Is there a reason I shouldn't pay my rent for the duration of my lease?

Question

I'm a student renting an apartment for my last year of college, and since I'm a full time student, I don't meet the income requirements for any apartments. I talked to the broker and he said I wouldn't need a guarantor/co-signer if I paid the rent for the duration of the lease upfront.

Is there any reason why I shouldn't do this?

Answer 1

If there is a yearly lease on an apartment that you have to sign, you will be obligated to stay for a year or pay the remaining months rent so I can't see where there will be any harm in paying the rent in full. I would ask the landlord about sub-letting the place if you would have to move out (getting the new tenant to pay you the remaining rent).

Answer 2

Is this at a complex or a house? If it was a individual house, one downside I could see is if the landlord gets foreclosed on, you are out a place to live and your rent.

Answer 3

I don't see anything wrong with that- if you left early you typically have to pay it anyway.

Also - this way you know its paid and you don't have to worry about it.

Answer 4

Don't do this if there is any chance you will move out before the lease is up because you will have no legal way of getting your money back, otherwise, there should be no issue in paying up front.