How do I rent a room when I am 18 if I dont have credit?!??

Question

Since I can't get a credit card until im 18 to build my credit, how am i supposed to rent a room? Im 18 soon and dont say your parents help cause thats not an option, im on my own.

Do you need a credit history just to rent a room or only if you are renting an apartment?

Thanks :)

Answer 1

Not all places do a credit check.  My mother in law manages 65 apartments/duplexes/homes and she doesn't do credit checks.  Almost every college town in America doesn't do credit checks for that reason - they don't have credit to begin with anyway.

Some apartment buildings do, and some don't.  You'll just have to call and see.

Answer 2

Having no credit is good.  If you had wrecked your credit, you would have bad credit.  Smart landlords will rent to you.  DOn't get a credit card just so you can rent a place.   I provided letters from references who knew me and the landlord liked them.  Landlords are good judges of character and they want honest people in their rentals.

Renting a room is more like getting a hotel room.  You shake hands with the other roommates and move in.  THen you learn which guy drinks your milk and puts the carton back in the frig empty.  .