Securing an Apartment with No Credit or Bad Credit

Times are hard. Many honest and hard working American people are having monetary difficulties of some sort during this failed economy. This can make finding housing in Chicago, or anywhere for that matter, a challenge. Here I give you insight into my family's experiences with securing apartments in Chicago with both no credit and bad credit.

Get an Apartment with No Credit or Bad Credit

I have two daughters who have secured apartments in Chicago with no credit. Both were just out of high school and about to enter college. I was, and am, in the process of repairing my credit after raising five children as a single mother. I was unable to co-sign an apartment lease with either of them. Both of my daughters successfully obtained apartment leases on their own. In fact, they were both successful on their first tries. It turns out that I, even with an unflattering credit history at the present moment, will be able to lease an apartment in Chicago.

Daughter One's Experience

I went with my eldest daughter to view the apartment building and its apartments that were available for lease. Beyond that, I was out of the picture with the exception of giving proof of child support and my spoken statement that I would be using that to help my daughter pay her rent and utilities. Daughter One filled out the lease application and gave proof of her upcoming school loans that she had obtained for the purpose of securing housing until she had found a job and could pay her rent with her salary. She had money in the bank for the required credit check, security deposit and the first month's rent. Her lease application was accepted without a hitch.

Daughter Two's Experience

My middle daughter's experience finding an apartment in Chicago was a bit more urgent and stressful. Circumstances demanded that she find an apartment with two weeks. As with my eldest daughter, I went with Daughter Two to view the apartment building of her choice and its units that were available for rent. As Daughter Two had neither a job nor school loans, I stayed with her during her initial interview with the apartment manager. Daughter Two was upfront in stating that she was looking for a job and in fact was waiting to hear from one company. She told the apartment manager that I could not cosign an apartment lease with her, as I was repairing my own credit. Daughter Two explained that she was eager to establish good credit of her own and that she was also eager to get out on her own. She presented herself and her case well. The apartment manager also noted that Daughter Two had a supportive mother and that I would use monthly child support to help Daughter Two pay her rent and utilities. The apartment manager said that he would put in a good word for Daughter Two, but Daughter Two must find a job immediately and give proof of employment. The following week was frustrating. Daughter Two did find employment, but the person who was overseeing her lease application was not on the ball. He put off verifying Daughter Two's employment until Daughter Two was forced to say, "Thanks, but no thanks. I need an apartment tomorrow. I can't wait any longer." We also expressed our disappointed with the company in that they had cashed my check for her credit check, but failed to complete the application process, leaving us less $40.00 and Daughter Two in a panic over where she would be living. The apartment manager called her back within the hour and said that her employment had (at last) been verified and that her lease application had been accepted.

My Experience

I will be looking for another apartment soon. Daughter Two's apartment manager has assured me that despite my less than ideal credit, three months rent paid upfront will allow me a lease in that building. And so I work and I safe every penny that I can.

There are ways to secure apartment leases in Chicago (or anywhere), you just have to search for management that is willing to work with you, find out what you need to do to get a lease with them and do it.