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I regret not planning a little better for the future, but unfortunately this is a situation I put myself in so I am just looking for advice and hopefully will not be judged too harshly for the position I am in.
I dropped out of college a few years ago after a year of matriculation, coming out with about a $4,500 debt. I have no been able to pay much of it off as I come from a family that lives below poverty line. I was a bit lazy with my work since I put most of it into studies (spending about twenty hours per week studying for each class). I regret not having worked earlier, but there is nothing I can make up for that except starting to work now.
I'm finding it very difficult to attain work that does not involve hazardous conditions such as factory or construction work. The last time I did a job at a temp agency, a large plate of galvanized steel dropped on the toe of my boot, lucky protected by a layer of thick steel plate inside my boots. Physiologically, my body is naturally not very suitable for physical labor in the first place.
So on top of this, the past few years have lowered my credit score tremendously because of the debt I am unable to pay off from my school loans on time since I do not make any money. I have tried contacting the agency for options but they are incredibly unhelpful.
I am needing to find an apartment to live in a "decent" area, as I am tired and sick of living in a dirty neighborhood where I am terrified of having my apartment robbed of my week's worth of food or just mugged on the street. I know I've made mistakes, but I am very firm on the idea that it is my human right to survive without fear of danger, though I do not agree I should be able to live comfortably. I don't mind a minimal lifestyle as long as I do not have to fear for my life constantly. I did not choose to be porn into a poor family, and my life is already crap as it is.
The problem with this is that no "decent" area will accept me as a tenant due to my low credit score. Is there any way I can fix this?
Again, I am not trying to make excuses as I have no justifications to defend my irresponsibility, but just looking for any helpful tips you guys may have.
How do you plan to pay for this apartment if you are struggling to pay your bills? The inability to pay will be a huge red flag for any landlord. If that is behind you and you do now have steady work, you will probably need to have a lot in savings and be willing to put down more on your security deposit or a few extra months of rent up front. If you don't have steady work and will struggle to pay your rent or are on some sort of social program, you will have a very hard time convincing a good landlord to rent to you. Sorry to be such a downer. I'd focus on making sure you have a good work situation and then worry about getting out of the hood. If you have money and steady work, you'll be in a much better position.
Normally, the solution to a bad credit score is to offer more money. Since you don't have that option, I second Indro's suggestion.
Scout Craigslist and get yourself a nice roommate situation where you're not officially on the lease. It sounds like you're quite young, so the right age for roomies. Although even for this you'll certainly need some money. I know the economy isn't great, but have you made some serious inquiries about what kind of jobs might work out for you?
I just thought of something else. I don't know how hard this would be, but you could see if you can find a situation that would be rent-free in exchange for work. I knew two people who worked as part-time nannies (one was male) for free rent. And then meanwhile one worked part-time and the other was going to school.
I have a similar situation as Jordan, but I have a steady job. My issue is the low credit score. I want to move from my tiny apartment as the building in going down the drain with the locked door being left open and kids hanging in the hallway.
I would like to know where in the city you live that you believe you are in constant fear of your life, muggings, terrified of breakins by people seeking your weeks worth of food, etc.
Secondly, before you can think about another apt, you need to have steady work and demonstrate steady income and the ability to pay your bills. Even if you have excellent credit, someone that does not have a steady paycheck is not a tenant any landlord wants. Once you get steady work and are able to pay your bills regularly, only then should you be seeking another apt. If you are really desperate, I would just rent a room (weekly rents) in a better neighborhood until you get back on your feet.
I would like to know where in the city you live that you believe you are in constant fear of your life, muggings, terrified of breakins by people seeking your weeks worth of food, etc..........
LOL,the OP lists a zip code of 11363 in his/her profile. I'm sure the people in Douglaston will be surprised to hear how terrifying the neighborhood is and that they should be hiding their groceries under the bed..I certainly am surprised, since it's got one of the highest incomes and lowest crime rates in the city.
It is fairly easy to rent an apartment with poor or no credit. Get a broker, and tell him to show you apartments that are only for rent by owner. These are condo units or small houses with walk-up or side apartments or 2nd or 3rd floor apartments.
Usually, these people don't bother with the expense and paperwork of credit or (like in some coop's) criminal reports. These are usually elderly or regular blue-collar people looking for a decent tenant. If you can cough up 2 months rent upfront, they'll be glad to take you.
Also, it would be helpful if you ask the real estate broker to vouch for you (like saying that he knows you or that you are a friend of a friend). That would clinch it.
If you're looking to get into a large housing are or large building with bad credit, don't even try it without a co-signer with good credit.
LOL,the OP lists a zip code of 11363 in his/her profile. I'm sure the people in Douglaston will be surprised to hear how terrifying the neighborhood is and that they should be hiding their groceries under the bed..I certainly am surprised, since it's got one of the highest incomes and lowest crime rates in the city.
I never heard of burglars raiding the fridge during a break in, they want to get in and out as fast as possible. If you think about the freezer is an excellent place to hide cash/credit cards.
Maybe in 3rd world countries they only break into your home to steal all of your food.
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Low credit score? No problem
