am i destined to be a motel dweller for the next 7 years?

[tictacsir]

I'm trying to get my life back together after filing chapt. 13 eight months ago. I finished grad school and got a great new job that I have to relocate for. Now my bankruptcy is really starting to come back to kick me in the pants. Since I'll be working in a rural area there are very few rental properties available. So far the most promising has been an apartment complex but they are requiring a credit check. I was up front with the rental agent about my bankruptcy and she couldn't give me any indication of whether they would approve me, just that they would have to check my report, (for a nonrefundable $35 fee). I know what my credit report looks like and was therefore apprehensive but realized I had no other choice, this apartment is my last lead. Anyway, my boyfriend and I plan on living together in this apartment. He is also trying to get his life back together after being permanently disabled a few years back and although he has no credit or a job he does get social security. Our main concern is that we will both be rejected, me because of my bankruptcy, although I have secure state job WITH a contract; and him because he has no credit history, is unemployed, and his SSDI is barely enough to cover rent in this apartment, but nothing beyond that. (I was planning on paying the rent with my income anyway). He does plan on going to school sometime in the near future, which the state will pay for, but we won't get any indication of that income until the application and registration process is complete, which will be months from now. We're coming down to the wire in that my new job begins in less than two weeks and I'm starting to wonder if I should start looking into motel rates. Does anyone have any ideas or advice? Thanks.

[SinkingFast]

Try the local Real Estate offices where you're moving to. Very often they have leads on rentals that don't get advertised. And in small communities, there often isn't a local paper, or a weekly at best. We've found a couple of places that way. Houses that were on the market, weren't selling for whatever reason, and the owners would rather have rent coming in than nothing.

Also, try looking the next town over the way. That's what my sis and her Hubby had to do to start with when his company relocated him to rural Western Tennessee. And again in rural Eastern Kentucky. They started out the next town over the way and then found a place in the town where BIL worked. Sometimes, especially in rural areas where everyone knows everyone else's business, it just takes a little time establishing yourself personally. Then lots of doors open for you that don't when you're first coming in.

Another thought for you,......... The job you're taking. Could your manager or supervisor possibly hook you up with a local realtor or someone at the bank. Maybe a face that's familiar to the locals will open some doors for you.

[tictacsir]

I got approved for my apartment! I've spent the last week worrying about getting turned down and the only person's credit report she had a problem w/was my boyfriend's (because of an outdated error). I guess there is life after bk afterall.

[debtisbad]

That is sure good news!

[lrprn]

Wonderful news, Tict! Must be a huge relief to have that worry off your shoulders - wtg!

[tictacsir]

Thanks! I almost feel a little guilty because it is such a nice apartment. But like I said, rural area, slim pickings. I lucked out...