Can a Full time student rent?

Question

I'm a full time college student, and a single mother of 2 kids. I receive child support & financial aid. I am going to see an apartment tommorow but my question is can they deny renting to me since I dont work? I get 1200 for child support + 1183 of financial aid 4 times a year the rent is only 900 and its in California. Thanks!

Answer 1

Such laws vary by state and county or city. So, my answer is a general answer and may not be applicable where you are.

Yes, they can deny your rental application because you don't work.

There are various "protected classes" under Federal law. Some states or cities/counties add additional ones. Here's a link to a Federal website that explains about the protected classes: http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/FHLaws/y...

The main Federal areas are: race, color, national origin, religion, s*x, familial status, or handicap.

So, while you can't be discriminated against because of your race, color, religion, s*x, familial status (single mother of 2), or handicap, they can "discriminate" against you because of your income, your employment status, your credit score, and so on.

As I say, sometimes states or cities/counties add additional protected classes, such as sexual orientation. And it's possible--though I haven't heard of it--that the other items you mention might be protected. Still, income and credit scores are legitimate reasons for rejecting a rental application.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Is there any way for you to be able to get a job that creates an income of your own?

You get child support, its money that either the father, or most likely the court decided was to be his contribution in raising your child.....you should be contributing the same amount to support your child as well.  Child support isnt income, its for a portion of the childs daily expenses, NOT a salary to the parent that has custody.  

You have income from financial aid, but that income depends on you making the grades and attendance to continue receiving it.  

To a landlord you are a huge risk.  If you had a job to be able to let the landlord know that if those incomes fail to come in, that you have this amount every month as backup to ensure rent would be paid, you might find people that are willing to work with you.  

Answer 3

I rent to ASU students all the time!

But to rent to you at $900.00 per month, you would have to show proof of $2,250 per month income or have a co-signer.

That is 2.5 times the rent.

Answer 4

Usually they want to see some kind of income, but i guess you can try showing them your financial aid checks and that might work out for you.

Answer 5

If you get 1200 per month for support plus 393 in aid that adds up to 1593 total. That qualifies you for an apartment that goes for about 500 tops. I'd be asking to see your paperwork that proves the ex- is timely in his payments. Can you provide a co-signer?

Answer 6

You cannot afford a $900.00 rent with the child support and financial aid.

The most rent you would likely qualify for is $530.00 and that is only if you can prove that your child support has been paid on time for several months.

If your child support goes unpaid once or your financial aid gets discontinued, you will not be able to pay the rent.

That is a very risky situation and most landlords would not accept you.