to hightail it outta here in about 6 months; sadly, you'll lose your deposit and last month's rent. It's so tragic to witness this endless parade of sheep flocking to Quiksilver Paradise, er -- Quicksand Quagmire, er -- Pea-Headed Pot Pimpers' Pasture -- for the fleecing of a lifetime! Chance are you won't feel a thing: you'll be too high or numbed-by-dumb to notice. Consulation prize: you'll have a nice tan to impress people with back home. You certainly will not be regaling them with great stories.

San Diego is a dump and a veritable Waste Land -- DO NOT move here if you value intelligence, culture, and dignity!