I need to rent an apartment a.s.a.p.,I have bad credit,& I have contacted...

[tinkovu]

...credit repair agencies.? First of all,does credit repair work?(If only long enough for me to get a place,that's o.k.) And will it help me get an apartment by Oct.I don't have the time or patience to do the credit repair myself w/ the companies.I have an appointment w/ a company on friday & am afraid to get scammed.What are the red flags that the credit repair company is a scam?
Can someone in another state co-sign an apartment for me?

[rpf5]

Few will rent to someone with a history of unpaid bills, its too risky. Your best bet is to rent by the month, in cash.
Most Leeses require a credit check, consider giving a larger
security deposit plus first & last months rent in advance &
hope they will accept. Show a couple of current payroll stubbs to show you have been employed for a least 6 months to a year locally. Finally, don't be late with any rent payments or your next apartment search will be a most unpleasant experience. Good credit history takes time to build & this is a way to start working on it. Good Luck.

[cbmttek]

Only time can repair your credit. NO company can work that fast, and almost all of the credit repair companies are scams.

Recommend that if your credit is that bad, that you take the money you would have paid the credit repair company (for nothing, I might add) and use it to increase your security deposit. It may not help, it may. Depends on the landlord. I would have accepted less then perfect credit with double the security, depending on other factors of course. (income, time at present job, etc...)

[Captain Canuck]

Unfortunately, I can't help you with your credit question - but I have a suggestion to help with getting the apartment...

Assuming you can make regular rent payments, you can usually secure an GUARANTOR (also called a Surety) - someone who will co-sign the rental agreement with you.

The following two notes are taken from the links below:

"A surety is a person who agrees to be responsible for the debt or obligation of another. "

"The act of co-signing involves a promise to pay another person's debt arising out of contract if that person fails to do so. Many realtors and landlords require a cosigner for college students, people with bad credit or people whose income is less than a certain, low multiple of the amount of rent"

So if you know someone who has good credit - and you can trust (family is the best bet) - then THIS should help you secure your rental agreement

[laura s]

DEBT MANAGEMENT programs are good for getting creditors off your back. But, overall, your credit will NOT improve over a short amount of time. The only way you will be able to resolve your credit issues is with time... If you've got a job, with a good job history (time that you've worked there, showing up for scheduled shifts, etc.) you could try to get a loan from a bank, consolidating your debt and getting you a monthly amount you can afford (Certain banks WILL work with you to resolve your credit issues). However, it's still going to show on your credit report that you've had recent outstanding debt. As far as CREDIT REPAIR COMPANIES- they ARE a scam (If they weren't, everyone would have perfect credit. Just remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!) The best way to get an apartment is to show good rental history over the past year- and if all else fails, you may be able to use a co-signer on your lease. Like I said, in this case, you're going to have to be patient. Hope this helps. Good luck!

[Rebecca]

".I don't have the time or patience to do the credit repair myself w/ the companies."

That is the same mentality that got you to the point of not being able to rent an Apt. on your own. Grow up and get responsible instead of wanting an INSTANT fix!