Renting An Apartment after Bankruptcy

[6ftladycop]

Hey
Any Illinois people on this website who rented an apartment after bankruptcy chapter 7 with or without a lot of trouble, I sure would like to here from you. I had no idea I would have to re-locate to another place of residency when I filed, however things have changed and now I need information. Each state is different according to you guys on this site, so Illinois people especially Chicago, let me know what you got.

[ameliabedilia]

Well, I relocated FROM Chicago, so I can't help you there. But, I do think that as long as your bk is discharged, people will work with you. I tested the waters by emailing a few property management companies and told them our story. Everyone was very positive and said they would work with us. Good luck. There are lots of people that need renters in their homes/condos/apartments.

[hnhlvr]

You need to talk to landlords/agencies and be honest. Most likely, if there is any concern, you may be asked to pay a first/last/damage up front. Even those with good credit often have to fork all that over before moving into a place, so having had a Ch. 7 may not make it any more expensive to move into a place than it usually is.

[southernbelle]

Just like the other posters said, honesty is the best policy. I think that if you tell them your story up front, they will be more willing to work with you and if not it will save you a ton of time and aggrevation.

From what I've read on this Forum, you'd be surprised how many people will be willing to give you a chance because there are PLENTY of people out here with the same story we have. My advice is to call around to test the waters to see what people tell you which will also give you a chance to find out about the requirements for deposits and what money you will need up front. Let us know how it works out.

**Just a side story**
When I was in the process of interviewing attys, I mentioned to one of them that if I lost my house I wouldn't be able to find another one because of my credit and his response was, to tell me that wasn't true because he also owns rental property and said that when interviewing potential residents, he doesn't even check credit reports, he checks out the cars they drive.

I wondered about it also and asked him what he meant. He said if they drive a car (any kind - any age) that's dirty with a fender hanging off with trash in it and it's a complete wreck, then he knows that the potential renter will keep his house the same way. I never thought about it that way and it kinda made sense. Oh well, I just thought I'd share that story because it came to mind and it was giving the perspective of a rental owner where I live.

Good luck.

[b_girl]

I am a landlord and I don't credit check. I always look at the stability of the potential rentor's current job as an indicator of their ability to pay, so I ask for a couple of month's worth of paystubs. Maybe I need to start looking at their cars, too.

[Cali]

I moved before we filed, so there wasn't any problems for me.

Most places in my area do credit checks, even private renters.

Be honest and tell them what happen. They might make you pay more of a deposit.