Beginning life as an adult offers plenty of challenges, not the least of which is finding a place to live. You might worry about finding an understanding property owner who bravely resists stereotypes of young people as irresponsible and is open to trusting you with their investment property. The process might also raise some serious questions, such as “how old you have to be to rent an apartment?”. If you’re a young person looking for a place to call your own, here’s what to expect.
Rental age requirements for apartments
Age restrictions on renting apartments vary between states. However, they’re generally guided by one fundamental principle under the law: Anyone under the age of majority lacks the capacity to enter into a legally enforceable contract, such as signing an apartment lease. In most states, the age of majority is the age of 18, meaning you have to be at least 18 to rent an apartment. However, under certain circumstances and depending on the state, someone 17 years old or maybe even younger may be able to sign a lease to rent an apartment.
Exceptions to minimum rental age requirements
The law provides for circumstances where someone younger than 18 can legally rent an apartment. These primarily exist when a minor obtains a status of emancipation from their parents or guardians. There are three ways to become emancipated:
- Entering the military: Under current military regulations, the youngest age for enlistment is 17 years old.
- Getting married: Some states, such as California, allow young people to marry as young as 14 years of age with parental permission.
- Obtaining a court order: In some states, minors as young as 14 can petition a court for the right to manage their affairs.
Emancipation allows minors to live independently of their parents, enroll in school, sue or be sued, work, and make decisions about their health care. They can also enter into contracts, such as signing a lease to rent an apartment.
Property owners may decide to rent to minors notwithstanding age regulations on contracts. However, should the minor damage the property or cause other problems while possessing the apartment, the owner may find it difficult to enforce the lease terms in court.
Other options for renting an apartment
People under 18 may have other options to rent an apartment besides being declared an emancipated minor. One alternative is having a parent or guardian serve as a co-signer or guarantor to take on financial and other responsibilities for the lease.
This provides the property owner with an insurance policy if things go wrong in renting to a minor. Such an arrangement is typical on college campuses as students look for off-campus apartment rentals while taking classes.
What it takes to rent as a young person
Owners have invested substantial amounts in their properties, and their goal in leasing to renters is to recover and grow their investments. So the first challenge is to show that you have the financial resources to afford the listed rent and the extra expenses involved, such as heat, electricity, and garbage pickup.
This is often hard for people 18 and under to demonstrate, since they may be working for minimum wage or only earning money during irregular seasonal work. Emancipated renters, as they are living independently, will need to have regular sources of income to show. This is usually an amount that is roughly three times the monthly rent. You may have to show the stubs from your paycheck or bank statements to prove your ability to pay fully.
The co-signer’s name on the lease provides an additional guarantee that the property owner will receive regular rent payments and can recover compensation for damages or other problems during the tenancy. Another requirement, true for any prospective renter, is to pass a background check and reference check.
There are two additional steps you can take to help your case as a young renter. First, you could provide the property manager with a letter of reference. Additionally, consider asking for a trial rental. Both options can help provide real proof of your trustworthiness.
Choosing the right place
Every dollar matters for prospective young tenants. You only want to consider apartments in line with your income capabilities, and that isn’t always easy to do.
Apartments in prime locations tend to be associated with higher prices. Those near populated areas with daily conveniences, such as stores, malls, or offices, tend to carry higher rent amounts. Consider looking for places a little further away from these centers of commerce.
Many apartments today accept renters with pets, but there is a cost to this convenience. Property owners typically ask for an extra security deposit or may even charge higher rent to cover cleaning costs. As a young person, you may not want to incur the higher costs of a pet-friendly apartment.
You should also consider the different types of apartments and what level to choose. In larger apartment buildings, you may find that upper-floor locations are less expensive than ground-level ones. The upper-level apartments require extra effort, such as carrying groceries upstairs and trash downstairs.
Explore the general safety of the area in which you wish to rent. While areas with less crime may come at a higher price, they may be more affordable in the long run for peace of mind and to avoid losses from theft of valuables.
Resources for young renters
Starting on your own at a young age is exciting and terrifying at the same time. Zumper, the fastest-growing and third-largest rental platform in North America, is here to take the stress out of the equation by making renting an apartment as easy as booking a hotel. Zumper also provides extensive resources, such as rental guides and rent calculators, to help empower the current generation of apartment seekers.
If you’re looking for more information, send us a message or search through our questions and answers online.
Frequently asked questions
The legal age to rent an apartment varies depending on the jurisdiction. In most places, you need to be at least 18 years old to enter into a legally binding rental contract. However, some locations may require you to be 21 years old or have a co-signer if you are under 18.
In some cases, a minor may be able to rent an apartment with parental consent or the involvement of a legal guardian. However, this can vary depending on local laws and the landlord’s policies. It’s important to check with the specific rental property and consult local regulations regarding renting as a minor.
Some rental communities or housing options cater specifically to senior citizens and may have age restrictions. These properties may require tenants to be a certain age, typically 55 or older, to qualify for residency. However, there are also general apartment complexes that do not have age restrictions, providing options for individuals of all ages.
In most cases, it can be challenging for someone under 18 to rent an apartment without a co-signer or parental involvement. Landlords often require a reliable adult to act as a co-signer, guaranteeing the payment of rent and fulfilling contractual obligations. This is to mitigate the risks associated with renting to a minor.
To rent an apartment, landlords typically require identification documents such as a driver’s license or passport, proof of income or employment, and a completed rental application. They may also conduct background and credit checks. Specific requirements can vary, so it’s advisable to inquire with the landlord or property management for their specific application process.
College students who are under 18 may face additional challenges when renting an apartment. Some landlords may require a co-signer or parental involvement due to the student’s age and limited credit history. It’s recommended for underage college students to inquire about housing options available through their educational institution or explore student-oriented housing communities.
Emancipated minors, who have legal independence and are no longer under their parents’ care, may have more flexibility when it comes to renting an apartment. However, landlords may still have specific requirements and criteria to evaluate the applicant’s eligibility, such as proof of income and the ability to fulfill rental obligations.
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