Real Estate Community Forum

I am in the process of finding an apartment to rent. Many of the places require that I complete an application along with a list of those who will be living in the property. Upon completion of the application a credit check will follow. I am confident that the rental office will have no problem once they look at my credit, but will they also look at my wife's? My wife has poor credit because of outstanding medical bills that have accumulated over the years.

Does the apartment complex have the right to refuse renting out the apartment because of to my wife's poor credit?

A rental complex can refuse any tenant except on the basis of race or gender. As far as having poor credit, a rental complex will want everyone's name on the lease. If your wife's name is one the lease, then they will also check her credit. However, it might be possible to explain to the rental complex your situation. By this I mean you could give the manager at the apartment complex a letter stating that you are currently making payments on unpaid medical bills by working out a payment plan with them. I would only do this if I really wanted the apartment. Otherwise, I would look else where for a rental that doesn't do a credit check. I realize this is personal information and sometimes you don't want anyone to know about your finances.

If you really like the apartment, I think you should put your name on the lease only. That way they will only check your credit. Why should you put your wife's name on the lease if you are both married? Shouldn't your marital status exempt you from having the apartment complex check her credit too?

In fact, what about people who live in an apartment and later get married? Do you actually think the couple goes to the office to put their spouses name on the lease and check the new spouse's credit? I don't think so.