So my boyfriend and I found an apartment nearby that we really like and want to move to, but we have no credit history. The apartment we're applying for requires us both to apply separately for the same apartment. We talked to the manager and she said since we have no credit history that we each needed a co-signer and recommended we ask our parents to co-sign. My boyfriends mom is co-signing for him but my parents are pretty well off and have a very strict "we will not co-sign for our children" rule. Rent is $510/mo with a $400 deposit, obviously this would be split between my boyfriend an I. We both make over $600/mo each and have about $1,400 in our shared savings right now. My mom suggested that I talk to the landlord about possibly paying a larger deposit (ie. original deposit + a month or two of rent), provide proof of income, rental history with references, personal references (bosses, current roommates, etc.), and maybe even suggesting starting with a short term lease to prove that I am a reliable tenant. I have been living at an apartment complex for almost a year now and have not had any issues with management or really with my roommates. Unfortunately though, apartment complexes are known for not really providing anything for your credit unless it's something bad. I don't have any bills in my name as my current apartment was paid in full at the beginning of the year, my parents pay my phone bill (I live far away so they do it for their comfort), I purchased my car in full, and I don't have any credit cards.

TLDR: Any advice on renting an apartment with no credit history and how I can convince my landlord that I will be reliable?

PING ME!!!!

Is it possible you can sign a contract or something between yourself and your parents? Presumably they want you to learn to pay for things by yourself... which you are and you obviously have the money. But once you have this place figured out and co-signed for, then you could get a credit card and be more prepared for the next time around. You don't have to USE the credit card often, but once a month to buy groceries, pay them off and build up some credit is the smart, responsible way to build credit.

When my boyfriend and I first got an apartment neither of us had credit history. And we both filled out a lease application. I didn't even had an ID/Drivers license at the time even tho it asked for such info. ( I guess for back ground checks) But the people in charge said it was fine. They didn't ask us for a co signer even tho we figured we would need it. But we live in a small town in texas. I would just try to talk to the people in charge more about it and explain your situation and like you said offer references. But if that doesnt work, I mean the best you can do is just talk to your parents more. They're your parents after all. Tell them it's a way to build trust? Or maybe there's a loop hole where you could get another relative to sign? Aunt, uncle, even a god parent? I wish you the best of luck tho!

Talked to the manager about it and she wasn't sure so she asked the owners if there were any other alternatives to a cosigner, but unfortunately they said that they require them. After my boyfriend's mom called (she is a property manager) she didn't feel so comfortable with what they were saying because even her company (in a way bigger city) will rent to people with no credit history. She said that they shouldn't require a cosigner if we can pay double the deposit and/or provide a rental reference from our current apartment complex. So I guess we're looking elsewhere. We're planning on going to an actual property management company tomorrow morning to talk to them about a house we saw that we really liked and to see if we can use rental references or a larger deposit with them. It really sucks in the small town where we live because pretty much everyone is out of date on their rental practices and say they need a cosigner.