Question: What would two 18 year olds need to do to rent an apartment with no credit history? Is it possible? What would we have to do to get an apartment?  How do we get credit? If our credit isn't bad because we haven't used it, can we still be approved?  Would we have to co-sign with a person with credit?

Answer: Just because you don't have credit yet doesn't mean that you can't get an apartment.  They'll require references, as well as proof of sufficient income to pay the rent.  You'll have to put up the usual security deposit and first month's rent.  Some states allow landlords to collect first and last month's rent in advance so you may have to come up with that.\n\nI used to rent some properties out and never accepted or asked for a cosignor.  More hassle than it was worth.  \n\nEspecially with younger prospective tenants, their look and behavior (clean and neat, well spoken, etc. NOT race!) would usually factor in.  For the most part they didn't meet my standard qualifications so saying no was entirely defensible.\n\nOnce you do get accepted, be a good tenant!  That will help you well into the future.  Pay your rent on time, stick to the terms of your lease, keep things neat and orderly, keep the parties to a minimum and the noise to zero.
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