Onemangang_small
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When is the best time to mention that I can get a co-signer for an apartment?

I'm moving to Seattle next month without steady income and fair credit. My rental history is great, I have some money in the bank, and I can get a co-signer. I don't want to use the co-signer unless absolutely necessary, though. I feel like they might take advantage if I bring it up too soon.

When is the best time to mention it?

Also helpful to know- I'm out there for 4 days only, so I want to move the process along as quickly as possible.

fast asked in House & Home about 1 year ago | Report

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3 Answers

  • Nlon-floating-dry-dock-a_small
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    Be honest with your landlord from the beginning. (we're not all SOB POS's). If you think this information is important, then let them know when you submit your application that you have a co-signer in the wings. If a co-signer isn't needed, a landlord isn't going to ask for it or take advantage. There's no gain in adding a co-signer when not necessary, so nothing to take advantage of.

    And to touch on Tom's comment - if your history with landlords leads you to believe that the majority of them are SOB POS's, then look no further at yourself. You are 1/2 of every landlord/tenant relationship that you've ever been in. We deal with a LOT of people on a daily basis, and I can attest - if you start the relationship by being a SOB POS yourself, you're going to receive it back from your landlord.

    Svenska answered in House & Home about 1 year ago | Report
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  • Dinolock_small
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    if you mention a co-signer before they ask about one and you have any yellow flags on your application ("fair credit" is probably ok, but no steady income might be the kicker), you're probably going to be using that co-signer.

    don't mention it until they do.

    also this tom guy is mad not sure what his deal is sounds like he could use a hug.

    protosaurus answered in House & Home about 1 year ago | Report
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  • Finn3goof_small
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    The ONLY time to bring it up is when you find the absolutley perfect place you can commit to and the lack of a co-signer would be a deal breaker. Even if the SOB POS Landlord (going with the odds) initiates the conversation don't immediately acquiesce. If you have a co-signer ready that could also help you negotiate other stuff. Free cable. WiFi, etc. I'm told it's a renters market out there so play hard ball. The SOB POS Landlord is not your friend. Get what you can.

    Tom answered in House & Home about 1 year ago | Report
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