Credit

[Tori Parker]

Hi

My boyfriend is in the Navy and I am moving with him to his next duty station in August. He has excellent credit and 9 years of good rental history. I have not so great credit and have never rented, I moved out of my sisters home to live with him. He will be paying all apartment expenses. Will my lower credit hurt our chances of finding a place or will his credit and rental history overshadow that?

Thanks so much!!

[Marcia Maynard]

@Tori Parker.  Open and honest communication is best.  Unless you have done something terribly egregious, I wouldn't worry about it.  Many renters have poor credit and lack rental history.  You have to start somewhere.  You can however take steps to improve your credit record and should do so as soon as possible; it will be good for you and good for the relationship.  Then be the best tenant you can be and you can create a good rental history too.  Your boyfriend's good standing will open many doors for you.  Good luck!

@Kimberly T. An occupant will become a tenant once they meet the tenancy definition of your legal jurisdiction, regardless as to how you word it in your rental agreement.   In the kind of situation you mention, a better approach would be to list him as a tenant (he is already) but to require an additional security deposit to cover your risk.  She may move out and he may decide to stay, regardless of what you told him to do.  Get enough security deposit to pay for an eviction if necessary.  If you haven't done so already, do have him fill out a rental application and do a thorough back ground check.  I wouldn't be too concerned about his poor credit history as long as his rental history, legal history, and income looks good.  He may turn out to be a terrific tenant.